History
The first geothermal heat pump was a DX system built in the late 1940s by Robert C. Webber. Later designs incorporated an additional plastic pipe loop to circulate water in deep wells in an effort to gather sufficient heat for large industrial applications such as cement plants. Thus water-source technology advanced due to industrial interest while DX, more suited to smaller projects such as small businesses and private homes, lagged behind.
Gradually developing since the 1970s, DX technology is now experiencing a surge in popularity among homeowners and small businesses due to high energy costs. There is also increasing awareness of environmental and energy issues among urban and suburban residents with limited space in which to install a system.
Read more about this topic: Direct Exchange Geothermal Heat Pump
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