Determination of thermal properties of grouting materials for borehole heat exchangers (BHE)

Thermal properties of grouting materials for borehole heat exchangers (BHE) are currently analysed with varying measurement methods and analysis procedures, resulting in difficulties when comparing values of different studies. This study therefore provides the first comprehensive investigation of different analysis procedures by systematically comparing the influence of the measurement method and the sample preparation on the determination of the thermal conductivity and the volumetric heat capacity. Seven dissimilar grouting materials with varying water–solid ratios (W/S) and compositions are analysed. The thermal conductivities of the materials range between 0.9 and 1.8 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ (transient plane source method, TPS). The volumetric heat capacities range between 3.01 and 3.63 MJ m⁻³ K⁻¹ (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC). From the findings of this study, a standardised analysis of grouting materials is provided which suggests mixing of the grouting material at a high mixing speed and sample curing under water for 28 days at room temperature. The benefits of calculating the volumetric heat capacities of grouting materials from the specific heat capacities of dry samples measured with the DSC, the water content and the bulk density are demonstrated. Furthermore, an estimation procedure of volumetric heat capacity from the W/S and suspension density with an uncertainty of smaller ± 5% is provided. Finally, this study contributes to consistency and comparability between existing and future studies on the thermal properties of grouting materials.