This text is part of the special notebook 150 years of Polytechnique Montréal
A team of experts from Polytechnique Montréal and Hydro-Québec are working on a project to accelerate the deployment of geothermal systems in our schools. A solution which has the advantage of improving the energy efficiency of buildings, while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Pump water from the ground to heat our schools. This is the project of Philippe Pasquier and his team. Associated with specialists from Hydro-Québec and other experts, the full professor in the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal undertook the construction of permanent column wells (PCP) on the land of the Clé-des-Champs primary school, in Mirabel. “Hydro-Québec wanted to find a way to reduce the power demand on the electricity network, while allowing its customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” explains Mr. Pasquier.
In operation for approximately two years, this system of geothermal wells, which can reach a depth of up to 500 meters, has produced promising initial results. “We have demonstrated – beyond any doubt – a reduction in peak power demand of 70% compared to an electric boiler. We also achieved a reduction in energy consumption of 50%. And we expect it to be much better in 2024, because we have made some corrections,” says the holder of the Geothermal Research Chair on the integration of PCPs in institutional buildings.
Fears to be overcome
It now remains to confirm the effectiveness of this system on a larger scale. Two other demonstration projects were thus started in Tétreaultville and Joliette, in geological contexts very different from Mirabel. “We can’t wait to see what happens. We have technology capable of adapting to urban environments and consuming less energy, but people don’t want to take the risk of using it at the moment because it’s new. Our main enemy in geothermal energy is humans,” confides Mr. Pasquier.
“There is also this fear of contaminating groundwater which often comes up regarding PCPs. But we have not noticed any problem at this level. Most concerns are associated with the mechanical system in the building. And this is generally corrected very easily,” adds Mr. Pasquier, whose project in Mirabel has just been awarded an award by the prestigious Association of Consulting Engineering Firms of Quebec (AFG) in the Energy category. “This means that, in the sector, we are truly convinced of the potential of the work we are currently carrying out. »
Sustainable engineering at the heart of a committed university
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