Return to PhD Projects List

Demand-Side Design Systems for Geologic Groundwater Heat Pump Technology

Demand-Side Design Systems for Geologic Groundwater Heat Pump Technology
Demand-Side Design Systems for Geologic Groundwater Heat Pump Technology

Supervisor: Dr. Richard Lord, University of Strathclyde

PhD Student: Ross Donaldson, University of Strathclyde

Status: Closed

Objectives of Project 

1. Geologic review of regulatory and planning framework for hydrogeologic GGSHP in Scotland and UK

2. Identification of the co-development of Carbon Capture and Storage technology / installations with GGSHP installation design

3. In collaboration with Estate Management develop a full-scale test facility for deep hydrogeologic GGSHP, focused on key infrastructure on campus and interface with demand-site energy management

4. Determine the cost-benefit analysis of deep hydrogeologic GGSHP techniques and mechanisms to optimize the RHI opportunity to meet government targets on carbon reduction

The project stages are:

1. Research the technical requirements and limitations of GGSHPs.

2. Develop dynamic models using Matlab Simulink to simulate performance and control.

3. Design the full-scale technology demonstration project in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde Estates (already agreed).

4. Monitor the performance of the demonstration site and develop a validated demand-side building energy performance assessment for comparison with CHP, solar and biomass.

5. Complete with BRE a cost-benefit analysis to determine optimal impact focus for implementation under RHI across Scotland.

Impact

Ground source heat pumps using deep geologic groundwater have only just started to be evaluated as a joint solution for Urban demand side power management. Crossing the Geological / Hydrogeological - Building Services multidisciplinary boundary will enable the extant built environment to be retrofit with high quality / low carbon technology and will be a major step forward to meet challenging carbon reduction targets.