Salon D
Room Proctor: Aeowyn Kendall / Aztech Geothermal, LLC
10:00 am
Design and Control of Thermal Energy Networks
Thermal energy networks do not have a “one-size-fits-all” design approach and even with the same basic physical design, the control of the system can vary significantly. This session will outline the major design approaches and a range of control strategies. Panelists will discuss which system components they select to maximize performance, increase reliability, and how they activate redundant systems all to establish a robust resilient thermal energy delivery system.
Moderator:
- Jacky Kinson / CDM Smith
Panelists:
- Stephen Hak / GEOptimize
- Charlie Marino / WSP
- Brian Urlaub / Salas O'Brien
11:30 am
North American Utility Thermal Energy Networks (UTENs)
Natural gas and electric utilities across the country are engaged in investigating TENs as a potential alternative to their current natural gas networks and to reduce electric grid impacts. Currently, thirteen (13!) states have legislation that either allows or mandates utilities to develop thermal energy network demonstration projects or pilots. This panel will review current TEN activity and share their expertise as some of the people engaged in these initiatives.
Moderator:
- Laurie Kokkinides / NYS Department of Public Service
Panelists:
- Liam Needham / Eversource
- Gregory Koumoullos / Con Edison
- Holly Braun / Northwest Natural
- Allison Considine / Building Decarbonization Coalition
1:30 pm
Global Thermal Energy Network Activity
Thermal Energy Networks of various forms are finding increasing acceptance throughout the world. Electric grid reliability and energy affordability are arguably more acute in other parts of the world and TENs may play a foundational role in addressing these issues. Decabonization is also a driver bringing increased financial resources into the development of global TENs. The panelists will discuss their participation in the global TEN landscape and identify the similarities and differences in approach to what we see in North America.
Moderator:
- Zeyneb Magavi / HEET
Panelists:
- Eric Bosworth / Thermal Energy Insights
- Nick Fry / Jacobs
- Hela Cheikhrouhou / International Finance Corporation
2:45 pm
Finding Balance with Hybrid Thermal Energy Network Systems
While closed loop geothermal borefields have been the go-to thermal resource for many thermal energy network (TEN) projects, industry experience yields a strong mix of other thermal sources & sinks which can contribute to long term thermal balance. The panelists will discuss their design and operational experience with combining thermal resources in a “hybrid” approach to reduce first costs and achieve improved long-term performance.
Moderator:
- Diego Sanchez / CHA Consulting
Panelists:
- Mike Kingsley / Ramboll
- Samuel Gerber / CDM Smith
- Adam Shelly / Ecosystem
4:00 pm
Thermal Energy Networks vs. Individual Building Conversions
Ground source heat pumps have been primarily a single-building technology - with a geothermal borehole or borefield per building. There have been some exceptions to this: two or more buildings share a single borefield, or campus systems with central borefields serving several buildings. Thermal Energy Networks are on the rise and go by various names including Geothermal District Systems, Networked Geothermal, and Geothermal Energy Networks. Advocates of TEN systems focus on benefits like diversity of load, lower initial capital costs and a large-scale, thermal infrastructure opportunity that could more rapidly address pressing climate and grid reliability issues. This panel will discuss the pros and cons of these two approaches to help guide better decision making for design professionals, building owners, policy makers and environmental advocates.
Moderator:
- Ryan Carda / Midwest Geothermal
Panelists:
- Sue Dougherty / NYSERDA
- Wyatt Roberts / Dandelion
- Brian Urlaub / Salas O'Brien
- Morgan Hood / Vermont Gas (VGS)