Investigating the thermal behaviour of geothermal pavements using Thermal Response Test (TRT)

Abstract

Geothermal pavements represents a novel approach to shallow geothermal energy applications, in which horizontal ground heat exchangers are implemented within the pavement structure instead of traditional purpose-built trenches, thus decreasing capital costs. This study aims to better understand the feasibility and potential of these systems, by investigating the thermal response of the ground in a full scale geothermal pavements system, the first of its kind in Australasia. For this purpose, a fully instrumented geothermal pavements segment, measuring 20 m × 10 m, was constructed in the city of Adelaide, Australia. The geothermal pavement was subjected to Thermal Response Testing (TRT) and n..