Vertical geothermal heat exchanger

From the collaboration between iTube srl and GeoInTech, a spin-off of the University of Urbino, with the help of a P.O.R. FSE 2007-2013 grant, an innovative vertical heat exchanger for low-temperature geothermal systems has been created.

A geometric solution, combined with the thermal properties of the raw material, was developed to optimize heat exchange and internal fluid dynamics.

The geothermal probe is designed to provide better heat exchange with the subsurface, and tests performed show a thermal performance 35-45 % better than a traditional U-shaped probe.

The higher thermal exchange efficiency results in a major reduction in the liner meters of drilling required to meet project requirements thus resulting in up to 30% savings in installation costs.

In addition, the innovative geothermal probe is designed to:

• Reduce the thermal resistance caused by drilling (Rb);
• Avoid excessive exploitation of the subsurface that would affect the efficiency of the plant geothermal over time;
• Have the same durability and strength as traditional probes;
• Ensure easy transportation and installation at the construction site.