Overview of observed thermal and thermo-mechanical response of piled energy foundations

Abstract

A number of publications have described tests undertaken on piles used as heat exchangers both at laboratory and field scale. This paper collates and summarises a number of these in order to draw out some of the significant responses seen and to identify where there are gaps in knowledge requiring further research. The available data is somewhat contradictory and in most cases incomplete but what is apparent is that piled energy foundations have some important differences to borehole heat exchangers in terms of thermal and thermo-mechanical effects. The need for testing protocols and the establishment of an international database of well documented case studies is identified as a pressing need in order to press forward with the development and uptake of this technological application