Abstract
This study aims to identify the feasibility of using a ground-coupled heat exchanger system for air conditioning in subtropical regions. Geothermal systems are used effectively in cold climates, but little explored in hot and humid climate regions, although they show potential for passive air-conditioning environments. The tubes were installed in Southern Brazil, in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, which has temperatures of 0ºC in the winter and 40ºC in the summer. The methodology for the research was organized as follows: bibliographic research and geological characterization of the site, system sizing, installation of 22 meters of a 300mm PVC tube, 4 meters depth, and subsequently measurement and data collection on temperatures with use HOBO U10-001 Data Logger. The research was held from March to October 2016. The results showed that at external temperatures of 30ºC, the system was able to cool on average 6ºC, reaching peaks of 7ºC in the temperature of air exit to the environment. At temperatures below 6ºC, the system was able to heat on average 10ºC, with peaks of up to 11ºC. Based on the results, it is concluded that a buried pipe system is a viable alternative for passive climate control in subtropical climates
Highlights
The research of ground-coupled heat exchangers gain attention in the scientific environment due to the possibility of energy efficiency with the reduction of the consumption of energy for air conditioning and the increase in the air quality for indoor areas.The high level of energy consumption in the world is a major issue to be solved and the construction sector accounts for 40% of the world’s energy consumption [1].It is known that the period of use of facilities represents about 84% of the total energy consumption of its life cycle (Buried-pipe Ventilation Systems), being the one which lasts longer
Air conditioning is responsible for a large part of this percentage
Searching for more efficient approaches regarding acclimatization in hot and humid climate regions assists professionals and institutions interested in reducing the need for energy use and mitigating the environmental impacts resulting from its production
Summary
The research of ground-coupled heat exchangers gain attention in the scientific environment due to the possibility of energy efficiency with the reduction of the consumption of energy for air conditioning and the increase in the air quality for indoor areas.The high level of energy consumption in the world is a major issue to be solved and the construction sector accounts for 40% of the world’s energy consumption [1].It is known that the period of use of facilities represents about 84% of the total energy consumption of its life cycle (Buried-pipe Ventilation Systems), being the one which lasts longer. According to the National Energy Balance of 2018 (base year of 2017) of the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil [2] electricity consumption of residential, commercial and public buildings, in Brazil, corresponds to 50.8% of the total energy consumption of the country and the use of air conditioning in 2017 accounted for 20% of the total energy consumption of a residence in the country [3].
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