SE-14-C030 -- Optimum Geothermal Performance via Predictive Modeling and Adaptive Control

The application of geothermal heat pumps has traditionally treated the earth heat exchanger as a substitute for a boiler and cooler tower. Leveraging the significant heat storage characteristics of this heat exchanger will not be optimized if traditional design and control strategies are used. The application of accurate energy modeling and predictive, adaptive control of the geothermal heat exchanger allows many potential benefits including lower first cost and lower operating cost. Covered topics include a shift from traditional real-time geothermal heat exchanger control to predictive, self-adapting control technology, the importance of accurate energy modelling, and the application of; radiant heating/cooling, active chilled beams, magnetic bearing chillers, and hybrid cooling tower/geothermal applications.