Field-scale Experimental Analysis of Helical Steel Piles as in- Ground Heat Exchangers for Ground Source Heat Pumps

This thesis investigates the performance of Helical Steel Piles (HSPs) as in-ground heat exchangers for Ground-Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems. Eight HSPs with integrated plastic tubing for fluid circulation were installed at the Eby Rush Transformer Station in Waterloo, Ontario. The CFD model simulations needed for the design of the experimental site as well as the installation process is detailed in Chapter 2. The control strategy and the tests required to assess the performance of the system are presented in the same chapter. Chapter 3 presents the CFD model modifications, optimization, and validation based on the harvested data from the experimental site. The capacity, coefficient of performance (COP), and power consumption of this novel system were investigated through conducting heating and cooling tests. The results indicate the feasibility of using HSPs as in-ground heat exchangers to provide sustainable thermal energy.