1. Influence of geology, hydrogeology, and climate on ground source heat pump distribution in Slovenia and selected European countriesSimona Adrinek, Mitja Janža, Rao Martand Singh, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Shallow geothermal energy (SGE) is a renewable energy that could contribute to the decarbonatization of the heating and cooling sector. SGE is predominantly harnessed through ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. The choice of which type of GSHP system depends on various factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of GSHP systems and fostering their implementation. In this paper, we have analysed the spatial distribution of GSHPs in Slovenia. We identified 1073 groundwater and 1122 ground-coupled heat pump systems with a total heat pump capacity of almost 30 MW. We quantitatively assessed the influence of geological, hydrogeological, and climate conditions on their spatial distribution. Using the χ2 test and information value method, we identified hydrogeological conditions as the most influential factor for the GSHP systems’ spatial distribution. We also performed the spatial analysis of geological and hydrogeological data in 22 European countries, including Slovenia. We collected the reported numbers of installed GSHP units in 2020 and were able to distinguish the shares of groundwater and ground-coupled heat pump systems for 12 of these countries. The analysis showed that ground-coupled heat pumps predominate in most countries, even if the natural conditions are favourable for groundwater heat pumps.
Keywords: shallow geothermal energy, renewable heating and cooling, ground-source heat pump, spatial distribution, natural condition
Published in DiRROS: 19.03.2024; Views: 84; Downloads: 44
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2. Reviewing the modeling aspects and practices of shallow geothermal energy systemsPaul Christodoulides, Ana Vieira, Stanislav Lenart, João Maranha, Gregor Vidmar, Rumen Popov, Aleksandar Georgiev, Lazaros Aresti, Georgios Florides, 2020, review article Abstract: Shallow geothermal energy systems (SGES) may take different forms and have recently taken considerable attention due to energy geo-structures (EGS) resulting from the integration of heat exchange elements in geotechnical structures. Still, there is a lack of systematic design guidelines of SGES. Hence, in order to contribute towards that direction, the current study aims at reviewing the available SGES modeling options along with their various aspects and practices. This is done by first presenting the main analytical and numerical models and methods related to the thermal behavior of SGES. Then, the most important supplementary factors affecting such modeling are discussed. These include: (i) the boundary conditions, in the form of temperature variation or heat flow, that majorly affect the predicted thermal behavior of SGES; (ii) the spatial dimensions that may be crucial when relaxing the infinite length assumption for short heat exchangers such as energy piles (EP); (iii) the determination of SGES parameters that may need employing specific techniques to overcome practical difficulties; (iv) a short-term vs. long-term analysis depending on the thermal storage characteristics of GHE of different sizes; (v) the influence of groundwater that can have a moderating effect on fluid temperatures in both heating and cooling modes. Subsequently, thermo-mechanical interactions modeling issues are addressed that may be crucial in EGS that exhibit a dual functioning of heat exchangers and structural elements. Finally, a quite lengthy overview of the main software tools related to thermal and thermo-hydro-mechanical analysis of SGES that may be useful for practical applications is given. A unified software package incorporating all related features of all SGES may be a future aim.
Keywords: shalow geothermal energy systems, energy geo-structures, thermal analysis, thermo-hydro-mechanical, modelling, software tools
Published in DiRROS: 05.03.2024; Views: 126; Downloads: 56
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3. Impact of Open-Loop Systems on Groundwater Temperature in NE SloveniaSimona Adrinek, Mitja Janža, Mihael Brenčič, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: To achieve sustainable and efficient use of shallow geothermal resources, it is important to understand the heat transfer in the subsurface of the planned geothermal system. In the City Municipality of Murska Sobota, NE Slovenia, the use of geothermal open-loop systems has increased in recent years. Their high spatial density raises the question of possible mutual interference between the systems. By compiling geological, hydrogeological, and thermal data, obtained from the monitoring network, fieldwork, and knowledge of regional hydrogeological conditions, we have developed a transient groundwater flow and heat transfer model to evaluate the impact of the open-loop systems on the subsurface and surrounding systems. The transient simulation showed that the thermal state in the observed area is restored over the summer, when the systems are not in operation. Also, the systems do not have significant mutual interference that would affect their efficiency. However, as interest in installing new systems in the area increases, simulations of the thermal plumes of new geothermal systems are needed to ensure sustainable and efficient use of shallow geothermal energy in the future.
Keywords: geothermal energy, open-loop system, groundwater heat pump, intergranular aquifer, numerical modelling, thermal plume
Published in DiRROS: 19.09.2023; Views: 379; Downloads: 100
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