From Unidirectional to Bidirectional Geo-exchange District Systems: Temperature Optimization & Data Centre Integration

IDEA2026 Poster 03

Presentation Description: District energy systems generate energy centrally and distribute it to communities (uni-directionally). They also allow energy sharing throughout communities (bi-directionally). We numerically model a low-temperature, uni-directional, and geo-exchange district system (4GDHC) for residential users and examine its techno-economical aspects by upgrading to a bi-directional system (5GDHC) by introducing other energy users (data center). Our goal is to see if upgrading buildings from energy users to active prosumers, is worthwhile by comparing energy savings and costs.

Case Study: The modelling framework is applied to a cold-climate case study in Edmonton serving residential buildings. First, a detailed numerical model of the existing network is developed, which combines booster heat pumps, a distribution piping system, and a central ground-source heat pump connected to a geo-exchange field. This model Is then used to simulate converting the network into a fully bi-directional 5GDHC system and adding a data centre with cooling demand. Performance is assessed in terms of energy savings and operating costs.

Topic: Data Centers and District Energy

Keywords: Geo-exchange district systems, Operating temperature optimization, Data centre waste heat integration

Dia Elsaid

Research Assistant

University of Alberta

Dia Elsaid is an MSc student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. His research focuses on optimizing the design and operation of geo-exchange district energy systems using numerical modelling and simulation. His work explores operating temperature optimization, borefield size reduction, and the integration of data centres as waste heat sources to improve the performance and cost-effectiveness of district energy systems.

Taraneh Naseryar, n/a

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Alberta

I’m an MSc student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta, focusing on the demand side of district energy systems and the energy-sharing potential of newer bi-directional 5th-generation networks. I’m particularly interested in how buildings interact, exchange energy, and contribute to creating cleaner, more flexible district systems.