GEOTeCH is testing innovative drilling concepts based on dry auger methods, which require less capital-intensive equipment, enhance safety, and avoid the environmental risks, operational complexity, and costs associated with water supply and contaminated waste management typical of conventional geothermal installation technologies.
The project also focuses on improving the integration of thermal exchange elements during installation by developing innovative heat exchanger solutions that deliver enhanced performance compared to conventional systems. Furthermore, GEOTeCH promotes the use of building foundation structures — originally designed solely for structural and geotechnical purposes — as effective geothermal heat exchangers in tertiary buildings.
GEOTeCH is developing optimised hybrid solutions integrating different geothermal systems for both small- and large-scale building markets. System performance optimisation will be achieved through an advanced Energy Management System (EMS) and the development of a dual-source heat pump capable of efficiently harnessing thermal energy from the ground and/or ambient air. The GEOTeCH geothermal heating and cooling standard is designed to be more attractive and accessible for design professionals and construction companies, facilitating broader market uptake.
The primary impacts of GEOTeCH relate to the reduction of costs associated with Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems, through the development of plug-and-play small-scale installations.
The project aims to achieve:
- A 25% overall cost reduction using borehole heat exchangers
- A 33% cost reduction using alternative heat exchanger configurations
By simplifying installation processes and improving system integration, GEOTeCH seeks to enhance the competitiveness and scalability of geothermal solutions within the building sector.
