Hi,
Yes, the aim of the large seasonal store is to capture heat in summer and withdraw it in winter.
If I go more than (say) 10m down I'm below the surface of the Thames river not so far away as the crow might amble. Indeed the Thames is still tidal a little way beyond us.
I'm guessing that the ground 10m+ down will therefore be permanently saturated.
My further guess is that if that water doesn't move then the tank(s) could be smaller and uninsulated and the water/ground will add to the thermal mass and stay around to have its heat pumped out in the winter. Maybe like this if I've understood it correctly:
http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=747&storycode=3097129&c=2&encCode=000000
00013b6439
However, if there is movement of the groundwater then I think the tanks have to be insulated to the hilt and protected against seepage to prevent the heat being carried away.
Rgds
Damon
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