When spring arrives and the heating season comes to an end, keeping warm becomes less of an issue. However, scientists remind us that it is not just a seasonal necessity -- heat is also a valuable energy resource that can be stored and used when needed most. Researchers have discovered an innovative solution beneath our feet: using soil as an efficient thermal energy storage system.
So I read the paper. I’m sincerely curious: how is this new or special? Ground loops have been used for heat pumps for decades, providing both heat source and heat sink. Is what they’re researching qualitatively different from ground loops?