scholarly journals How Far Is Far Enough? The Social Constitution of Geothermal Energy through Spacing Regulations

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 496
Author(s):  
Daniel Horn ◽  
Matthias Gross ◽  
Maria Pfeiffer ◽  
Marco Sonnberger

This article argues that the sociotechnical context in which near-surface geothermal energy is embedded draws out its characteristic of being temporarily depletable. Thereby, the minimization of unavoidable side effects, such as cold plumes, which result from the social constitution of geothermal energy, is a crucial area of consideration. Using the situation in Germany as a touchstone, we discuss how cold plumes and interferences from neighboring ground source heat pumps test the limits of the existing regulatory framework, requiring negotiations between different knowledge sets stemming from areas as diverse as planning law, geology, cultural habits, and engineering. This makes the operation of geothermal energy highly uncertain and continuous negotiations on sustainable modes of extractions a pressing issue.

Author(s):  
Abeer Osama Radwan

Nowadays global warming and thermal islands in modern cities are spending much energy on heating and cooling spaces. Geothermal energy considered a renewable energy technology for space heating and cooling. The ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are increasingly interested in their expressive potential to reduce fossil fuel consumption and hence reduce greenhouse gases. Geothermal energy used for both electricity generation and direct use, depending on the temperature and the chemistry of the resources. Recently, direct utilization has varied significantly, and there are several methods available for temperatures typically ranging from 4°C up to 80°C. (Lund J.W., 2012). This paper presents a comprehensive literature-based review of ground source heat pump technology, cooling, and heating applications buildings to achieve precisely human thermal comfort. Subsequently, propose the influence factors of the system components that would undoubtedly reflect on the optimal design of the building. As a result, achieve precisely an integrated building.


2014 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Ian Johnston

Below a depth of around 5 to 8 metres below the surface, the ground displays a temperature which is effectively constant and a degree or two above the weighted mean annual air temperature at that particular location. In Melbourne, the ground temperature at this depth is around 18°C with temperatures at shallower depths varying according the season. Further north, these constant temperatures increase a little; while for more southern latitudes, the temperatures are a few degrees cooler. Shallow source geothermal energy (also referred to as direct geothermal energy, ground energy using ground source heat pumps and geoexchange) uses the ground and its temperatures to depths of a few tens of metres as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer for heating and cooling buildings. Fluid (usually water) is circulated through a ground heat exchanger (or GHE, which comprises pipes built into building foundations, or in specifically drilled boreholes or trenches), and back to the surface. In heating mode, heat contained in the circulating fluid is extracted by a ground source heat pump (GSHP) and used to heat the building. The cooled fluid is reinjected into the ground loops to heat up again to complete the cycle. In cooling mode, the system is reversed with heat taken out of the building transferred to the fluid which is injected underground to dump the extra heat to the ground. The cooled fluid then returns to the heat pump to receive more heat from the building.


2017 ◽  
Vol 170 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Ali ◽  
Mostafa Mohamed ◽  
Mohamad Abdel-Aal ◽  
Alma Schellart ◽  
Simon Tait

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Wagner ◽  
Benjamin McDaniel ◽  
Dragoljub Kosanovic

Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems have been implemented at large scales on several university campuses to provide heating and cooling. In this study, we test the idea that a GSHP system, as a replacement for an existing Combined Heat and Power (CHP) heating system coupled with conventional cooling systems, could reduce CO2 emissions, and provide a cost benefit to a university campus. We use the existing recorded annual heating and cooling loads supplied by the current system and an established technique of modeling the heat pumps and borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) using a TRNSYS model. The GSHP system is modeled to follow the parameters of industry standards and sized to provide an optimal balance of capital and operating costs. Results show that despite a decrease in heating and cooling energy usage and CO2 emissions are achieved, a significant increase in electric demand and purchased electricity result in an overall cost increase. These results highlight the need for thermal energy storage, onsite distributed energy resources and/or demand response in cases where electric heat pumps are used to help mitigate electric demand during peak periods.


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