Fifth-Generation District Heating and Cooling Networks Based on Shallow Geothermal Energy: A review and Possible Solutions for Mediterranean Europe

Abstract

This document presents a comprehensive review of research works, regulatory frameworks, technical solutions, and commercial trends related to the integration of shallow geothermal energy (SGE) technologies in modern 5th-generation district heating and cooling (5GDHC) networks. This literature and market analysis is contextualized by the present geopolitical, environmental, and societal scenario in Europe. In this sense, decarbonization of the heating and cooling sector is a crucial piece in the energy transition puzzle to keep global warming below the critical threshold of 1.5 °C by the next century. Moreover, Ukraine war has added urgency to end up with fossil fuel dependency. The most relevant outcome of this literature review is the synergistic relationship between SGE, 5GDHC networks, and urban environments. SGE is most efficiently deployed in urban environments when it is part of a district heating and cooling network, and the modern concept of 5GDHC is the most suitable scenario for it. Since the potential contribution of SGE to the decarbonization of the heating and cooling supply is mostly untapped across Europe, this synergistic effect represents a possible boost. Hybridization with solar photovoltaics and/or storage makes it even more attractive. Outstanding cases are reviewed, challenges for the future are presented, and tools to overcome social reluctance and/or lack of awareness are described, along with a discussion of the stimuli for the deployment of SGE and 5GDHC networks. A particular focus on Mediterranean countries is presented, where SGE systems and DHC networks of any kind show a particularly low deployment compared to the rest of Europe. To this end, the second part of this work evaluates, justifies, and analyzes the possibilities and potentialities of their application in this zone.

Analysis of the Wider Potential for Heat Pump and Geothermal Energy Integration in Traditional Systems and Grids

“…The new fifth generation district heating and cooling (5 GDHC) network is based on the thermal energy exchange between buildings that have different needs, such as industrial, residential, office buildings, shopping malls, data centres, and electrical transformers. The great advantages of 5 GDHC, including integration of low-temperature sources, bi-directional operation, decentralised energy flows, and possible energy sharing, are analysed and described in a series of articles [25][26][27][28][29]. However, the practical implementation of 5 GDHC systems is still challenging.…”

Investigation of Predictive Regulation Strategy of Secondary Loop in District Heating Systems

“…The energetic effect of using buildings and a district heating network as thermal energy storage to compensate for the reduced heat output of the DHS [26] Table 1. Cont.…”

“…In Ruseljuk et al [25] the adaptability of different CHP equipment for different district heating systems is compared, providing a reference for district heating system design planning. Garcia et al [26] studied a district heating system connected to renewable energy. The related researches have been listed and classified in the Table 1.…”

A Practicable Guideline for Predicting the Thermal Conductivity of Unconsolidated Soils

“…In addition to the generation of sustainable geothermal heating and cooling energy for individual residential and industrial buildings, there is also the possibility of using large-scale geothermal collector systems (LSCs) to cover significantly higher energy demands [4,5]. In combination with fifth generation low-temperature district heating and cooling networks (5GDHC), these systems can meet the needs of entire residential areas [5][6][7][8]. Due to the low temperature level and the non-insulated pipes [5] used in these systems, these networks also act as ground heat exchangers; thus, thermal conductivity is also a decisive factor for the energetic performance here.…”