BASIMO – Borehole Heat Exchanger Array Simulation and Optimization Tool

Abstract

Innovative applications and novel modifications of borehole heat exchangers (BHE) require new simulation tools. Currently, features like inclined or partly insulated boreholes necessitate fully discretized models. However, those models come at high computational cost. We present a tool, which uses an analytical solution for the BHE coupled with a numerical solution for the subsurface heat transport. A tetrahedron mesh bypasses the limitations of structured grids for borehole path geometries, while BHE properties changing with depth are considered. The tool benefits from the fast analytical solution of the BHEs while still allowing for a detailed consideration of the BHE properties.