Heat transfer optimization in a horizontal helical-shaped ground heat exchanger through response surface methodology

Abstract

Various combinations of objective functions and design variables have been considered in several optimization studies of ground heat exchangers (GHEs). In this study, the optimum values of the coil pitch and coil diameter of a helical-shaped GHE were determined to maximize its convection heat transfer rate. Central composite design was used to determine the coil pitch and coil diameter dimensions to be used in GHE modeling. Nine models were generated in Fusion360 which were then exported to ANSYS Fluent for CFD simulation. Then, a second-order model of the convective heat transfer rate per unit length as a function of the coil pitch and coil diameter was generated using the response surface methodology. For the design space considered (coil pitch: 600 to 1200 mm; coil diameter: 600 to 1200mm), the highest heat transfer rate was achieved at a coil diameter of 600mm and at a coil pitch of 1200mm. Furthermore, this study showed that if both the coil pitch and coil diameter are considered simultaneously in the optimization of the heat transfer rate of a helical-shaped GHE, then coil pitch would have a directly proportional relationship with the heat transfer rate, while coil diameter would have an inversely proportional relationship.