An integrated monitoring framework for geothermal space-heating systems in residential buildings, fort mcmurray

Abstract

Energy saving is a significant factor in heating system design. Geothermal systems are considered as an effective means to save energy and reduce potential environmental footprint through eliminating greenhouse effects. This paper presents a proposed integrated monitoring framework developed to use geothermal heating systems efficiently. The proposed framework includes a systematic approach to understanding geothermal systems, which is tested on a real-life project in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, where heating is the major contributor to energy consumption. This project utilizes a geothermal system as the main heating system. The main challenges in the case study are that (1) a geothermal system in this project is not designed as cooling system to recover heat from buildings in summer and (2) Fort McMurray has extreme dry-cold weather. To overcome these challenges, the proposed geothermal system is combined with solar systems, drain water heat recovery (DWHR) systems, and conventional electric or natural gas energy for space-heating. In addition, a make-up air system is also installed to improve indoor air quality. This paper first researches geothermal systems in the context of energy saving and then compares typical geothermal system practices with the proposed strategy. The advantages of such an integrated design are intuitively clear after comparing the typical usage of geothermal system and the usage in the proposed integrated system. It is concluded that this strategy can extend the lifetime of a geothermal system, provide significantly more energy, and become more energy efficient. The research results will be validated through monitoring systems, data collection, and thermal energy calculations. Since this is a multi-disciplinary long-term project with a long period, sensors are used to monitor the integrated heating system performance. The resulting data is analyzed to justify the proposed integrated system through estimating thermal energy generated by each heating system, and evaluating the efficiency of each system. Thermocouple and pressure sensors have been located and systems are still being monitored. However, additional sensors to monitor temperature difference and pipe flow rate are still required. Therefore, this paper suggests a new design of monitoring which incorporates additional sensors. After data collection and calculations are completed, the thermal energy generated by each system and Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the heat pumps are determined. Calculations and equation derivations are specified in this paper. Ultimately, this paper demonstrates the essential future of the proposed system and suggests adjustments for future heating system designs in order to improve energy efficiency.