Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of geothermal heat exchangers that are screwed-in and/or screwed-through the soil vs. conventional geothermal heat exchangers. The screwed-in/through heat exchangers have: a) a helical configuration when installed; b) may be plunge-installed; and/or c) may be pull-installed. Possible benefits per unit of thermal capacity include:

• lower installation cost;
• faster installation;
• reduce or eliminate grout; and/or
• reduced volume of installation field.

Acquire a general understanding of:

• geothermal heat exchangers and applications (ground-source heat pumps, direct use geothermal, freezing soil for stabilization and/or fluid barrier, in situ recovery etc.);
• screw-in pile techniques and equipment;
• directional boring machines; and
• geothermal databases.

Model thermal capacity of soil with screwed-in/through heat exchangers and conventional heat exchangers.

Model heat transfer between the soil and the screwed-in/through heat exchanger.

Buy materials/sensors/instruments for physical evaluations.

Attend meetings as an advisor.

Arrange/coordinate field experiments and/or demonstrations.

Preform prior art searches and file patent applications (if appropriate).