Abstract
ABSTRACT Atime dependent axisymmetric finite element formulation was used to evaluate the thermal performance characteristics of an intermittent earth tube system. The parameters examined were: pipe diameter, pipe length, initial soil moisture concentration and temperature, and ambient air temperature. Performance curves for both heating and cooling modes were obtained. The soil temperature regeneration characteristics for intermittent operation indicated complete recovery in the heating mode and only a partial recovery in the cooling mode. Air temperature was significantly modified in the inlet region which extended to fifty tube diameters. Earth tube effectiveness without regeneration dropped to 0.50 in 12 h. Soil moisture in the 20% to 30% range had little effect on heat exchanger performance. The pertubation in initial soil moisture and temperature profiles extended to four tube diameters in the radial direction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
