New technologies and applications: materials and equipment in near surface geothermal systems

Abstract This paper presents an overview of new technologies and applications on thermoactive geostructures. A discussion session on issues involved with near surface geothermal systems is presented, focusing on opportunities for developing new technologies to address these issues. In addition, opportunities for new applications of geothermal heat exchange in geotechnical engineering were discussed. Progress on the development of new materials and equipment that may be used to enhance the rate of heat transfer or heat storage capacity was discussed.