Project Info
Optimization of Shallow Geothermal Energy
Project Goals and Description:
Colorado School of Mines MURF / IMURF Research Project Proposal
Mark Florida March 6, 2023
Project Title: Optimization of Shallow Geothermal Energy
Research Project Proposal Description:
Colorado School of Mines undergraduate researchers will design the use of shallow geothermal energy to provide and optimize energy for a small house. A theoretical 2000 square-foot house on a ½-acre lot will be located at the geographic center of Kansas. The inside temperature of the house will remain at 70° F, year-round 24 hours per day. The house will be insulated to local code. It will be assumed that solar heat from windows will not be available. If the required temperature cannot be maintained with shallow geothermal energy only, then supplemental energy will be provided by electric heating and cooling only. Costs, schedule, and economics will not be addressed.
Research Learning Outcomes (RLO's) / Modules:
RLO / Module 1 - Research average ground temperatures vs. depth at the location by month over a 10-year period down to the depth required for a water well. Research water table levels to determine the required depth of the water well to provide water volumes to meet local code.
RLO / Module 2 - Research average atmospheric temperatures, humidity, and moisture by month over a 10-year period.
RLO / Module 3 - Research and calculate average heating and cooling energy loads to maintain an indoor house temperature of 70° F at all times.
RLO / Module 4 - Research geothermal heat pump options for horizontal loops, vertical loops, and water well loops. Research the depth of bedrock at the location.
RLO / Module 4 - Calculate the maximum energy that can be produced and dispensed for house heating and cooling by horizontal and vertical heat pump loops on a ½-acre lot, assuming the loops do not exceed the depth of bedrock. Calculate the associated heat pump energy consumption.
RLO / Module 5 - Calculate the maximum energy that can be produced and dispersed for heating and cooling with a water well loop. Calculate the associated water well pump energy consumption.
RLO / Module 6 - Optimize with an energy balance the best combination of heat pump loops and water well loops to provide as much energy as possible to maintain the house temperature at 70° F at all times. If the temperature cannot be maintained at 70° F at all times using the geothermal options, calculate the remaining energy load required which will be provided by electric heating and cooling.
RLO / Module 7 - Create a final report including an overall summary of the project, written discussion of each module, conclusions and recommendations with calculations, graphics and references.
Undergraduate Research Student Requirements:
Minimum: At least one chemical engineering major with an interest in renewable & advanced energy systems.
Preferred addition: One mechanical engineering student with an interest in renewable & advanced energy systems.
The goals are interesting because heating and cooling for houses and buildings can be enhanced with shallow geothermal energy. The results of this project can be applied to a proposed course in the new "Renewable & Advanced Energy Systems" bachelor's degree, and a proposed course in the new "Construction Engineering" bachelor's degree.More Information:
Primary Contacts:
Student Preparation
Qualifications
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
Research Learning Outcomes (RLO's) / Modules:
RLO / Module 1 - Research average ground temperatures vs. depth at the location by month over a 10-year period down to the depth required for a water well. Research water table levels to determine the required depth of the water well to provide water volumes to meet local code.
RLO / Module 2 - Research average atmospheric temperatures, humidity, and moisture by month over a 10-year period.
RLO / Module 3 - Research and calculate average heating and cooling energy loads to maintain an indoor house temperature of 70° F at all times.
RLO / Module 4 - Research geothermal heat pump options for horizontal loops, vertical loops, and water well loops. Research the depth of bedrock at the location.
RLO / Module 4 - Calculate the maximum energy that can be produced and dispensed for house heating and cooling by horizontal and vertical heat pump loops on a ½-acre lot, assuming the loops do not exceed the depth of bedrock. Calculate the associated heat pump energy consumption.
RLO / Module 5 - Calculate the maximum energy that can be produced and dispersed for heating and cooling with a water well loop. Calculate the associated water well pump energy consumption.
RLO / Module 6 - Optimize with an energy balance the best combination of heat pump loops and water well loops to provide as much energy as possible to maintain the house temperature at 70° F at all times. If the temperature cannot be maintained at 70° F at all times using the geothermal options, calculate the remaining energy load required which will be provided by electric heating and cooling.
RLO / Module 7 - Create a final report including an overall summary of the project, written discussion of each module, conclusions and recommendations with calculations, graphics and references.