Abstract
Shallow geothermal energy utilises the ground at relatively shallow depths as a heat source or sink to efficiently heat and cool buildings. Geothermal pavement systems represent a novel concept where horizontal ground source heat pump systems (GSHP) are implemented in pavements instead of purpose-built trenches, thus reducing their capital costs. This paper presents a geothermal pavement system segment (20m × 10m) constructed and monitored in the city of Adelaide, Australia, as well as thermal response testing (TRT) results. Pipes have been installed in the pavement at 0.5 m depth, and several thermistors have been placed on the pipes and in the ground. A TRT has been performed with 6kW heating load to achieve an understanding of the thermal response of the system as well as to estimate the effective thermal conductivity of the ground. The results show that the conventional semi-log method may be applicable to determine the thermal conductivity for geothermal pavements. The geothermal heat exchanger at shallow depth is considerably under the influence of the ambient temperature; however, it is still acceptable for exchanging the heat within the ground. It is also concluded that the impact radius of heat exchanger in geothermal pavement during the TRT is around 0.5m in the vertical and horizontal directions for this case study.
Highlights
Developing new technologies that can better utilise the benefits of renewable energy resources is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers worldwide, due to the increasing trends of greenhouse gas emissions and the urgent need for reversal of these trends [1]
A more recent application of ground source heat pump (GSHP) technologies relates to incorporating them early in the construction phase of a project, to take advantage of the construction earthworks and minimise the capital costs associated with building the ground heat exchangers (GHEs)
This paper presents an experimental investigation of a pilot geothermal pavement system in a carpark located in Adelaide, the City of Mitcham, in South Australia, including undertaking a thermal response testing (TRT) to further our understanding of its potential
Summary
Developing new technologies that can better utilise the benefits of renewable energy resources is increasingly attracting the attention of researchers worldwide, due to the increasing trends of greenhouse gas emissions and the urgent need for reversal of these trends [1]. Even though the advantages of GSHP systems are remarkable, In addressing this issue, a more recent application of GSHP technologies relates to incorporating them early in the construction phase of a project, to take advantage of the construction earthworks and minimise the capital costs associated with building the GHEs. For example, energy piles have received significant attention over recent years, where HDPE pipes are implemented into foundation piles to turn them to GHEs, instead of the traditional methodology which requires drilling purpose-built boreholes. Energy piles have received significant attention over recent years, where HDPE pipes are implemented into foundation piles to turn them to GHEs, instead of the traditional methodology which requires drilling purpose-built boreholes The drawback of this approach, is that since the geothermal technology is installed based on existing construction plans and the geometry of the GHE is restricted by the structural design of the project, it can only provide a specified amount of thermal energy. Often hybrid systems are adopted, where GSHPs are used in conjunction with auxiliary means of thermal energy supply
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
