Thermal interaction between tunnel ground heat exchangers and borehole heat exchangers

Abstract

Renewable geothermal energy is an energy source that can be used for heating and cooling purposes. One common method of harvesting this energy is using engineering structures in contact with the ground, such as structural piles, diaphragm walls or tunnels (with geothermal loops integrated into the tunnel lining/invert (tunnel ground heat exchangers (GHEs))). Moreover, the heat generated in the transportation tunnels (primarily from engine brakes) can be exploited by nearby borehole heat exchangers (BHEs), and can enhance their thermal performance in heating dominant climate conditions. This study investigates the thermal interaction between a tunnel GHE and a BHE in the tunnel vicinity using..