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Comprehensive thermodynamic analysis and comparison of different types PCM-assisted earth to air heat exchangers

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  • Ren, Zhili
  • Ren, Yucheng
  • Zhou, Tiecheng
  • Gao, Xiangkui
  • Liu, Yanan
  • Xiao, Yimin

Abstract

Previous studies on phase change material (PCM)-assisted earth-to-air heat exchangers (PAHEs) have primarily focused on cooling performance, while the thermodynamic distribution characteristics and underlying mechanisms within system components remain unclear. In this study, four numerical models of PAHE systems were developed using MATLAB and validated against experimental data from the literature. A thermodynamic analysis framework was then established to evaluate the performance of different configurations under 20 consecutive days of high-temperature conditions. The results show that case 4 exhibited the most favorable thermal balance, with an average thermal imbalance index of 0.58. Its cooling capacity increased by 16.27–64.36 % compared to cases 1–3. Structural enhancements that improve PCM heat transfer during air-cooling, limit thermal conduction to the surrounding soil, and minimize energy loss, entransy dissipation, and exergy destruction are critical for optimizing system performance. Case 4 also achieved significantly higher thermodynamic efficiencies, with average energy, entransy, and exergy efficiencies of 86.18 %, 42.57 %, and 60.10 %, respectively. These findings offer valuable insights into the internal thermodynamic behavior of PAHE systems and provide guidance for future design and optimization of PCM-integrated underground heat exchangers in building energy applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Ren, Zhili & Ren, Yucheng & Zhou, Tiecheng & Gao, Xiangkui & Liu, Yanan & Xiao, Yimin, 2026. "Comprehensive thermodynamic analysis and comparison of different types PCM-assisted earth to air heat exchangers," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pi:s0960148125022724
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124608
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    References listed on IDEAS

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