District geothermal systems have been proposed as one way to decarbonize clusters of buildings by using heat pumps, and a major opportunity in supporting widespread strategic electrification. The most cost-effective sizing of any geothermal system involves balanced heating and cooling loads, but this is seldom able to be achieved. Here we will cover some of the available options of hybrid approaches and their advantages/ disadvantages from recent feasibility studies. Air source heat pump chillers, waste heat recovery, and thermal storage approaches can minimize the cost of the system by maximizing the value of the geothermal bore holes deployed.
Saarthak Narsipur,Energy Engineer,CHA Consulting, Inc
Dylan Turek,,City of Troy NY
Mitch DeWein,Energy & Renewables Team Leader,CHA Consulting, Inc