Innovative Energy Geostructures for Sustainable Heating and Cooling
Europe's energy consumption is rising, with buildings responsible for over 40% of total usage. Space heating, cooling, and hot water alone account for up to 80% of residential energy consumption. To meet EU climate goals for 2030 and the 2050 climate neutrality target, it's essential to develop low-carbon, affordable energy sources. Electrification of heating and cooling through ground source heat pumps is key, yet high costs and technical challenges limit widespread adoption.
LEG-DHC aims to overcome these barriers by advancing Energy Geostructures (EGS), which combine structural and energy functions. EGS technology harnesses shallow geothermal energy by integrating heat exchange tubes into concrete structural elements like pile foundations and retaining walls. This dual function reduces costs and carbon footprints, promoting sustainable heating and cooling solutions.
LEG-DHC seeks to integrate upscaled EGS technology into district heating and cooling networks, alongside other renewable resources, to develop next-generation zero-emission thermal systems.
Work plan
Task 1.1 - EGS Pilot Case Studies. (UniPG, UGA, INGV, Pinto, Ulille, VIA)
Task 1.2 - Monitoring EGS. (UniPG, Pinto, Ulille, WISE, INGV, PANGEO, GEOLAV)
Task 1.3 - Modelling EGS. (ULille, UniPG, UGA, WISE, VIA)
Task 2.1 -Thermal sources.
Task 2.2 Optimization of thermal sources.
Task 2.3 Thermal performance of EGS.
Task 2.4 Mechanical performance of EGS.
Task 3.1 - Data collection in Pilot Case Studies
Task 3.2 - 3D geographic information system (GIS) model
Task 3.3 - Analysis of geothermal distribution in 5GDHC
Task 3.4 - GIS simulation for geothermal distribution and 5GDHC
Task 4.1. Knowledge transfer to Industry
Task 4.2. Communication and dissemination
Task 4.3 IPR and data management
