Geothermal Energy in Loess: A Detailed Numerical Case Study for Cordoba

Abstract

Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems efficiently heat and cool buildings using sustainable geothermal energy accessed via ground heat exchangers (GHEs). Loess covers vast parts of the world, thus the use of piles or ‘micropiles’ is extensive in these areas, including Cordoba, Argentina. These foundations could be used as ‘energy piles’ in GSHP systems, with a minimal additional cost. This paper presents a case study of a representative real building in Cordoba where foundations are also used as GHEs. The thermal properties of local soils were experimentally measured and used in detailed state-of-the-art finite element models. Results from the realistic simulations s..