Combined simulation of a deep ground source heat exchanger and an office building

• We analyze a deep borehole heat exchanger at RWTH Aachen University.
• The coaxial pipe and the surrounding ground mass is modeled.
• We evaluate the possible use of geothermal heat within an office building.
• A combined simulation evaluates the share of the geothermal heating.

It is analyzed, if and to which share the deep borehole heat exchanger (BHE) at RWTH Aachen University in its current state is capable of heating an office building located at its top, called SuperC. Furthermore, possible modifications to the BHE and to the hydraulic connection to the building's heating system are discussed.Models of the BHE and of the building are each validated with measurement data and than connected to each other to carry out system simulations for one heating period. It is found that the BHE in its current state can support the heating system by a notable share of the annual heating demand by supplying the low temperature heating systems of the building. An alternative system configuration and a different inner BHE pipe provide the opportunity of higher supply temperatures leading to a higher fraction of geothermal heating.