Researchers of the Higher Polytechnic School of Avila (University of Salamanca) are studying the optimal design of low-enthalpy geothermal systems.
Low-enthalpy geothermal energy integrates all those procedures designed to harness andLow-enthalpy geothermal system accumulate the thermal energy of the subsoil during a year to maintain the optimum temperature in buildings, homes, offices, etc.
Several researchers of the Higher Polytechnic School of Avila who are related with that discipline have tested the main configurations of closed cycle vertical exchangers. Among them are Cristina Sáez Blázquez, Arturo Farfán Martín, Ignacio Martín Nieto, Pedro Carrasco García, Luis Santiago Sánchez Pérez and Diego González-Aguilera. The results of their investigations confirm that: (i) a greater efficiency is obtained in the process after using helical-tube systems versus U-systems (either singles or doubles), (ii) significant cost saving are obtained in the installation process and (iii) there are no significant efficiency variations derived from the use of simple systems versus U-systems.
The importance of these investigations is proved by the publication of different papers in high-impact international scientific journals: “Efficiency analysis of the main components of a vertical closed-loop system in a borehole heat exchanger” published in Energies (2.077 impact factor) or “Analysis of the process of design of a geothermal installation” published in Renewable Energy(3.404 JCR impact factor) among others.
To consult the new, please go to Low-enthalpy geothermal systems.
