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Borehole System Basic Configuration
A solar borehole system is referred to as borehole thermal energy storage (BTES). BTES uses the sun and ground for collecting and storing solar thermal energy. Multiple boreholes are drilled into the ground. Within the boreholes are U-shaped pipes. Outside solar collectors harness the sun's thermal energy, commonly during the summer, and move the heat into the U-shaped piping. Depending on the system's design, water/glycol or water/alcohol mixtures run through the piping for holding the injected thermal energy. The liquid mixture stores the energy within the underground borehole system until the heat is needed in the winter. In contrast, the system also functions for air-conditioning. The borehole fluid mixtures are cold after using the stored heat during the winter. As a result, the cold fluid supplies a home's air-conditioning needs.
Borehole Features
The main storage bodies for solar thermal heat are the boreholes. Their lengths extend into the ground at varying depths, depending on the region's geology, as well as the overall heating and cooling needs of the region. Some areas have hard, freezing soil, limiting the borehole lengths to about 121 feet. Areas with milder climates can have boreholes lengths as long 984 feet down into the ground. Soil, with limited depths, typically uses more boreholes in a particular configuration, compared to a system with deeper borehole abilities.
BTES Area Use
BTES will not work effectively in a region that does not have large temperature swings throughout the year. For example, regions near the Equator have a relatively constant temperature throughout the year. The BTES would not have the contrasting cold and hot months for the system to function correctly.
BTES Improvements
In the past, the borehole system technology did not offer much energy savings, due to energy loss during storage periods. However, advances in software design have improved the system's energy retention. Strategically placed sensors within the boreholes communicate any energy loss issues to the software for adjustment. In addition, current BTES installing companies use the geology of a region for designing the most energy efficient system possible for a customer. Companies look for ground areas that are easily drilled through, but also soil composition that will insulate the final boreholes.