Integra-Therm : Optimised ground-source heating and cooling from integrated pipe systems

To reduce the UK's reliance on fossil fuels for space heating, ground-source heat (GSH) systems have become a popular, low-carbon alternative to gas, oil and electric boilers. With the ban on new gas-fired based boilers coming into force during 2025-35 (and many users not having mains gas), they are, arguably, one of the most realistic low-carbon solutions to our energy supply need. However, conventional ground-source heat systems are not cheap and require significant areas of land to be effective. In addition, if installed/run incorrectly they can also be prone to failure in winter.

This project will develop a new approach to Ground Source Heating and Cooling (GSHC) that aims to provide low-carbon heating/cooling in a more efficient, effective and affordable form. By combining conventional ground-source heating technology with large-scale drainage/wastewater pipeline systems, we will develop an innovative and new concept for integrated, heat/cool energy capture & storage that will provide significant benefits over conventional Ground-Source Heat systems. Our new concept will provide greater operational efficiency, improved heat/cool energy recovery, require a smaller land footprint, open up more potential sites to GSHC and, importantly, lower system installation costs. As part of the project, we will be developing a Digital Twin design and condition monitoring tool "_Integra-Therm_" for the integrated Ground Source Heating and Cooling system that will deliver a full, detailed understanding of the thermal, physical and subsurface properties of an intended site (and its GSHC system) in order to make the installed system work in an optimised, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Our primary focus will be on developing the new integrated heating and cooling system for large-scale housing schemes plus retail, commercial and industrial developments where flood retention and wastewater drainage infrastructure are already part of the development design. As such, we envisage widening the scope and reach of sites for our new GSHC system, therefore tackling some of the concerns associated with the 2025+ gas boiler ban, supporting off gas grid users (some four million homes) and providing a pathway for the UK to reach net zero in a quicker and more affordable way.