The application of horizontal geothermal systems in Gillam (Manitoba): a case study

Marziyeh Fathalkhani, Hartmut Holländer, Pooneh Maghoul, Rob Sinclair

In the proceedings of GeoSt. John's 2019: 72nd Canadian Geotechnical Conference

Session: Sustainable Geotechnics

ABSTRACT: The application of renewable energy resources can be proposed as a solution for addressing global warming caused by applying fossil fuels for energy supply. The application of the GSHP system, as an alternative of clean energy source, in cold regions may contribute to some potential problems such as the ground thermal imbalance. This study aims to investigate, by using a Thermo-Hydraulic (TH) analysis, the performance of a GSHP planned to be used in Gillam (Northern Manitoba), in which heat is extracted from the ground by means of a horizontal geothermal system. In this regard, the underground temperature profile was estimated using COMSOL Multiphysics. The research showed how energy from an external heat source such as rivers or lakes could be used to mitigate the underground thermal imbalance of traditional systems, and such a system is advantageous for cold climates. The efficiency of Gillam geothermal system was increased by 45 percent with utilizing Stephens Lake as a summer heat source.

RÉSUMÉ: Les pompes à chaleur géothermique font partie du mix de technologies pour utiliser les énergies renouvelables; il peut toutefois mener à certains problèmes potentiels tels que le -hydraulique othermiquéchangeur de chaleur horizontal. Les conclusions de cette étude seront utiles pour un système conçu à Gillam (Nord du Manitoba). À cet égard, le profil de température souterraine a été estimé à l'aide de COMSOL Multiphysics. La recherche des systèmes traditionnels. Une telle approche avantageuse dans les régions exposées à des climats froids. augmenterait lorsque sa chaleur stockée en été est utilisée.

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Cite this article:
Marziyeh Fathalkhani; Hartmut Holländer; Pooneh Maghoul; Rob Sinclair (2019) The application of horizontal geothermal systems in Gillam (Manitoba): a case study in GEO2019. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{Geo2019Paper332,author = Marziyeh Fathalkhani; Hartmut Holländer; Pooneh Maghoul; Rob Sinclair,title = The application of horizontal geothermal systems in Gillam (Manitoba): a case study,year = 2019}