Assessing impacts of groundwater on geothermal heat exchangers: A review of methodology and modeling

Despite the intensive studies and advances have been made, penetration of geothermal heat exchangers (GHEs) ground coupled pump (GCHP) systems has constrained due to high-upfront capital cost. On other hand, recent research revealed enormous influence that complex geologic hydraulic on GCHP efficiency, especially impact groundwater. Without this knowledge, their design operation may lead lower economic competitiveness or potential systematic degradation. This paper reviews challenges integrating groundwater impacts performance GHEs strategies through industry standard models. Three principal methodologies consisting analytical, numerical, experimental approaches are identified. Multiple topics received much debate, such as soil freezing thawing, addressed with latest developments. Furthermore, environmental associated GHEs’ thermal response consider flow discussed. It is found in most situations presence flowing enhances GHE performance, although adverse effects exist when not monitored mitigated. However, natural uncertainties geology advanced hybrid implementations needs further exploration facilitate on-going groundwater-associated including borehole storage.