The influence of geometry on the performance of a helical steel pile as a geo-exchange system

Foundation piles have the potential to improve economic and technical feasibility of ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. They simultaneously provide structural support energy for space heating cooling. In this study, a thoroughly verified validated numerical model novel in-ground exchanger GSHP systems is developed used simulate optimize performance. Commercially available helical steel casings with nominal sizes according American Petroleum Institute (API) API 13.5, 23, 29, 53, 60, 68 were considered. The flow rates considered 1 L/min, 2 L/min 4 laminar lower pressure drops. Results show performance increase increasing pile size owing improved transfer longer residence times. Optimizing an casing, (with 2” plastic pipe) gives capacity 0.01 ton/pile (or 8.3%), which would reduce approximate array required 3 ton cooling system from 13 12. Doubling while keeping other parameters constant 18.5% improvement output 0.28 ton/pile, 11, 20 m requirement meet load. With maximum exchange rate 58.6 W per meter depth, shallow has minimize costs small-scale implementation. addition, possible low help pumping power requirements. This study provides foundation sizing design piles. Moreover, also insights into in multi-layered soils where thermal conductivity varies depth.