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Study on the transient thermal response of annular borehole heat exchangers array under cyclic operation of cooling and heating

Author

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  • Zhao, Yazhou
  • Wu, Fan
  • Gao, Jinshuang
  • Li, Sheng
  • Liu, Aihua
  • Liao, Dawei
  • Li, Shangye
  • Zhang, Xuejun

Abstract

This study investigates the transient thermal response of shallow annular borehole heat exchanger (BHE) arrays under cyclic heating and cooling operations. A hybrid analytical-numerical model, integrating finite line source, step load superposition, and quasi-steady-state heat transfer principles, is employed to simulate the thermal performance of a 23-borehole array in Hangzhou over a ten-year period. Results indicate that during cooling seasons, heat release into the rock leads to a subsurface temperature increase, with the outflow temperature rising from 28.4 °C to 29.6 °C over ten years. Conversely, during heating seasons, the outflow temperature shows a downward trend from 8.6 °C to 8.1 °C, but with a gradual annual increase from 8.6 °C to 9.0 °C. The rock temperature increase reveals thermal accumulation and interference extending beyond 35 m around the boreholes. However, intermittent recovery strategies are effective in mitigating thermal plumes. Spatial arrangement significantly impacts thermal performance, with peripheral boreholes demonstrating superior heat dissipation and reduced thermal interference compared to central boreholes.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Yazhou & Wu, Fan & Gao, Jinshuang & Li, Sheng & Liu, Aihua & Liao, Dawei & Li, Shangye & Zhang, Xuejun, 2026. "Study on the transient thermal response of annular borehole heat exchangers array under cyclic operation of cooling and heating," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:342:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225051722
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139530
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