Geothermal heat pumps to reduce diesel consumption in an off-grid subarctic community: Comparison of solar assisted systems with optional underground energy storage

Overdependence on fossil fuels for heating and electricity poses significant challenges for remote communities in northern Quebec. This study evaluates the efficiency, heating costs and relevance of solar-assisted geothermal systems in a subarctic climate. Detailed subsurface data collected from Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik were used to simulate heat pumps coupled to borehole heat exchangers, taking into account the possibility of thermal energy storage. Results show that a conventional configuration of borehole heat exchanger effectively meet low heating demands, while borehole thermal energy storage enables the annual balancing of ground loads and meets the high unbalanced heating demands. This work offers valuable insights for optimizing ground heat exchanger configurations in a harsh climate.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the efficiency and cost of solar-assisted geothermal systems in a subarctic climate, and offers recommendations for optimizing ground heat exchanger configurations.