IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v16y2023i3p1195-d1043457.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Comparison of Measured and Derived Thermal Conductivities in the Unsaturated Soil Zone of a Large-Scale Geothermal Collector System (LSC)

Author

Listed:
  • Mario Rammler

    (GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Department Geographie und Geowissenschaften, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schlossgarten 5, 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

  • Hans Schwarz

    (GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Department Geographie und Geowissenschaften, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schlossgarten 5, 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

  • Jan Wagner

    (GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Department Geographie und Geowissenschaften, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schlossgarten 5, 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

  • David Bertermann

    (GeoZentrum Nordbayern, Department Geographie und Geowissenschaften, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schlossgarten 5, 91054 Erlangen, Germany)

Abstract

The design, energetic performance, and thermal impact of large-scale geothermal collector systems (LSCs) are dependent on the thermal conductivity of unsaturated soils (λ). The aim of this study was to investigate the benefits of two different λ measurement methods using single-needle sensor measuring devices on a laboratory scale. Since large-scale determinations are required in the context of LSCs, the potential for deriving λ from electrical resistivity tomography measurements (ERTs) was also examined. Using two approaches—the continuous evaporation method and the punctual method—thermal conductivities of soil samples from Bad Nauheim (Germany) were measured. The results were compared with averaged λ derived from three ERT sections. With the evaporation method, significant bulk density changes were observed during the experimental procedure, which were caused by the clay content and the use of repacked samples. The punctual method ensures a sufficiently constant bulk density during the measurements, but only provides a small number of measurement points. The thermal conductivities derived from ERTs show largely minor deviations from the laboratory measurements on average. If further research confirms the results of this study, ERTs could provide a non-invasive and unelaborate thermal exploration of the subsurface in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects such as LSCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Rammler & Hans Schwarz & Jan Wagner & David Bertermann, 2023. "Comparison of Measured and Derived Thermal Conductivities in the Unsaturated Soil Zone of a Large-Scale Geothermal Collector System (LSC)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:3:p:1195-:d:1043457
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/3/1195/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/3/1195/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bertermann, D. & Klug, H. & Morper-Busch, L. & Bialas, C., 2014. "Modelling vSGPs (very shallow geothermal potentials) in selected CSAs (case study areas)," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 226-244.
    2. Eloisa Di Sipio & David Bertermann, 2017. "Factors Influencing the Thermal Efficiency of Horizontal Ground Heat Exchangers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-21, November.
    3. Salsuwanda Selamat & Akio Miyara & Keishi Kariya, 2015. "Analysis of Short Time Period of Operation of Horizontal Ground Heat Exchangers," Resources, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-17, July.
    4. Hähnlein, Stefanie & Bayer, Peter & Ferguson, Grant & Blum, Philipp, 2013. "Sustainability and policy for the thermal use of shallow geothermal energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 914-925.
    5. Angelo Zarrella & Giuseppe Emmi & Samantha Graci & Michele De Carli & Matteo Cultrera & Giorgia Dalla Santa & Antonio Galgaro & David Bertermann & Johannes Müller & Luc Pockelé & Giulia Mezzasalma & D, 2017. "Thermal Response Testing Results of Different Types of Borehole Heat Exchangers: An Analysis and Comparison of Interpretation Methods," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-18, June.
    6. Robin Zeh & Björn Ohlsen & David Philipp & David Bertermann & Tim Kotz & Nikola Jocić & Volker Stockinger, 2021. "Large-Scale Geothermal Collector Systems for 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Hans Schwarz & Nikola Jocic & David Bertermann, 2022. "Development of a Calculation Concept for Mapping Specific Heat Extraction for Very Shallow Geothermal Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Oliver Suft & David Bertermann, 2022. "One-Year Monitoring of a Ground Heat Exchanger Using the In Situ Thermal Response Test: An Experimental Approach on Climatic Effects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-15, December.
    3. Robin Zeh & Björn Ohlsen & David Philipp & David Bertermann & Tim Kotz & Nikola Jocić & Volker Stockinger, 2021. "Large-Scale Geothermal Collector Systems for 5th Generation District Heating and Cooling Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, May.
    4. Romanov, D. & Leiss, B., 2022. "Geothermal energy at different depths for district heating and cooling of existing and future building stock," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    5. Rivera, Jaime A. & Blum, Philipp & Bayer, Peter, 2015. "Ground energy balance for borehole heat exchangers: Vertical fluxes, groundwater and storage," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 1341-1351.
    6. Aneta Sapińska-Sliwa & Marc A. Rosen & Andrzej Gonet & Joanna Kowalczyk & Tomasz Sliwa, 2019. "A New Method Based on Thermal Response Tests for Determining Effective Thermal Conductivity and Borehole Resistivity for Borehole Heat Exchangers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-22, March.
    7. Tomasz Sliwa & Kinga Jarosz & Marc A. Rosen & Anna Sojczyńska & Aneta Sapińska-Śliwa & Andrzej Gonet & Karolina Fąfera & Tomasz Kowalski & Martyna Ciepielowska, 2020. "Influence of Rotation Speed and Air Pressure on the Down the Hole Drilling Velocity for Borehole Heat Exchanger Installation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-18, May.
    8. Somogyi, Viola & Sebestyén, Viktor & Nagy, Georgina, 2017. "Scientific achievements and regulation of shallow geothermal systems in six European countries – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 68(P2), pages 934-952.
    9. Beernink, Stijn & Bloemendal, Martin & Kleinlugtenbelt, Rob & Hartog, Niels, 2022. "Maximizing the use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems in urban areas: effects on individual system primary energy use and overall GHG emissions," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 311(C).
    10. Bleicher, Alena & Gross, Matthias, 2016. "Geothermal heat pumps and the vagaries of subterranean geology: Energy independence at a household level as a real world experiment," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 279-288.
    11. Abbas, Tauqeer & Ahmed Bazmi, Aqeel & Waheed Bhutto, Abdul & Zahedi, Gholamreza, 2014. "Greener energy: Issues and challenges for Pakistan-geothermal energy prospective," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 258-269.
    12. Böttcher, Fabian & Casasso, Alessandro & Götzl, Gregor & Zosseder, Kai, 2019. "TAP - Thermal aquifer Potential: A quantitative method to assess the spatial potential for the thermal use of groundwater," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 85-95.
    13. Xuedan Zhang & Tiantian Zhang & Bingxi Li & Yiqiang Jiang, 2019. "Comparison of Four Methods for Borehole Heat Exchanger Sizing Subject to Thermal Response Test Parameter Estimation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-30, October.
    14. Cho, Sangmin & Kim, Jinsoo & Heo, Eunnyeong, 2015. "Application of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to select the optimal heating facility for Korean horticulture and stockbreeding sectors," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 1075-1083.
    15. García-Gil, Alejandro & Goetzl, Gregor & Kłonowski, Maciej R. & Borovic, Staša & Boon, David P. & Abesser, Corinna & Janza, Mitja & Herms, Ignasi & Petitclerc, Estelle & Erlström, Mikael & Holecek, Ja, 2020. "Governance of shallow geothermal energy resources," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    16. Li, Min & Zhang, Liwen & Liu, Gang, 2019. "Estimation of thermal properties of soil and backfilling material from thermal response tests (TRTs) for exploiting shallow geothermal energy: Sensitivity, identifiability, and uncertainty," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 1263-1270.
    17. Hirsch, Hauke & Nicolai, Andreas, 2022. "An efficient numerical solution method for detailed modelling of large 5th generation district heating and cooling networks," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    18. Alessandro Franco & Maurizio Vaccaro, 2020. "Sustainable Sizing of Geothermal Power Plants: Appropriate Potential Assessment Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-19, May.
    19. Laveet Kumar & Md. Shouquat Hossain & Mamdouh El Haj Assad & Mansoor Urf Manoo, 2022. "Technological Advancements and Challenges of Geothermal Energy Systems: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-18, November.
    20. Francesco, Tinti & Annamaria, Pangallo & Martina, Berneschi & Dario, Tosoni & Dušan, Rajver & Simona, Pestotnik & Dalibor, Jovanović & Tomislav, Rudinica & Slavisa, Jelisić & Branko, Zlokapa & Attilio, 2016. "How to boost shallow geothermal energy exploitation in the adriatic area: the LEGEND project experience," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 190-204.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:3:p:1195-:d:1043457. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.