Abstract
The influence of surface boundary conditions, varying climatic conditions and engineering material parameters on the collection performance of near surface interseasonal ground energy collection and storage systems are investigated. In particular, the performance of a proposed design of an interseasonal heat storage system which has also been investigated by others as part of a full scale demonstration project is considered. A numerical model is developed and validated against field data. It is then applied to undertake a series of simulations with varying system parameters. It is found that (i) higher values of thermal conductivity of the storage layer result in increased storage of thermal energy and lower peak temperatures, (ii) system heat losses are strongly influenced by the performance of insulation layers, (iii) warmer climatic conditions provide more thermal energy available to be stored; however, changes in the amplitude of seasonal air temperature variations have an effect on the rate of collection of thermal energy and (iv) the use of correct surface boundary conditions is critical in modelling the dynamics of these systems.
Highlights
The use of the ground as a reservoir or source of thermal energy is long established
It is found that (i) higher values of thermal conductivity of the storage layer result in increased storage of thermal energy and lower peak temperatures, (ii) system heat losses are strongly influenced by the performance of insulation layers, (iii) warmer climatic conditions provide more thermal energy available to be stored; changes in the amplitude of seasonal air temperature variations have an effect on the rate of collection of thermal energy and (iv) the use of correct surface boundary conditions is critical in modelling the dynamics of these systems
It can be seen that higher temperature differences near the storage pipes are obtained for the case with low thermal conductivity while in turn a wider area of influence approaching the edge of the insulation layer is obtained with higher thermal conductivities
Summary
The use of the ground as a reservoir or source of thermal energy is long established. Systems utilising modern engineering materials and technology have become more widespread, examples include ground source heating [2]), passive heating and cooling of buildings [3,4]) and inter-seasonal thermal energy storage Inter-seasonal heat storage systems are of use in applications that have a cyclical annual thermal energy demand typically driven by energy demands in the winter that may be met by using excess heat energy stored in the summer. Applications include heating of buildings, winter maintenance of highways and minimising ice formation at aircraft stands
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