The First Open-Source Database for Geothermal Networks

Networked ground-source heat pump systems, or geothermal networks, are a clean energy alternative to fossil fuels for heating and cooling buildings, and a scalable solution with the potential to decarbonize entire neighborhoods at once. Although the individual components used in geothermal networks use mature technologies, there is a gap in knowledge regarding how to best optimize design parameters for performance and costs for the entire system to account for region specific conditions and localized heating and cooling needs for the buildings on the network. Additionally, there is currently a lack of a standardized method of comparing these systems. This study introduces a systematic and quantitative approach to comparing geothermal networks and provides the first open-source database where the datasets can be accessed and analyzed. In the US geothermal networks have been most commonly adopted in university campuses, but have recently gained the attention of gas utility companies, cities and states as a strategy to reach net-zero emissions goals. Massachusetts is one of the leaders in this space, with four pilot projects at different stages. In order to facilitate the adoption of these systems it is necessary to compare them and apply lessons from existing installations to those that are in earlier feasibility or planning stages. This study proposes optimal parameters to be systematically measured and recorded before and after the installation of geothermal networks, allowing for a quantitative comparison of these systems, as well as optimization of future ones. These recorded parameters fall into three categories: thermal resources (borefields, boreholes, etc), distribution (main pipe system), and end-users (buildings, weatherization, etc). This categorization of parameters, paired with cost data, will allow for fair comparison of geothermal networks with other heating systems. The creation of this open-access database for geothermal networks will therefore inform and facilitate the development of these projects, enabling a societal scale decarbonization of buildings.
Speaker: Isabel Varela