Answer to Question 1
Geothermal systems are water source heat pump systems whose heat source comes from the ground. This can either be water supplied directly from a well or water circulated in a loop buried in the ground.
Answer to Question 2
Open loops are open to the air and are supplied with water from a well. The water for an open loop is not re-circulated.
Closed loops are pressurized loops of water buried in the ground that recirculate the same water. The water transfers heat between the ground and the refrigerant in the unit. shows a typical closed loop system.
