Assessing thermal energy storage potential in the groundwater body of Louvain-la-Neuve

Details

Supervisors

Gerin, Patrick A. ; Vanclooster, Marnik

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en sciences et technologies de l'environnement, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Within a context of global warming, there is a need for an energy transition implying a reduction of primary energy consumption. This is particularly important in building environments, which are responsible for one-third of the world's final energy consumption. In this context, the objective of this work was to assess the potential of interseasonal storage of surplus heat collected in the summer for recovery in winter in the urban setting of Louvain-la-Neuve (LLN). The thermal storage system identified as most suitable for the LLN configuration is ATES (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage), which utilizes the Brussels sands groundwater body as energy storage medium. This study involved creating a lithostratigraphic model of the study area using the kriging method, followed by a hydrogeological model of the aquifer using MODFLOW software. Subsequently, the study explored the evolution of a simulated thermal plume behaviour throughout the study area to identify the most promising zones for installing an ATES system. Next, a more in-depth analysis was made for the Blocry Sport Center, considering injection/pumping and flow periods. Thermal recovery efficiencies were calculated for different flow and injection temperature configurations to identify well locations that improve the storage system's performance. Results confirm the potential of energy storage with efficiencies depending on the configuration of the ATES system. Additional data collection and holistic system efficiency analysis are suggested to reduce prediction uncertainties of ATES performances.