Thermal response test numerical modeling using a dynamic simulator

Background Borehole heat exchangers are a growing technology in the area of house/building air conditioning, most of all in northern Europe. Methods In order to have a good project, we need to have a reliable value of ground thermal conductivity, which is normally obtained by interpreting the data retrieved by running a thermal response test. Different are the ways of interpreting the data provided by the test (e.g., infinite line source theory, finite line source theory, etc.), and in this paper. Results We will first simulate a thermal response test using finite element subsurface flow system, a heat and flow dynamic simulator. Conclusions Then, a sensitivity analysis of the effect of the different grout properties on the results of a thermal response test is shown.