Research on the Optimized Design of Medium and Deep Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems Considering End-Load Variation

Jianlin Li, Xupeng Qi (), Xiaoli Li, Huijie Huang () and Jian Gao
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Jianlin Li: Beijing Future Electrochemical Energy Storage System Integration Technology Innovation Center, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
Xupeng Qi: Beijing Future Electrochemical Energy Storage System Integration Technology Innovation Center, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China
Xiaoli Li: Department of Information, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Huijie Huang: School of Civil Engineering, Liaoning Engineering Technology University, Fuxin 123000, China
Jian Gao: School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Liaoning Institute of Science and Technology, Benxi 117004, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems with medium-depth and deeply buried pipes in cold regions are highly important for addressing global climate change and the energy crisis because of their efficient, clean, and sustainable energy characteristics. However, unique geological conditions in cold climates pose serious challenges to the heat transfer efficiency, long-term stability, and adaptability of systems. This study comprehensively analyses the effects of various factors, including well depth, inner-to-outer tube diameter ratios, cementing material, the thermal conductivity of the inner tube, the flow rate, and the start–stop ratio, on the performance of a medium-depth coaxial borehole heat exchanger. Field tests, numerical simulations, and sensitivity analyses are combined to determine the full-cycle thermal performance and heat-transfer properties of medium-depth geological formations and their relationships with system performance. The results show that the source water temperature increases by approximately 4 °C and that the heat transfer increases by 50 kW for every 500 m increase in well depth. The optimization of the inner and outer pipe diameter ratios effectively improves the heat-exchange efficiency, and a larger pipe diameter ratio design can significantly reduce the flow resistance and improve system stability. When the thermal conductivity of the cementing cement increases from 1 W/(m·K) to 2 W/(m·K), the outlet water temperature at the source side increases by approximately 1 °C, and the heat transfer increases by 13 kW. However, the improvement effect of further increasing the thermal conductivity on the heat-exchange efficiency gradually decreases. When the flow rate is 0.7 m/s, the heat transfer is stable at approximately 250 kW, and the system economy and heat-transfer efficiency reach a balance. These findings provide a robust scientific basis for promoting medium-deep geothermal energy heating systems in cold regions and offer valuable references for the green and low-carbon transition in building heating systems.

Keywords: medium deep; rock and soil mass heat transfer; cold region; ground-source heat pump (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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