Grant: Alliance Grants
Toronto Metropolitan University
$70,000.00
Investigation and characterization of geo-pile heat exchangers
FY 2024-25
Summary
This NSERC Alliance proposal seeks to expand the application and optimization of helical pile heat exchangers. These devices, often referred to as 'geo-piles' or 'geo-columns' are potentially dual-purpose, serving both as structural elements in building construction, and as efficient thermal transfer mechanisms for ground source heat pumps. By combining the structural support of helical steel piles with the thermal functionality of geo-exchange systems, the proposed research aims to enhance the sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of the built environment, particularly in diverse climatic and geological settings, including areas of Northern Canada affected by permafrost.
The partnership driving this research with Innovia GEO Corp. focuses on numerical and experimental studies, as well as design optimization research, towards the deployment of geo-piles. Applications will be considered in low-rise and mid-rise buildings, district thermal energy systems, and permafrost stabilization in Northern Canadian regions. This Alliance leverages Innovia GEO Corp.'s expertise in geothermal technology installation and the academic experience of the Dworkin group to address three main objectives:
1. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the thermal behavior of geo-piles and geo-columns through detailed characterization, simulation, and optimization studies.
2. To integrate geo-pile systems into district thermal energy systems, enhancing their capability to provide scalable heating and cooling solutions.
3. To explore and optimize geo-pile technology in controlling permafrost thaw, ensuring structural stability and sustainable heating in northern regions threatened by climate change.
The expected impacts of this research include reductions in the installation and operational costs of geo-piles, a decrease in dependence on non-renewables, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this Alliance aligns with national priorities on sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
Program
Alliance Grants
Recipient
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
598264-2024
Name nom
Dworkin, Seth SB
Department département
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Organization id
43
Institution établissement
Toronto Metropolitan University
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2024
Competition year année de concours
2024
Award amount
70000
Program id
ALLRP
Program name en
Alliance Grants
Program name fr
Subventions Alliance
Group en
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Group fr
PARTENARIATS DE RECHERCHE
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
305
Area of application group en
Energy resources
Area of application group fr
Ressources d'énergie
Area of application en
Energy storage and conversion
Area of application fr
Stockage et transformation de l'énergie
Research subject code
2100
Research subject group en
Mechanical engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie mécanique
Research subject en
Mechanical engineering
Research subject fr
Génie mécanique
Field of research list names en
Not available
Field of research list names fr
Non disponible
Socioeconomic objective list names en
Not available
Socioeconomic objective list names fr
Non disponible
Application title
Investigation and characterization of geo-pile heat exchangers
Keywords
finite element analysis; geo-piles; ground heat exchangers; ground source heat pumps; optimization
Application summary
This NSERC Alliance proposal seeks to expand the application and optimization of helical pile heat exchangers. These devices, often referred to as 'geo-piles' or 'geo-columns' are potentially dual-purpose, serving both as structural elements in building construction, and as efficient thermal transfer mechanisms for ground source heat pumps. By combining the structural support of helical steel piles with the thermal functionality of geo-exchange systems, the proposed research aims to enhance the sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of the built environment, particularly in diverse climatic and geological settings, including areas of Northern Canada affected by permafrost.
The partnership driving this research with Innovia GEO Corp. focuses on numerical and experimental studies, as well as design optimization research, towards the deployment of geo-piles. Applications will be considered in low-rise and mid-rise buildings, district thermal energy systems, and permafrost stabilization in Northern Canadian regions. This Alliance leverages Innovia GEO Corp.'s expertise in geothermal technology installation and the academic experience of the Dworkin group to address three main objectives:
1. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the thermal behavior of geo-piles and geo-columns through detailed characterization, simulation, and optimization studies.
2. To integrate geo-pile systems into district thermal energy systems, enhancing their capability to provide scalable heating and cooling solutions.
3. To explore and optimize geo-pile technology in controlling permafrost thaw, ensuring structural stability and sustainable heating in northern regions threatened by climate change.
The expected impacts of this research include reductions in the installation and operational costs of geo-piles, a decrease in dependence on non-renewables, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this Alliance aligns with national priorities on sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
