Innovation in Underground Thermal Energy Storages with Borehole Heat Exchangers

About this project

<p>Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) is a particularly good way of providing thermal comfort in northern countries (e.g. Norway and Sweden) as well as in central and eastern Europe (e.g.<br> Poland and Ukraine). The project involves development of innovative structures of Borehole Heat Exchangers (BHEs). Structures tested as a part of the project will aim to maximize the energy<br> effect (which is defined as a unitary power obtained in BHE, in Watt per meter).<br> Innovative constructions include the pipe system in the borehole. New composite coaxial pipes system will be developed. Coaxial constructions will be analyzed and compared to the traditional, Utube based ones. The coaxial construction give possibilities use it in a boreholes with greater depth than U-pipe design.<br> Research methodology is based on mathematical modelling of a individual BHEs as well as fields consisting of multiple BHEs, taking into account their interference. Modelling will be verified by in<br> situ tests on created BHEs. It is expected to conduct Thermal Response Tests (TRT) on every borehole. Next innowation is TRT results interpretation. TRT results will be interpreted using three methods. Additionally, thermal conductivity test will be conducted on minimum three Borehole Heat Exchangers. It is new test of BHEs.<br> Very important innovation for BHEs fields making in the future is optimization of drilling technology parameters. New methodology will be developed for in situ application - on the begginning of<br> BHEs drilling with large number of boreholes.<br> Promotion of research results via conferences, scientific journals, monograph and the Internet is expected.<br> PhD thesises will be prepared, also many MSc thesises. Mentoring will be executed.<br> &nbsp;</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

Collaboration with research teams from different countries brings new perspectives and approaches, often leading to innovative solutions and broadening the scope of research. Regular international consultations support a better understanding of research problems and a more comprehensive approach to their solutions. Projects carried out through bilateral cooperation gain credibility and influence on the international stage, potentially impacting long-term policies, practices, and the scientific community. Establishing lasting international networks stimulates the flow of knowledge and technology, promoting further innovative research projects. These aspects were implemented through meetings between partners. Within Polish-Norwegian collaboration, economic analyses were conducted on the implementation of BHEs installations in both countries, comparing not only costs but also various conditions (legal, geographical, geological). A new grant application was submitted under the FENG project. In this project, the Norwegian side is designated as the executor. An important element of the collaboration will also be the exchange of research personnel and scientists' mobility, promoting not only knowledge transfer but also the establishment of long-term international relationships crucial for research projects. Additionally, partnering with Norwegian institutions can expand research scope by integrating diverse scientific and cultural perspectives, leading to more diverse and interdisciplinary approaches to solving research problems. Norwegian collaboration can also support research projects through participation in international conferences and publications in renowned scientific journals, enhancing the project's visibility globally and influencing the development of industry standards and best practices.

Project partners

• University of Stavanger Donor project partner· Norway
• MuoviTech Polska Project partner· Poland