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Numerical modeling and parametric study of a vertical earth-to-air heat exchanger system

Author

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  • Liu, Zhengxuan
  • Yu, Zhun (Jerry)
  • Yang, Tingting
  • Roccamena, Letizia
  • Sun, Pengcheng
  • Li, Shuisheng
  • Zhang, Guoqiang
  • El Mankibi, Mohamed

Abstract

A numerical model of a vertical earth-to-air heat exchanger (VEAHE) system was developed for the first time. Compared to conventional EAHE system models, the developed model considered the vertical distribution of soil temperature and thermal conductivity. The model validation against experimental data showed a good agreement. A parametric study was then conducted to investigate the effects of tube parameters, insulation parameters, mass flow rates and soil types. Results indicate that a system with a smaller tube diameter provides more thermal capacity with a fixed air mass flow rate, while a larger tube diameter can enhance the system's COP. An increase in tube depths causes the outlet air temperatures to decrease/increase in summer/winter, with a smaller daily oscillation. Compared to PVC and PE, stainless steel can be recommended as the most appropriate tube material, taking into account both heat exchange and soil pressure. Polyurethane, rubber or rock wool as insulation materials can be used as thermal barriers to shield the undesirable heat gains from the shallow soil with the almost same insulation effects. A thickness of 30 mm and a length of from 4 to 5 m can be recommended as the most appropriate insulation parameters for this proposed system.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Zhengxuan & Yu, Zhun (Jerry) & Yang, Tingting & Roccamena, Letizia & Sun, Pengcheng & Li, Shuisheng & Zhang, Guoqiang & El Mankibi, Mohamed, 2019. "Numerical modeling and parametric study of a vertical earth-to-air heat exchanger system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 220-231.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:172:y:2019:i:c:p:220-231
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.01.098
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    Cited by:

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    6. Rodrigues, Michel Kepes & Vaz, Joaquim & Oliveira Rocha, Luiz Alberto & Domingues dos Santos, Elizaldo & Isoldi, Liércio André, 2022. "A full approach to Earth-Air Heat Exchanger employing computational modeling, performance analysis and geometric evaluation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 535-556.
    7. Liu, Zhengxuan & Sun, Pengchen & Xie, Mingjing & Zhou, Yuekuan & He, Yingdong & Zhang, Guoqiang & Chen, Dachuan & Li, Shuisheng & Yan, Zhongjun & Qin, Di, 2021. "Multivariant optimization and sensitivity analysis of an experimental vertical earth-to-air heat exchanger system integrating phase change material with Taguchi method," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 401-414.
    8. Adriana Greco & Claudia Masselli, 2020. "The Optimization of the Thermal Performances of an Earth to Air Heat Exchanger for an Air Conditioning System: A Numerical Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-25, December.
    9. Wei, Haibin & Yang, Dong & Du, Jinhui & Guo, Xin, 2021. "Field experiments on the effects of an earth-to-air heat exchanger on the indoor thermal environment in summer and winter for a typical hot-summer and cold-winter region," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 530-541.
    10. Mihalakakou, Giouli & Souliotis, Manolis & Papadaki, Maria & Halkos, George & Paravantis, John & Makridis, Sofoklis & Papaefthimiou, Spiros, 2022. "Applications of earth-to-air heat exchangers: A holistic review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    11. Wei, Haibin & Yang, Dong & Wang, Jilibo & Du, Jinhui, 2020. "Field experiments on the cooling capability of earth-to-air heat exchangers in hot and humid climate," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 276(C).
    12. Chong Zhang & Jinbo Wang & Liao Li & Feifei Wang & Wenjie Gang, 2020. "Utilization of Earth-to-Air Heat Exchanger to Pre-Cool/Heat Ventilation Air and Its Annual Energy Performance Evaluation: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-17, October.
    13. Qin, Di & Liu, Zhengxuan & Zhou, Yuekuan & Yan, Zhongjun & Chen, Dachuan & Zhang, Guoqiang, 2021. "Dynamic performance of a novel air-soil heat exchanger coupling with diversified energy storage components—modelling development, experimental verification, parametrical design and robust operation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 167(C), pages 542-557.
    14. Zhou, Yuekuan & Zheng, Siqian & Zhang, Guoqiang, 2020. "Machine learning-based optimal design of a phase change material integrated renewable system with on-site PV, radiative cooling and hybrid ventilations—study of modelling and application in five clima," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
    15. Ahmed, S.F. & Khan, M.M.K. & Amanullah, M.T.O. & Rasul, M.G. & Hassan, N.M.S., 2021. "A parametric analysis of the cooling performance of vertical earth-air heat exchanger in a subtropical climate," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 350-367.

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