Numerical simulation of ground heat exchangers based on dynamic thermal boundary conditions in solid zone

• Published in: Applied thermal engineering Vol. 59; no. 1-2; pp. 106 - 115
• Main Authors: Wang, Jun, Long, Enshen, Qin, Wen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 25-09-2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Boreholes; Boundary conditions; Computer simulation; Devices using thermal energy; Dynamic thermal boundary condition; Dynamics; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Ground heat exchanger; Ground source heat pump; Grounds; Heat exchangers; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Heat transfer; Mathematical models; Numerical simulation; Soil (material); Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Numerical simulation; Ground heat exchanger; Dynamic thermal boundary condition; Ground source heat pump; Heat source; Heat exchanger; Boundary condition
• ISSN: 1359-4311
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2013.04.055

Accurate calculation and prediction of solid zone (pipe, grout and soil) temperature variation caused by ground heat exchanger heat release or absorption are needed for evaluating performance of ground source heat pump system. For this purpose, according to energy conservation, one numerical simulation model with dynamic thermal boundary conditions is established and verified with experimental data. As to single borehole and array boreholes, temperature variations in soil zone are assessed with the present model. Meanwhile, limitations of constant temperature and adiabatic boundary conditions are found and can be overcome with dynamic thermal boundary conditions. This study achieves improvement of numerical solution on heat transfer of ground heat exchanger and provides one favorable method for analyzing the influence of ground heat exchanger operation on solid zone temperature.
•Numerical simulation model with dynamic thermal boundary conditions is established.•Soil zone temperature variations are assessed with this present model.•Limitations of constant temperature and adiabatic boundary conditions are overcome.•This study achieves improvement of numerical solution on ground heat exchanger.