| Title | Optimization of Surface Infrastructure and Heat Sinks for Low Enthalpy Direct-Use Geothermal Energy Systems in the City of Regina Indoor Aquatic Facility |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kenneth Shular |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | low enthalpy geothermal optimisation techniques |
| Abstract | Low enthalpy geothermal energy resources exist in many locations where energy is required for building heating purposes. Commercial applications of geothermal systems are challenged by their relatively high capital cost in comparison to conventional heating systems. Geothermal system efficiency and return-on-investment are significantly improved by extending the system to year-round utilization applications, by optimizing the heat extraction from pumped geothermal resource water, and by minimizing the peak sizing of energy extraction systems relative to the overall energy consumption of the heat sink. The presentation describes operational examples in Australia of geothermal systems with these innovative optimization principles embedded and how these techniques are being extended to cold climate application of low enthalpy geothermal energy use in the Indoor Aquatic Facility in Regina, Saskatchewan, currently under design – one of the largest applications of a deep well low enthalpy direct use geothermal system in Canada. Challenges of low-temperature energy supply, integration with well substructure, and zero-water use geothermal systems are described. The design process illustrates that closely integrating the geothermal system with the aquatic facilities’ systems results in synergies leading to reductions in costs of both building components and the geothermal extraction system. It illustrates that significantly increased overall heating system coefficients-of-performance are generated, and that very significant reductions in energy costs and in greenhouse gas emissions are practically achieved through use of such optimized and integrated geothermal/HVAC systems – making a significant contribution to the City of Regina’s goals in their Energy and Sustainability Framework. |