Harnessing the heating potential of metros

This RTS program, which aims to tailor complicated scientific research to the general public, has taken particular interest in the latest work of Margaux Peltier on quantifying heat exchanges within tunnels, especially in its application to the future m3 metro line in Lausanne, previously mediatized in the “Applied Thermal Engineering” journal. This recent research allows accurate estimates of heat exchanges between the ambient air and the concrete lining within tunnels, which were previously totally neglected or grossly estimated. The results obtained for the m3 metro line of Lausanne highlight the potential of the approach. When 50 to 60 % of the tunnel is equipped with energy geostructures, it has been shown that 1500 standard homes of average size (80 m²), or even 4000 Minergie apartments could benefit from a renewable energy of low carbon footprint for their heating and even cooling needs. Atop from it being a first in the scientific community, the research highlights the innovating potential of such a project in an urban metro, which could very well be, a worldwide first.

Its significance echoes across mediatic platforms. They can be consulted using the attached links.