A Comprehensive Simplified Algorithm for Heat Transfer Modeling of Medium-Deep Borehole Heat Exchangers Considering Soil Stratification and Geothermal Gradient

Boyu Li, Fei Lei () and Zibo Shen
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Boyu Li: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Fei Lei: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
Zibo Shen: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-32

Abstract: Medium-deep borehole heat exchanger (BHE) systems represent an emerging form of ground source heat pump technology. Their heat transfer process is significantly influenced by geothermal gradient and soil stratification, typically simulated using segmented finite line source (SFLS) models. However, this approach involves computationally intensive procedures that hinder practical engineering implementation. Building upon an SFLS model adapted for complex geological conditions, this study proposes a comprehensive simplified algorithm: (1) For soil stratification: A geothermally-weighted thermal conductivity method converts layered heterogeneous media into an equivalent homogeneous medium; (2) For geothermal gradient: A temperature correction method establishes fluid temperatures under geothermal gradient by superimposing correction terms onto uniform-temperature model results (g-function model). Validated through two engineering case studies, this integrated algorithm provides a straightforward technical tool for heat transfer calculations in BHE systems.

Keywords: medium- and deep-buried ground heat exchanger; soil layering; geothermal gradient; multi-borehole segmented finite line source model; simplified algorithm (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: 2025
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