Comparison of analytical models for Ground Heat Exchangers
Date Issued
2024
Abstract
GSHP systems, a form of shallow geothermal energy system, are used for heating and cooling usuing
Ground Heat Exchangers (GHEs) that extract/reject heat from/to the ground. In such systems, the
thermal response is represented by the temperature change within the GHE and the surrounding earth
as a function of heat extraction or injection. There exist several mathematical models, both analytical
and numerical, in the literature that govern the thermal response of GHEs. All such models are based
on Fourier’s law, which allows the determination of heat flow due to conduction. Regarding
numerical models, they are obviously more accurate than analytical models and can represent the
GHE in greater detail. However, numerical models may be too time-consuming for building energy
simulations and consequently of limited use in practical applications. In such case analytical models
can play a crucial role. Analytical models can be used as alternatives to one another, depending on
the case and the accuracy required to solve a problem. Some of these will be applied to an existing
case study of a vertical GHE in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and be compared to the
experimental data and conclusions will be derived regarding the accuracy and suitability of each.
Ground Heat Exchangers (GHEs) that extract/reject heat from/to the ground. In such systems, the
thermal response is represented by the temperature change within the GHE and the surrounding earth
as a function of heat extraction or injection. There exist several mathematical models, both analytical
and numerical, in the literature that govern the thermal response of GHEs. All such models are based
on Fourier’s law, which allows the determination of heat flow due to conduction. Regarding
numerical models, they are obviously more accurate than analytical models and can represent the
GHE in greater detail. However, numerical models may be too time-consuming for building energy
simulations and consequently of limited use in practical applications. In such case analytical models
can play a crucial role. Analytical models can be used as alternatives to one another, depending on
the case and the accuracy required to solve a problem. Some of these will be applied to an existing
case study of a vertical GHE in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and be compared to the
experimental data and conclusions will be derived regarding the accuracy and suitability of each.
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