Heat Transfer in Double U-Tube Boreholes With Two Independent Circuits

This study presents the development of an analytical model to predict steady-state heat transfer in double U-tube geothermal boreholes equipped with two independent circuits. Such boreholes can be used for heat extraction in one circuit, combined with a heat pump, for example, and simultaneous thermal recharging in the other circuit. The model accounts for a thermal interaction among pipes, and it predicts the fluid temperature profiles in both circuits along the borehole depth, including the exit fluid temperature. Different circuit configurations are assessed under typical borehole operating conditions. For a typical borehole geometry, results show that double U-tube boreholes with two independent circuits connected to a relatively low temperature heat source are superior to single U-tube and regular (one circuit) double U-tube boreholes. The axial variation in fluid temperature and the heat exchange among pipes show that most of the heat transfer occurs in the downward legs. Furthermore, in some cases, the fluid in the heat extraction leg gets cooled as it flows upward, which is contrary to the desired effect.