Effects of ground heat exchanger variable pipe separation in ground-source heat pump systems

Abstract

Closed loop ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems can efficiently provide clean and renewable energy for heating and cooling purposes using direct geothermal energy. These systems use Ground Heat Exchangers (GHE) to transfer heat to and from the ground. Vertical GHEs contain loops, pipes with circulating fluid, which transfer energy between the ground and the fluid. One very common assumption made in designing GSHP systems is that, when installed, the loops containing the circulating fluid remain straight and evenly separated along the length of the GHE. However, this is rarely true, as the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes can flex within the GHE before being grouted into position. Th..