Abstract
The growing popularity of buildings with integrated sub-systems requires a review of methods to optimize the preheating of ventilation air. An integrated system permits using geothermal heat storage parallel to the direct outdoor air intake with additional treatment in the mechanical room as a part of building an automatic control system. The earth–air heat exchanger (EAHX) has many advantages but also has many unanswered questions. Some of the drawbacks are: A possible entry of radon gas, high humidity in the shoulder seasons, and the need for two different air intake sources with a choice that depends on the actual weather conditions. In winter the EAHX may be used continuously to ensure thermal comfort, while in other seasons its operation must be automatically controlled. To generate missing information about EAHX technology we examined two nearly identical EAHX systems, one placed in the ground next to a building and the other under the basement slab. In another project, we reinforced the ground storage action by having a heat exchanger placed on the return pipes of the hydronic heating system. The information provided in this paper shows advantages of merging both these approaches, while the EAHX could be placed under the house or near the basement foundation that is using an exterior basement insulation.
Highlights
As the fraction of buildings with integrated heating/cooling, solar, and geothermal sub-systems in the market steadily grows, the sub-system integration changes the economics of traditional solutions.In this paper, we are focused on preheating of outdoor ventilation air, on the design and performance of the earth–air heat exchanger (EAHX)
We are focused on preheating of outdoor ventilation air, on the design and performance of the earth–air heat exchanger (EAHX)
Recent information on the optimal design with two different air intake sources [1] and automatic control systems [2], warrants a broader review of when a risk of radon gas exists, one may use a hydronic heating system and ventilation air that is preheated in the heat exchanger on the return of heating water [3,4]
Summary
As the fraction of buildings with integrated heating/cooling, solar, and geothermal sub-systems in the market steadily grows, the sub-system integration changes the economics of traditional solutions. Despite several papers on EAHX technology, not much is known about optimization of their field performance in either summer or winter climates To fill this knowledge gap, this paper reviews a demonstration project in Cracow, Poland, where two nearly identical EAHX systems were examined and in Syracuse, NY, USA where an integrated hydronic and mechanical ventilation system was built. It is standard practice to heat or cool fresh air between the point of intake and entry to the Energies 2020, 13, 15 room with mechanical services [5]. This can be done with an earth–air heat exchanger (EAHX) [6,7]. The use of earth for cooling air was already known in historic Greece and Persia [8,9], yet it recently became popular namely for energy conservation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
