{"id":2808,"date":"2026-05-28T14:52:13","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T12:52:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/?p=2808"},"modified":"2026-06-08T11:34:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T09:34:12","slug":"sagasta-brings-renewable-energy-from-underground","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/sagasta-brings-renewable-energy-from-underground\/","title":{"rendered":"Heat Exchangers Implemented in Structural Elements of Underground Constructions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. Introduction<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The project \u201cHeat Exchangers Implemented in Structural Elements of Underground Constructions\u201d<\/strong>, which forms part of the Operational Programme Technologies and Applications for Competitiveness (OP TAC)<\/strong> of the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, is a multidisciplinary project based on cooperation between the project applicant, SAGASTA <\/strong>s.r.o<\/strong>.<\/strong> (Czech for Ltd.)<\/strong>, and the research organization VSB \u2013 Technical University of Ostrava<\/strong> (project partner). The project involves experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and the Energy Research Center. Together, these institutions create a synergistic consortium that combines the expertise and experience of their staff, with the composition of the project team covering all disciplines required to achieve the project objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAGASTA s.r.o. is a pioneer in the Czech Republic in the field of geothermal energy extraction from underground construction structures. The company authored a study on the feasibility of utilizing geothermal energy from the stations and running tunnels of Prague Metro Line D, covering the section from Olbrachtova Station to Depo P\u00edsnice Station, prepared for the Prague Public Transit Company. Based on this study, and following recommendations from the Prague City Council Climate Commission and the Prague City Hall Energy Committee, detailed design documentation (PDPS level) was further developed for the utilization of geothermal energy from the mined single-vault Nov\u00e9 Dvory Station and the adjacent running tunnels. The system is intended to provide heating and cooling for a newly developed urban district located above and in the vicinity of the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SAGASTA s.r.o. also prepared another study for the Czech Road and Motorway Directorate to assess the potential utilization of geothermal energy from motorway and road tunnels under its administration, both for tunnel operation and maintenance purposes and for potential use by third-party facilities located above or near tunnel portals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geothermal Energy from Metro Line D Will Help Heat Buildings<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Project Summary<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The continuously increasing demand for energy, efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and the geopolitical consequences of the war in Ukraine are driving the need for broader deployment of renewable energy sources, including geothermal energy. Conventional borehole heat exchangers (GSHP \u2013 Ground Source Heat Pump systems) for extracting energy from the subsurface are now a relatively common technology even under Czech conditions. However, the implementation of heat exchangers directly into underground or foundation structures remains less common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These systems, generally referred to as energy geostructures<\/strong>, can take various forms. The most common types include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Energy piles<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Energy foundation slabs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Energy retaining and underground walls<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Energy tunnel linings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Energy anchors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the interface between the structure and the surrounding ground, which serves as a thermal reservoir, heat exchange occurs. This process can be effectively utilized for heating or cooling buildings and structures. During winter, heat is extracted from the ground and used for space heating. In summer, excess heat removed during building cooling is stored in the ground for later use. Different types of energy geostructures can be appropriately combined within a site to improve heat transfer efficiency between the rock mass and underground structures. Alternatively, the rock mass can function as a thermal storage medium, accumulating heat generated during cooling operations and thereby increasing the efficiency of the overall geothermal system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Energy geostructures serve a dual purpose<\/strong>. Their primary function is structural and operational, depending on the specific type of construction. Their secondary function is energy generation and exchange. Compared with conventional borehole heat exchangers (GSHP systems), which are installed solely for geothermal purposes, energy geostructures provide significant added value at minimal additional installation costs because they are already a necessary component of the construction project from a structural and investment perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Project Focus<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Czech Republic significantly lags behind other countries in the implementation of energy geostructure technologies. To date, only a limited number of energy pile installations have been completed in the Czech Republic (e.g., the AZ Tower building in Brno), while the application of other types of energy geostructures, including structural elements of underground constructions, remains entirely absent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To a large extent, this situation results from a lack of knowledge and practical experience among investors, structural designers, and contractors regarding the application of this progressive and innovative technology, leading to a certain degree of reluctance to adopt it. Furthermore, there is insufficient support in standards and technical guidelines, as well as a lack of methodologies for evaluating the performance and efficiency of such structures under specific local conditions. Achieving the project objectives will significantly contribute to removing these barriers and promoting the broader implementation of energy geostructures, thereby increasing the utilization of renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions, which is particularly desirable in the current geopolitical context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The project focuses on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Optimal design of underground construction structural elements incorporating heat exchangers;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Technological aspects of their application in underground engineering;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Development of an innovative prototype device for testing their energy efficiency under specific operating conditions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Development of an innovative monitoring system for energy geostructure performance based on photonic sensing elements utilizing silica optical fibers (functional prototype and utility model);<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Numerical simulations of the mechanical and thermal response of energy structural elements under variable site conditions and varying material and geometric characteristics of the structure, with the aim of formulating recommendations for achieving optimal long-term performance of the integrated system from technical, economic, sustainability, and operational perspectives<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Verification of the technology for utilizing heat exchangers integrated into underground structural elements for energy generation and storage purposes, thereby reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      None of the previously completed projects related to geothermal energy utilization are duplicative in terms of content, scope, activities, or expected outcomes when compared with the proposed project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The project thematically closest to the proposed research was the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic project TA01020932, \u201cUtilization of Thermal Energy from the Earth’s Crust for Renewable Energy Systems Including Verification of Heat Storage Potential\u201d<\/em> (2011\u20132014). However, that project focused exclusively on borehole heat exchangers and did not address heat exchangers integrated into structural elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The issue of borehole heat exchangers is also partially addressed within the ongoing project REFRESH \u2013 Research Excellence For REgion Sustainability and High-tech Industries<\/em>. Nevertheless, this project likewise does not investigate the integration of heat exchangers into underground structural elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The international project Geothermal Energy in Special Underground Structure<\/em> (2020\u20132023), carried out under the Horizon 2020 programme, did address energy geostructures. However, it was not a research project; rather, its primary objective was to establish international cooperation and strengthen collaboration with leading European research institutions, specifically the University of Vaasa in Finland and the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, and to transfer their research methodologies to VSB \u2013 Technical University of Ostrava.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Several additional projects, particularly those undertaken by researchers from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, focused on the development of photonic sensors for geotechnical applications. However, none of these projects addressed specialized photonic monitoring systems for energy geostructures in underground construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      4. Science and Research in the Deep Tech Domain<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The project scope and expected outcomes are fully aligned with the Deep Tech priority area of Sustainable Energy and Clean (Low-Carbon) Technologies<\/strong>, particularly within the fields of Advanced Renewable Energy Systems, and Energy Storage System Innovation. To a lesser extent, the project also aligns with the Deep Tech priority area of Electronics and Photonics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The proposed project addresses a highly demanding technical and technological challenge. Underground construction itself belongs among the most complex categories of civil engineering projects, requiring solutions to numerous advanced engineering and technological problems. When the primary structural function of underground construction elements is combined with their use for extracting, storing, or transferring thermal energy to and from the surrounding ground, the complexity of the problem increases considerably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In addition to ensuring structural integrity and serviceability, it becomes necessary to investigate the thermal response of both the structural element and the surrounding rock mass under cyclic temperature loading. Further challenges include technological issues associated with the installation of heat exchangers within structural elements, as well as ensuring the efficiency, reliability, sustainability, and optimal operational management of the entire energy system to guarantee its long-term viability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The demanding and ambitious research and development activities planned within the project reflect these challenges and will be carried out by a multidisciplinary research team. The complexity of the R&D activities arises from the need to analyse and develop methods and testing equipment for monitoring coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical, time-dependent processes occurring within the integrated system consisting of the energy structural element of an underground construction and the surrounding rock environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      These processes will be investigated using both experimental approaches, supported by newly developed monitoring technologies, and advanced three-dimensional numerical simulation models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      5. Project Outputs<\/strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

      5.1 Functional Prototype of a Photonic Sensing Solution<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Sensing Solution for Monitoring the Thermal and Deformation Response of Energy Geostructures and the Surrounding Rock Mass in Underground Construction<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The photonic sensing solution will be based on photonic sensing elements utilizing silica optical fibers for continuous monitoring of temperature in the range of \u201340 \u00b0C to +50 \u00b0C and deformation changes on the order of micrometres throughout the entire monitored energy structure of an underground construction, as well as within monitoring radial boreholes installed in the adjacent rock mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The sensing system will consist of supporting and connecting components designed for the implementation of photonic sensing elements within the energy structure or monitoring borehole, together with the multimode silica optical fiber itself. The supporting and connecting elements will ensure secure fixation of the silica fiber within the energy structure while maintaining the best possible contact conditions considering concrete shrinkage during curing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The optical fiber itself must be provided with appropriate protection to withstand installation within individual elements of monolithic tunnel linings (primary and secondary linings). In the case of temperature and deformation monitoring within monitoring boreholes 4\u20135 metres deep in the surrounding rock mass, the attachment technology must ensure adequate fixation of the silica fiber along the entire borehole length during grout injection while simultaneously providing sufficient flexibility to capture deformation changes transmitted from the rock mass to the sensing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The individual supporting and connecting elements of the sensing system, both within the energy structure and the monitoring boreholes, will be manufactured using 3D-printing technology and advanced materials incorporating, for example, carbon fibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The complete photonic sensing solution for temperature and deformation monitoring will also incorporate advanced signal-processing methods for real-time data evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      5.2 Utility Model for Temperature and Deformation Monitoring<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Final Developed Sensing Solution for Monitoring the Thermal and Deformation Response of Energy Geostructures and the Surrounding Rock Mass in Underground Construction<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The photonic sensing solution based on photonic sensing elements utilizing silica optical fibers will enable continuous monitoring of temperature within the range of \u201340 \u00b0C to +50 \u00b0C and deformation changes on the micrometre scale along the entire length of the optical fiber embedded within monitored underground energy structures or within radial monitoring boreholes located in the adjacent rock mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The sensing system will consist of supporting and connecting components designed for integrating photonic sensing elements into energy structures and monitoring boreholes, together with the multimode silica optical fiber itself. The supporting and connecting components will ensure secure fixation of the optical fiber on both the intrados and extrados surfaces of the structure while maintaining optimal contact conditions despite concrete shrinkage during curing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The silica optical fiber will be protected using acrylate-, polyimide-, or ORMOCER-based materials, ideally combined with a micro-layer incorporating carbon and graphite fibers, to ensure suitability for installation within primary and secondary monolithic tunnel lining elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      For monitoring temperature and deformation within 4\u20135 m deep boreholes in the surrounding rock mass, the attachment technology must provide reliable fixation of the optical fiber along the full borehole length during grouting operations while maintaining sufficient flexibility to detect deformation changes transferred from the rock mass to the sensing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The supporting and connecting elements of the entire sensing system, both within the energy structure and the monitoring boreholes, will be manufactured using 3D-printing technology and advanced materials containing carbon fibers or similar reinforcing additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The complete photonic sensing solution will also include advanced signal-processing techniques enabling real-time evaluation of monitoring data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      5.3 Prototype Device for Thermal Performance Testing<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Innovative Device for Testing Heat Transfer Between the Rock Environment and Heat Exchangers Integrated into Underground Structural Elements (Thermal Performance Test \u2013 TPT)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The objective of this task is to design a portable Thermal Performance Test (TPT) device incorporating innovative features to ensure high measurement accuracy under a wide range of geological and ground conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The TPT represents one of the fundamental methods for assessing heat transfer between an underground structural element and the surrounding rock environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The testing system will comprise, in particular:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • an electric boiler,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • a circulation pump,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • storage and expansion vessels,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • a valve assembly,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • temperature and flow measurement devices<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • a piping system with circulating heat-transfer fluid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The system will maintain a constant inlet temperature (Tin) entering the heat-exchanger system while continuously monitoring the outlet temperature (Tout) leaving the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The device will be designed for easy transportation by passenger vehicle or trailer, allowing flexible field deployment. The design will focus on optimizing weight, robustness, and energy efficiency while ensuring stable performance under varying testing conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        5.4 Validated Technology for Geothermal Energy Extraction and Storage<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Validated Technology for Energy Extraction and Storage Using Underground Structural Elements (with Particular Focus on Double-Shell Tunnel Linings) Equipped with Heat Exchangers<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The validated technology will provide principles and recommendations for the optimal design of underground structural elements incorporating heat exchangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Particular attention will be paid to technological issues associated with the installation of heat-transfer pipes within double-shell linings of conventionally excavated tunnels employing different waterproofing systems. The objective is to eliminate the risk of waterproofing damage while ensuring the reliability and functionality of the tunnel lining as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Tunnel construction in the Czech Republic generally utilizes membrane-based waterproofing systems; however, sprayed waterproofing membranes and watertight secondary linings may also be employed. Different waterproofing solutions require different methods of heat-exchanger installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The project therefore includes research into the technological aspects of integrating geothermal piping systems into underground structural elements, with particular emphasis on conventionally excavated double-shell tunnels incorporating intermediate waterproofing layers. A critical analysis of the research findings and recommendations regarding pipe-fixing methods for individual structural configurations will form an integral part of the validated technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The validated technology will also incorporate the results of experimental measurements and numerical simulations of heat transfer between tunnel linings and the surrounding rock mass using the developed prototype testing device. Investigations will consider site-specific conditions as well as geometric and material characteristics of the heat-exchanger system, including pipe spacing, pipe material, pipe cross-section, and related parameters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        These results will support:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • optimal design of underground structural elements equipped with heat exchangers,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • verification of system functionality and operational safety,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • assessment of long-term system sustainability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The project will further verify and define operational conditions required to ensure the safety, reliability, energy efficiency, and economic viability of the technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Comprehensive monitoring data documenting both the mechanical and thermal behaviour of the integrated technological system will also be collected and evaluated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          6. Project Implementation Stages<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Stage I<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Thermal Characteristics of the Rock Mass at the Target Sites and Development of Engineering Geological and Hydrogeological Models of Representative Site Sections<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Main Activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Development of a 3D engineering geological and hydrogeological model;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Investigation of the engineering geological and hydrogeological (EGH) conditions of representative sections of the rock environment at selected target sites;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Laboratory and field testing to determine the fundamental thermal properties of the rock environment at the target sites, including analysis and evaluation of the obtained results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Stage II<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Development of Methods and Technologies for Installing Heat Exchangers in Structural Elements, with a Focus on Underground Constructions<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Main Activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Development of structural designs for heat exchangers and their installation technologies, including the routing of connecting pipework within underground structures using watertight concrete linings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Development of structural designs for heat exchangers and their installation technologies, including connecting pipework within underground structures employing umbrella-type waterproofing systems;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Development of structural designs for heat exchangers and their installation technologies, including connecting pipework within underground structures utilizing pressure waterproofing systems with intermediate waterproofing membranes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Stage III<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Experimental Testing of Heat Transfer Between the Rock Environment and Underground Structural Elements<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Main Activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Development and fabrication of a prototype device for conducting Thermal Performance Tests (TPT);<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Verification of the functionality of the developed prototype under laboratory conditions;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Performance of TPT testing on an experimental heat exchanger installed at the \u0160tramberk experimental tunnel, including analysis of results and optimization of the TPT device;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Execution of TPT testing on a real underground construction project and analysis of the obtained results;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Final optimization of the prototype device based on the evaluation of experimental measurements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Stage IV<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Numerical Simulation of Heat Transport in the Rock Environment and Behaviour of the \u201cRock Mass \u2013 Underground Structural Element\u201d System<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Main Activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Development of a numerical model describing heat transfer between the rock environment and a structural element at the \u0160tramberk test site, including calibration based on TPT results;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Development of a numerical model describing heat transfer between the rock environment and a structural element in a real underground structure and calibration based on in-situ TPT testing results;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Long-term simulations of system behaviour using calibrated numerical models and formulation of recommendations for optimizing heat extraction and storage, including sensitivity analyses with respect to alternative geometric and material input parameters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Stage V<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Development of Procedures and Methods for Monitoring the Behaviour of Energy Structural Elements and the Surrounding Rock Environment Subjected to Combined Thermo-Mechanical Loading<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Main Activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Development of a functional prototype and utility model of a photonic sensing and monitoring system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Laboratory and field testing of the fiber-optic monitoring system, including comparison of temperature and deformation measurements with data obtained from conventional sensors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Stage VI<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Preparation of Documentation for the Validated Technology<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Main Activities:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • Analysis of results obtained during Stages I\u2013V, including validation tests and test reports;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Preparation of technical documentation for the validated technology;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Assessment of the anticipated economic benefits of the validated technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        7. Practical Application of Project Outputs<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        The results generated within this project possess significant application potential not only in the field of underground construction but also across various sectors of industry and energy. The principal benefits can be identified in the key areas outlined below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Through these applications, the project will contribute not only to technological advancement in the utilization of renewable energy sources but also to the broader implementation of various types of energy geostructures in the Czech Republic and their incorporation into standard engineering practice within the construction and energy sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        7.1 Potential Use of R&D Findings in Future Applications<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                        The technology of integrating heat exchangers into underground structural elements represents an innovative approach to the utilization of geothermal energy. The knowledge generated may be applied to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • More efficient design and optimization of geothermal heat exchangers, including installations in railway and road tunnels, underground parking facilities, metro stations, and utility tunnels;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Development of thermal energy storage systems suitable for storing surplus energy generated from renewable energy sources, thereby enhancing energy security and grid stability;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Integration with smart monitoring systems, where fiber-optic sensors enable detailed monitoring of heat flows and structural stability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          7.2 Potential for Breakthrough Technologies and New Products, Processes, and Services<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          The project may serve as a foundation for the following technological innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Development of new types of structural elements incorporating heat exchangers, utilizing advanced materials and optimized designs to improve heat-transfer efficiency;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Innovative monitoring systems based on fiber-optic technologies, enabling more accurate assessment of temperature variations and mechanical stresses within structural elements;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Specialized design methodologies and advanced coupled numerical models applicable not only in geotechnical and civil engineering but also in the planning and operation of complex energy systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            7.3 Potential Application in Other Sectors<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            The knowledge generated by the project has potential applications in sectors extending beyond the project’s primary focus:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • Energy Sector<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0Design of innovative heat-exchanger systems for low-energy buildings;\u00a0Integration with heat-pump technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Transport Infrastructure<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0Use of energy geostructures for surface temperature regulation of platforms, roads, bridges, and similar infrastructure, thereby improving comfort and safety during winter conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Industrial Heating and Cooling<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0Integration of geothermal heat-exchange principles into large-scale storage and manufacturing facilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Smart City Energy Systems<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0Optimization of energy distribution and utilization within urban areas through predictive management of energy flows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              8. Conclusion<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                              The effectiveness of the proposed technology will depend primarily on the number of heat-exchanger installations incorporated into tunnel linings or, more generally, underground structural elements, as well as on the suitability of the site for geothermal energy utilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Unlike costly geothermal boreholes drilled exclusively for energy extraction, this technology utilizes tunnel linings and other underground structural elements that are already an integral part of the construction. Consequently, the overall investment efficiency is significantly improved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Experience from comparable international projects indicates that the additional costs associated with installing heat-exchanger systems are relatively low. For any specific underground installation, proximity to buildings and potential energy consumers is a key factor determining economic viability. This makes the technology particularly suitable for geothermal energy utilization within urban environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Another important group of potential energy consumers comprises technological facilities associated with underground infrastructure. These include operational and technical buildings serving motorway and urban tunnels, newly designed tunnels on conventional and high-speed rail networks, utility tunnels, and metro systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              A practical example from Vienna Metro Line U2 demonstrates that the investment costs associated with installing geothermal energy extraction systems in four cut-and-cover stations amounted to only several million euros. The payback period depends on prevailing energy prices; however, the system provides access to a renewable energy source that can be utilized indefinitely following the initial investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Demand for renewable energy technologies is already substantial and is expected to continue increasing due to economic, environmental, geopolitical, and other factors. Combined with the growing use of underground space for transportation tunnels, utility corridors, underground storage facilities, and other infrastructure, as well as increasing land prices in urban areas, the utilization of underground structural elements for energy purposes represents a highly progressive technology with significant market potential and long-term demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n\n\n\n

                              Project Funding Information<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              The project is co-financed by the European Union under the Operational Programme Technologies and Applications for Competitiveness (OP TAC)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Funding Authority:<\/strong> Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Registration Number:<\/strong> CZ.01.01.01\/01\/24_063\/0006929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Beneficiary:<\/strong>\u00a0SAGASTA s.r.o..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Project Duration:<\/strong> 1 April 2026 \u2013 30 June 2028<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                              1. Introduction The project \u201cHeat Exchangers Implemented in Structural Elements of Underground Constructions\u201d, which forms part of the Operational Programme Technologies and Applications for Competitiveness (OP TAC) of the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, is a multidisciplinary project based on cooperation between the project applicant, SAGASTA s.r.o. (Czech for Ltd.), and the research organization VSB \u2013 Technical […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2364,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2808","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2808","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2808"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2808\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2808"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2808"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sagasta.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2808"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}