In a significant advancement for sustainable energy solutions, researchers have proposed a groundbreaking method for harnessing solar thermal energy through a novel shallow depth enhanced geothermal system (SDEGS). This innovative approach offers a promising solution to the challenges of energy storage, particularly in regions like northern China where solar resources are abundant but often underutilized due to their intermittent nature.
The study, led by Xianbiao Bu from the School of Energy Science and Engineering at the University of Science and Technology of China, outlines how SDEGS can effectively store high-temperature thermal energy during non-heating seasons and release it for space heating when demand peaks. “Our system maintains a thermal recovery efficiency greater than 90%, which is a remarkable achievement in the field of underground thermal energy storage,” Bu stated. This high efficiency is attributed to the system’s design, which circumvents the natural convection typically seen in traditional systems by injecting thermal energy into tight rocks.
The implications for the construction sector are profound. With rising demands for energy-efficient buildings and sustainable heating solutions, the SDEGS model significantly reduces project costs and risks associated with geothermal installations. By utilizing shallow buried depth rocks, it lowers the temperature requirements for energy extraction, making it more accessible for various applications. This opens the door for a wider adoption of geothermal energy systems in urban developments, particularly in areas that previously lacked the geological conditions for traditional geothermal systems.
Moreover, as the construction industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability, the ability to integrate solar thermal energy with geothermal systems could reshape energy strategies for new and existing buildings. Bu emphasized the commercial potential of this technology, suggesting that “the integration of SDEGS into construction projects could not only enhance energy efficiency but also provide a competitive edge in the market.”
As the construction industry grapples with the dual challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability, the findings published in ‘Frontiers in Built Environment’ (translated as ‘Frontiers in Built Environment’) highlight a path forward. This research not only paves the way for innovative energy solutions but also sets the stage for future developments in the field of renewable energy and infrastructure, potentially transforming how we think about energy storage and usage in the built environment.
For more insights on this research, you can visit University of Science and Technology of China.
