Clearing a Path for Ground Heat Exchange Systems: A Review on Thermal Response Test (TRT) Methods and a Geotechnical Routine Test for Estimating Soil Thermal Properties

Alessandro Franco and Paolo Conti
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Alessandro Franco: Department of Energy and System Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Paolo Conti: Department of Energy and System Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56122 Pisa, Italy

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: The performance of ground heat exchanger systems depends on the knowledge of the thermal parameters of the ground, such as thermal conductivity, capacity, and diffusivity. The knowledge of these parameters often requires quite accurate experimental analysis, known as a thermal response test (TRT). In this paper, after a general analysis of the various available types of TRT and a study of the theoretical basics of the method, we explore the perspective of the definition of a simplified routine method of analysis based on the combination of a particular version of TRT and the routine geotechnical tests for the characterization of soil stratigraphy and the ground characteristics. Geotechnical analyses are indeed mandatory before the construction of new buildings, even if limited to 30 m below the ground level or foundation base when piles are needed. The idea of developing TRT in connection with geotechnical test activity has the objective of promoting the widespread use of in situ experimental analysis and reducing TRT costs and time. The considerations presented in the present paper lead to reconsidering a particular variety of the TRT, in particular, the versions known as thermal response test while drilling (TRTWD) and TRT using heating cables (HC-TRT).

Keywords: ground-coupled heat exchangers; thermal response test; thermal conductivity; thermal diffusivity; geotechnical properties; borehole heat exchangers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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