Safer Energy Storage Solutions by Fluorine-free Electrolytes

Research Project, 2013 – 2018

As part of sustainable development of urban areas, energy production from foundations has gained increased interest in the last ten years. Initial calculations of potential energy savings in Sweden indicate that for a typical office building, geothermal basements could account for around 75% of heating requirements and 90% of cooling requirements, thus offering an attractive alternative. However, the geological conditions in Sweden are different from the countries where the technologies have been applied so far. The aim of this project is to develop mathematical models and simulation tools to study the effect of cyclic loading caused by geothermal installations, such as geothermal piles, on soft clays, and to validate the developed models using laboratory and field measurements. The multi-disciplinary project will bring together experts in the field of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, energy installation, building physics, heat pump manufacturing, piling and energy borehole contracting. Based on the results, the current design methods will be amended as necessary. The ultimate aim is to facilitate safe and sustainable development of underground geothermal installations in Scandinavian soft soil conditions