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ESI offers a complete ground source energy design service. As part of this complete service, from initial feasibility assessment through modelling and system design to installation, thermal response tests and their interpretation can be essential component. We also offer stand-alone thermal response test services. What are Thermal Response Tests? The amount of heat that can be extracted or injected into the ground over a length of time is strictly dependent on the borehole construction characteristics and the thermal properties of the rocks underlying the site. It is therefore important to have a good understanding of the ground thermal properties when designing closed loop ground source energy schemes. These thermal properties are estimated from the results of a thermal response test (TRT), which normally consists of the injection of a known amount of heat into the ground over a known length of time. Temperature changes in the fluid flowing within the loop are measured and the thermal properties of the ground are indirectly estimated. Why perform a thermal response test?
Ground thermal properties are notoriously difficult to estimate and a poorly designed system will lead to additional costs and efficiency losses over the life of the scheme. A ground source energy scheme that does not meet the buildings thermal loading requirements will not be sustainable. In extreme cases, the scheme may even be less efficient than a well-designed conventional system.
Common problems are:
- Higher initial costs
- System does not meet design requirements
- Decreased energy efficiency
- Having to use a top-up system
- Shorter product life
- Non-recovery of ground temperatures - even less efficient
When is it economically justified to perform a TRT?
There is no simple answer to this question but if the cost of the TRT is less than the amount saved on drilling costs, then the test has actually paid for itself. Additionally, the client has the extra benefit of greater confidence of appropriate sizing in the scheme design and hence the scheme lifespan and its long term sustainability. ESI’s Services
ESI offers to unde rtake your thermal response testing at your site. Whether you also require the installation of a test borehole or simply the interpretation of your data, we make a great effort to provide you with optimised parameters for the description of the ground thermal properties at your site. The whole process is managed and delivered through industry best practice. Our tests are fully compliant with ASHRAE (2002) and International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA 2008) standards.
Thermal Response Test services can be stand alone or offered as part of ESI’s ground source energy design service.
We can carry out a ground source energy feasibility assessment, arrange for the drilling of the borehole, carry out the thermal response test and interpret the data. Detailed interpretation of the thermal properties of the ground in relation to the geology and hydrogeology or a basic interpretation of the thermal conductivity of the ground can be supplied. In addition, we can also advise on the design of the ground source system package. Why Choose ESI?
 ESI is a specialist groundwater and modelling consultancy We specialise in the application of quantitative hydrogeological techniques to site investigation, groundwater modelling and design.
ESI employs a team of highly specialised hydrogeologists and modellers who have worked for key UK and Italian ground source heat projects, including Transport for London Cooling the Tube Programme and the IKEA stores in Milan. This team can deliver solutions guaranteed to perform according to specifications over the entire lifecycle of the system.
To enquire about our Thermal Response Testing Service, or any of our services and rates, please contact Antonio Gennarini on 01743 276100 or at
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for more information.
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Ground Source Heat Services 
