The proposed project will involve the design, construction, and installation of an energy geo-structure (energy shaft with a diameter of 2 feet and a length of 30 feet) for heating the UIUC Energy Farm. An energy shaft is a new technology designed to access the shallow geothermal energy (relatively constant ground temperature in the upper 30 m of the subsurface). The objective of the project is to determine the feasiblity of using drilled shafts that are already being used to support structures on campus also as a geothermal heat-exchange element. Geothermal heat exchangers (closed absorber pipes) can be incorporated into underground infrastructure, e.g., drilled shafts, through which water is circulated to withdraw shallow geothermal heat (~55 °F) and transport it to the surface for structure heating or cooling.

In summary, energy shafts could serve as both structural and heat-exchange elements for buildings, leading to reduced costs and reduced usage of space because another borehole will not have to be drilled for a heat exchange system. The unique aspect of this project is the effectiveness of an energy shaft in Central Illinois is not known but all high rise structures in the area are supported on drilled shafts because of the subsurface conditions. As a result, this project will allow the cost/benefits of an energy shaft to be quantified to determine whether or not future U of I buildings should be founded on energy shafts. The usage of renewable shallow geothermal energy will lower fossil fuel usage, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. The results of this project will enhance the future development of geothermal exchange systems on the U of I campus, which will aid in achieving the goals outlined in the Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP)