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SSC funds Alternative Energy Innovation at the Hydrosystems Laboratory

Posted by Laura Schultz on April 25, 2019

As part of the construction of the new Hydrosystems Laboratory, it has become possible to integrate energy piles into the construction. This represents an emerging chance to take the next steps toward geothermal energy on campus by installing energy foundation piles in a large campus building. This project focuses on installation of geothermal heat exchangers within the foundation of the new Hydrosystems Laboratory. Approximately half of the pre-existing building was removed and a larger segment is being built to replace the demolished half. The new portion will be supported by eight drilled shafts. The goal is two use four of these shafts to install energy piles to provide the heating and cooling to the Geotechnical Instructional Laboratory. Data collected during operation of the piles will be used to investigate their heat transfer processes, and the results will be compared with the experimental data and the numerical model will be validated for further use to design new buildings on campus and in the surrounding areas.