Identifying best practice, installation, laboratory testing and field testing

Abstract This paper summarizes recommendations for best practice associated with the installation of geothermal loops within foundations to form thermopiles, based on experience gained over the past 10 years in the UK. The issue of paramount importance in constructing a successful thermopile installation is the early stage coordination with all parties that will encounter, install or test the geothermal loops. Several lessons learned from the installation and construction of thermopiles are described to help ensure a smooth installation process. As long as there is early coordination, the installation of geothermal heat exchange tubing is relatively simple and will have very little or no impact on typical deep foundation installation procedures. This, coupled with the fact that there are additional costs and implications associated with other geothermal heat exchange approaches, implies that thermopiles are an ideal economic solution to access a renewable energy source.