Thermal Response Testing (TRT)

B. A. Hydro Solutions Ltd. are proud to introduce to existing and new customers their new Thermal Response Testing (TRT) services.
On projects ranging from only a few boreholes, through to sites with dozens of boreholes, it most certainly pays to test the in-situ thermal properties of the ground. TRT enables direct measurements of the thermal conductivity and other parameters of the ground into which closed loop ground source heating and cooling systems are being developed. Testing is often completed whilst new boreholes are being completed to quickly confirm desk study design calculations and to enable refinement of the total number of boreholes necessary.

Our portable and trailer mounted equipment enable us to rapidly mobilise to site. Test durations vary depending on borehole depth, ground conditions and the test objectives. Our equipment is designed to enable two boreholes to be tested simultaneously providing spacings aren’t too great. This reduces the cost and normally the time needed to conduct multiple tests to either confirm lateral continuity or different geologies on the same site.

We have recently used the equipment to test the thermal break through time on a problematic open loop heat source system under development. By managing re-injection water at varying flow rates, whilst maintaining a target temperature, it is possible to simulate the final installation and scenarios beyond the design specification. The client and their design consults are now able to develop a management strategy based on the hydraulic linkage and thermal break through times to progress the system which previously appeared doomed.