Effect of borehole array geometry and thermal interferences on geothermal heat pump system

Properly sized borehole heat exchanger in geothermal heat pump system (widely known also as ground source heat pump system) needs to minimize long-term ground and working fluid temperature changes. These changes occur due to imbalances of heat extracted from the ground during winter and heat rejected into the ground during summer months, as well as thermal interferences of adjacent boreholes in borehole array. Simple calculations and spreadsheet-based analogical solutions of required borehole length for heat transfer run into difficulties when dealing with such large, complex ground source heat pump heating and cooling systems which use compact borehole array. A number of analytical computer programs are available to simulate how ground loop fluid temperature varies in such complex systems, using so-called ‘g-function’ – a mathematical function dependent on the geometry and shape of the borehole array. The type of calculation involves a type of ‘step-function’, where 24 h ‘step’ of peak loading is superimposed on a top of a long-term base load. In analytical simulation models, the base load is typically specified as the heating and cooling load per month of a typical year, and is simulated as the combination of sequential monthly steps. This paper will show, by simulating long-term operation of complex geothermal heat pump system with multiple boreholes in various geometric arrays, how spacing of adjacent boreholes and thermal interferences influence required borehole length for heat transfer.

► Thermal interferences progress with borehole compaction, 7 × 6 and 21 × 2 grids analyzed. ► Two numerical models used for heat transfer; ASHRAE/Kavanaugh and Lund/Eskilson. ► A/K model uses simplistic borehole interaction to predict heat build up in the ground. ► L/E model more advanced borehole interaction which results in greater loop length. ► Detailed evolution of ground and borehole fluid temperatures given for 30 year period.