A robust prediction model approach to energy geo-structure design

Abstract

Energy geo-structures, such as piles or retaining walls, provide geothermal space heating and cooling, in addition to their structural purposes. The thermal design of these structures is undertaken on a case by case basis, commonly using costly finite element simulations, especially for complex geometries. This work introduces a simple but robust prediction methodology that can be used alongside such simulations to significantly reduce computational time and resources for the analysis of any energy geo-structure. An evaluation is presented and exemplified with energy diaphragm walls, for a range of geometrical and material conditions, showing insignificant prediction errors and vast computational savings.