Supermarket Geo-exchange
Erda | deep Technology: Leading the Way in Sainsbury’s Geo-exchange Systems
Erda Energy’s geo-exchange solutions, implemented in Sainsbury’s supermarkets across the UK, offer a breakthrough in supermarket geo-exchange systems. The systems are made up of 3 key components which include heat pumps, the distribution system, and our Erda | deep borehole technology. Unlike standard ground source systems, which use traditional vertical or horizontal boreholes, Erda | deep stands out with distinctive features that make it adaptable to a wide range of locations for both heating and cooling.
How it works
Erda | deep is a directionally drilled, steel-cased, coaxial ground-coupled heat exchanger that is fixed into place by a high thermal conductivity grout. It works by circulating a working fluid from the application into a central tube, all the way to the bottom of the heat exchanger, and then raising it to the surface again allowing efficient energy transfer.
The coaxial design ensures that the primary energy exchange takes place at the deepest part of the exchanger, where it is farthest from the rest of the array, optimising efficiency. At this depth, the earth’s temperature is warmer, allowing for more effective energy transfer. Additionally, the coaxial layout offers “thermal independence” from each borehole, unlike a U-tube grid, which relies on vertical drilling and spacing to achieve a similar effect.
Fig. 1: Coaxial Erda | deep technology
Why it’s smart
The smart design of Erda | deep optimises energy exchange by maximising underground surface area and utilising material properties more efficiently. It offers higher fluid capacity with reduced hydraulic resistance and ensures the greatest separation distances at the point of maximum energy transfer.
These features eliminate unwanted thermal interference with other ground-coupled heat exchangers (GCHEs) and prevent thermal short-circuiting within the system, enhancing overall efficiency. Erda | deep can handle larger energy loads with fewer boreholes, making it a highly effective and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based systems, and expanding the potential for geo-exchange solutions.
Fig. 2: Coaxial Erda | deep heating and cooling technology
Erda | deep in action
The following summarises three installation examples of Erda | deep, all demonstrating the use of supermarket geo-exchange technology, serving a similar purpose but tailored to the unique requirements of each site through customised Erda | deep designs and drilling locations. In each case, Erda | deep provides reliable, efficient, low-carbon heating and cooling for Sainsbury’s supermarket stores across the UK, showcasing Erda’s ability to deliver sustainable, low-carbon solutions regardless of any site challenges..
Site 1
Erda | deep boreholes were drilled in the car park of this site. Flow lines from the car park transport fluid to the energy centre located adjacent to the store. The installation caused minimal disruption, and the strategic placement of the energy centre ensures normal store operations can continue even if part of the energy system requires maintenance.
Site 2
At this site, Erda | deep boreholes were drilled in the service yard, which offered limited space of just over 500 m². Despite the tight area, all boreholes were successfully installed with minimal disruption to store services. These Erda | deep are drilled closer together above ground but still reach the underground surface area required for the installation of the supermarket geo-exchange system. The energy centre’s proximity to the boreholes within the service yard reduced flow line length, optimising installation costs.
Fig. 3: Erda | deep Sainsbury’s service yard site 2
Site 3
Sainsbury’s geo-exchange system here was installed in an even smaller surface area within Sainsbury’s service yard, demonstrating its capability to be installed and operate efficiently in limited above-ground space. Despite the boreholes being closely spaced, the system successfully covered the required below-ground surface area, demonstrating Erda’s effectiveness in operating within constrained environments.
Fig. 4: Erda | deep without weather cover site 3
Fig. 5: Erda | deep with weather cover site 3
Erda’s geo-exchange solutions have proven to be a reliable, scalable option for supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, reducing carbon footprints while optimising energy use through innovative borehole technology.
These examples showcase the unique versatility of Erda | deep, suitable for almost any environment. While they highlight the effectiveness of geo-exchange technology for supermarkets in Sainsbury’s stores, Erda’s broader portfolio demonstrates its success across various building types.
If your consultant has said that you lack the space for a ground source system, they likely haven’t come across Erda | deep yet! Contact us at info@erdaenergy.com