Modeling and analysis of an innovative surface geothermal heating system

• Experimental assessment of a patented surface geothermal system • Development and validation of a comprehensive numerical model • Analysis of soil and free-air energy contributions to the system • Validation of simplified setups to reliably reproduce key system dynamics In a world increasingly focused on ecological transition and energy reduction, identifying heating/cooling solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable has become a critical challenge. For each specific context, system configurations must be individually evaluated and sized to determine the most suitable solution. To this end, it is essential to accurately predict the behavior of a given solution in order to identify the conditions under which it becomes truly effective. In this context, we developed a numerical model tailored to a novel surface geothermal system in order to gain deeper insight into the underlying physical mechanisms. This system was installed and operated continuously for one year in a residential setting. Temperature and energy demand data were collected throughout, allowing for comparison of global dynamics. Once validated by comparison with experimental measurements, the model was simplified by reducing its input parameters and boundary constraints, with the aim of verifying its ability not only to reproduce observed system dynamics, but also to predict system behavior using only the averaged data available beforehand reliably. Our results enabled a thorough understanding of the dynamics at stake in this type of system, as well as the conditions required for it to operate efficiently. They also highlight the unexpected importance of precise regulation of the surrounding atmospheric conditions. Moreover, the results emphasize the importance of using such models when assessing these solutions and their potential for supporting proper sizing and design.