Application of vertical ground heat exchanger to underground works

Replacing cooling tower with the vertical ground heat exchanger (VGHE) is helpful for improving the protection capacity and energy efficiency in underground works. Discusses application forms of VGHE, including those combined with cold and heat source devices and combined with end units. Based on the load and time characteristics of underground works and the geotechnical characteristics of mountain area, explores the practicability of the VGHE. The results show that the thermal load characteristics are helpful for temperature field restoration around VGHE and that the higher heat transfer coefficient of rock and seepage in soil can improve the heat exchange efficiency. Analyses the problem of thermal infrared exposure caused by VGEH, puts forward the eliminating measure of soil covering, and the proposed thickness of soil layer should not be less than 2 m.