GC: n
CT: The energy pile, also called heat exchanger pile, is a pile equipped with individual or several pipe circuits in order to enable exchange of heat with the surrounding soil.
The function of energy piles is dual. The first function consists of transferring load from a construction into the bearing layer. The secondary function is the use as heat exchanger with the soil.
Energy piles are installed either using soil displacement techniques (as described below), or soil excavation systems.
S: http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/franki-foundations-belgium/energy-piles-61404-1536841.html (last access: 27 February 2015)
N: 1. energy (n): 1590s, “force of expression,” from Middle French énergie (16c.), from Late Latin energia, from Greek energeia “activity, action, operation,” from energos “active, working,” from en “at” + ergon “work, that which is wrought; business; action”.
pile (n.1): mass, heap,” early 15c., originally “pillar, pier of a bridge,” from Middle French pile and directly from Latin pila “stone barrier, pillar, pier”. Sense development in Latin from “pier, harbor wall of stones,” to “something heaped up.” In English, sense of “heap of things” is attested from mid-15c. (the verb in this sense is recorded from mid-14c.). The meaning “large building” (late 14c.) is probably the same word.
pile (n.2): “heavy pointed beam,” from Old English pil “stake,” also “arrow,” from Latin pilum heavy javelin of the Roman foot soldier, literally “pestle” (source of Old Norse pila, Old High German pfil, German Pfeil “arrow”), of uncertain origin.
2. Energy piles are thermal activated foundation piles. The primary function of an energy pile is to transfer the load of the building to the ground. Secondary the pile can be used as ground energy transfer medium.
3. Contrary to other ground energy systems energy piles can be used as basic load system. Peak loads must be covered by additional heating systems if needed. When foundation piles are needed a thermal activation could be possible. This add-on is less investment with a high impact to the entire energy system.
4. An energy pile system should be operated as alternating storage systematically changing heating and cooling operation. Thus an optimal specific abstraction capacity is achieved both for heating and cooling generation. The temperature balance of the energy pile system can be designed in a sustainably stable manner. With an almost even heat balance over the years, the mutual thermal interference of adjacent energy piles is minimised. Hugh working loads during the installation process could cause damages on the pipe.
S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=energy&searchmode=none; http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=pile&searchmode=none (last access: 27 February 2015). 2, 3 & 4. https://www.uponor.com/solutions/energy-and-ground/energy-pile.aspx (last access: 27 February 2015).
SYN: heat exchanger pile
S: http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/franki-foundations-belgium/energy-piles-61404-1536841.html (last access: 27 February 2015)
CR: geothermal energy, geothermics.
