Integrated Design of your Ground Source Energy System
Why an integrated design of your geothermal energy system?
What is the benefit of an integrated design? To answer that question we have to go back in time to tell how the situation in The Netherlands was before 2013.
Before 2013 (before the first national law on shallow geothermal energy), the principle of “first come, first served” applied to individual geothermal energy systems. These systems were seen as isolated. A design did not take into account other or future systems. In this way it is increasingly difficult to guarantee the efficient for new heat pump systems that use the ground as a source. Naturally, the previously installed geothermal energy system may also experience inconvenience due to the ill-considered installation of new systems in the vicinity. This problem justifies the principle of an integrated design for your (small collective) geothermal energy system.
The benefit of an integrated design is that it provides great benefits for the end users of existing and new systems. Mutual coordination between the different systems, harmonization of the design parameters used and system optimization guarantee long-term and efficient use of geothermal energy. Especially in construction projects, that are built in phases, it is wise to think before how also all buildings in the area can make use of free heat and cooling from the ground not only now but also in the future.
Performing calculations in design process
An important part of the design process is of course performing calculations on the ground heat exchanger. We then determine the size (number & depth) and the arrangement (shape * spacing) between the borehole heat exchangers. This is done in such a way that we achieve the designed temperature and the intended efficiency. When designing a (small collective) geothermal energy system, we coordinate the following, among other things:
- The heat and cold demand, tap water demand
- The capacity of the heat pump and peak load duration
- The type and dimensioning of the borehole heat exchanger
- The borehole fill material
- The type of circulating fluid
Software tools for design and monitoring
We design a shallow geothermal energy system using (Groenholland) software. Which method can be applied depends on the local situation with regard to groundwater flow and the types of systems.
- If effects of groundwater flow (of natural origin or trough nearby ATES) may occur on the systems involved, the design can be carried out with FeFlow
- If no effects of groundwater flow are expected, a design calculation can be carried out with EED for a single ground heat exchanger or a (small) collective ground source energy system
- When a cluster of individual systems are designed together, EED or similar software is not suitable. ITGBES-PRO then most appropriate as the calculation method
Groenholland is the specialist in integrated design and practical implementation
An integrated design ensurer that your (small collective) geothermal energy system performs optimal and you get the maximum return from it. We as Groenholland Geo Energy Systems are happy to help you with your sustainable heating and cooling ambitions! We also provide audits on your current geothermal energy systems? Reach out to us for more information!
