Optimization with the use of genetic algorithms of the location depth of horizontal ground heat exchangers

Summary. The objective of the paper was to prepare a method describing a minimum depth for installation of a ground heat exchanger in the heat pumps systems. The lower is the location depth of the horizontal ground heat exchangers (HGHE), the lower are the geothermal installation costs with the horizontal ground heat exchanger and consequently the higher costeffectiveness of an investment. A task of two-criteria optimization was formulated – i.e. determination of the minimum depth and a diameter of the HGHE pipes assuming a particular temperature of the operational factor on the output from the HGHE. Reduction of the depth of the HGHE translates into the decrease of installation costs. The module of genetic algorithms from MatLab application was used to carry out optimization. Within the calculations, which were carried out, validity of optimization of the installation depth of HGHE and no reason for optimization of the pipes diameter were confirmed.