AsphaltReg – Demonstration and optimization of a recyclable asphalt collector for the regeneration of geothermal probes

This project is the first to build, measure and optimise a recyclable asphalt collector for the regeneration of geothermal probes.

The background to this pilot and demonstration project is the increasingly dense use of geothermal probes, which leads to long-term cooling of the subsoil. Studies show that there is a considerable need for regeneration, particularly in urban areas. Asphalt collectors, which use heat from solar radiation on asphalt surfaces, are a potential cost-effective heat source for this regeneration. Initial pilot projects have shown that promising yields can be achieved with collector pipes embedded in asphalt. However, in these cases the asphalt was no longer recyclable. Based on simulations, it is assumed that it is also possible to lay the collector pipes in the underlying clean layer (separating layer between the subsoil and the asphalt surface) for the application of geothermal probe regeneration, thus maintaining the recyclability of the asphalt. This will be implemented and investigated in this P&D project.