Investigation of the effect of groundwater flow velocity on energy efficiency in energy pile groups positioned parallel to the groundwater flow direction

Abstract

In recent years, many studies have been carried out on energy piles based on the principle of utilizing the heat potential of shallow soils. The thermal energy obtained from energy piles is affected by various factors. One of important factors can be considered as groundwater flow. In this study, the effect of groundwater flow velocity on the thermal energy obtained from energy pile groups positioned parallel to the groundwater flow direction was investigated using GeoStudio TEMP/W and SEEP/W Finite Element Method Software. Analyses results indicate that the energy obtained from the piles may increase with the increase in the groundwater flow velocity.