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The role of design and site-dependent parameters in the thermal performance of energy quay walls

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  • Gerola, Marco
  • Cecinato, Francesco
  • Haasnoot, Jacco K.
  • Vardon, Philip J.

Abstract

Energy quay walls (EQWs) are an innovative type of energy geostructure (EG), capable of exchanging thermal energy with both soil and open water. In this work, a validated 3D finite element numerical model is employed to conduct a parametric analysis aimed at identifying the most important design- and site-dependent parameters for optimising EQW energy performance. The Taguchi Experimental Design statistical method is employed to explore the parameter space for two types of heat exchanger loops used in EQW installations: loops incorporated into the structural elements and add-on panels. The most influential design parameter on the energy performance is shown to be the number of U-loops, which can significantly improve the energy yield (up to ∼50%). The effects of reduced inlet temperature (up to ∼35%), enlarged pipe cross-sectional area (up to ∼26%) and increased heat exchanger fluid velocity (up to ∼20%) are also significant for the EQW thermal performance. Among site-specific factors, the presence of a deep water body (up to ∼100%) with high temperature (up to ∼62%) is confirmed essential for achieving high energetic performance, while a high open water flow velocity (up to ∼32%) and elevated soil thermal conductivity (up to ∼23%) are influential in the short-term thermal output.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerola, Marco & Cecinato, Francesco & Haasnoot, Jacco K. & Vardon, Philip J., 2025. "The role of design and site-dependent parameters in the thermal performance of energy quay walls," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 325(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:325:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225016329
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sterpi, D. & Tomaselli, G. & Angelotti, A., 2020. "Energy performance of ground heat exchangers embedded in diaphragm walls: Field observations and optimization by numerical modelling," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P2), pages 2748-2760.
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    3. Makasis, Nikolas & Narsilio, Guillermo A., 2020. "Energy diaphragm wall thermal design: The effects of pipe configuration and spacing," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 476-487.
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