An integrated framework of ground source heat pump utilisation for high-performance buildings.

Area of Science:

• Energy Science
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Building Technology

Background:

• Global CO2 emissions from buildings are rising, jeopardizing climate goals.
• Geothermal energy via ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) is a viable renewable solution.
• Current limitations include a lack of integrated frameworks and inaccurate ground thermal performance simulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated framework for evaluating GSHP systems in buildings.
• To improve monitoring guidelines and simulation accuracy for geothermal applications.
• To facilitate wider adoption of GSHPs for sustainable building operations.

Main Methods:

• Proposed amendments to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) monitoring guideline, differentiating Gross and Net Thermal Energy Production.
• Development and deployment of a sensor-based monitoring prototype.
• Implementation of a g-function-based simulation approach for ground thermal performance.
• Validation using a case study building in Melbourne, Australia, during July 2021.

Main Results:

• The integrated framework demonstrated high accuracy in evaluating GSHP performance.
• Simulated thermal energy generation closely matched monitored data (2.2% difference in gross thermal energy).
• Inlet temperature predictions showed minimal deviation (0.92% difference).

Conclusions:

• The developed integrated framework effectively evaluates GSHP systems for building operations.
• Improvements in monitoring and simulation enhance the reliability of geothermal energy assessments.
• This research contributes to increased utilization of geothermal energy in the built environment.