Numerical modelling of parameters of the operational parameters of an earth-to-air heat exchanger for geothermal ventilation

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop a numerical model of the year-round operation of an earth-to-air heat exchanger (EAHE) with a circular cross-sectional shape with further its validation based on the obtained experimental data. We consider that these studies can form the basis for the development of methods for calculating and designing geothermal ventilation systems for climate conditions of Ukraine. The analysis of literature sources showed that now there are quite a lot of studies devoted to the issues of geothermal ventilation. The results of such heat exchanger modeling with various geometric data and which operate in their authentic soils under various hydraulic regimes and that are located at different depths are widely presented. However, these studies do not allow obtaining generalized patterns of heat transfer during the operation of the heat exchangers and the influence of the geometric parameters of the heat exchanger on the operation of the geothermal ventilation system as a whole. Much attention is paid to the issues of modelling the operation of such heat exchangers and the distinctive features of each of these models. Also important are the results of experimental studies carried out on our own experimental bench and with the help of which the numerical model was validated. To conduct experimental research on the operation of the geothermal ventilation system at the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine an experimental stand was created. This stand is designed to study thermophysical processes during the operation of a geothermal ventilation system elements. The results of these studies are the basis for the development of a method for determining the optimal diameter of the earth-to-air heat exchanger under operating conditions for soil in Kyiv, Ukraine.