Work

Determination of the Temperature Development in a Borehole Heat Exchanger Field Using Distributed Temperature Sensing

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The use of geothermal borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) in combination with ground-source heat pumps represents an important part of shallow geothermal energy production, which is already used worldwide and becoming more and more important. Different measurement techniques are available to examine a BHE field while it is in operation. In this study, a field with 54 BHEs up to a depth of 120 m below ground level was analyzed using fiber optic cables. A distributed temperature sensing (DTS) concept was developed by equipping several BHEs with dual-ended hybrid cables. The individual fiber optics were collected in a distributor shaft, and multiple measurements were carried out during active and inactive operation of the field. The field trial was carried out on a converted, partly retrofitted, residential complex, “Lagarde Campus”, in Bamberg, Upper Franconia, Germany. Groundwater and lithological changes are visible in the depth-resolved temperature profiles throughout the whole BHE field.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en17184697

Authors: David Bertermann, Oliver Suft

Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

Language: English

Topic: Geothermal Energy Systems and Applications

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955