Dynamic thermal simulation of slinky-loop heat exchangers for ground source heat pump systems in the UK
Publication Date
July 18, 2024
Creator
LUO, MAN
Abstract
Horizontal slinky-loop ground heat exchanger systems provide a cost-effective alternative to vertical ground source heat pump systems. These shallow-depth systems are increasingly gaining popularity. Hence, it is crucial to optimise these designs in order to ensure maximum efficiency and minimise the use of land space and piping materials. This study aims to examine the effect of various operating conditions, thermal interference, installation configurations, intermittent operation mode, ground thermal recovery, and annual operation on the thermal performance of slinky-loop ground heat exchanger. This study develops three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyse the thermal performance of GHE models throughout the heating season. This transient 3D model is also validated by previous literature. The regression equations between energy output ratio/total heat extraction and various factors, such as spacing distances, pipe temperatures, loop pitches, and daily operation hours, are obtained for prediction in future designs. Soil thermal conductivity of the installation site is found to have a significant impact on thermal performance. The heating degree day prediction method for evaluating the thermal performance of a horizontal ground source heat pump system was feasible for a real-life prediction. The work finally provided the design considerations for a slinky-loop ground heat exchanger system. The predicted discounted payback period is 7 years for the HGSHP system, mainly determined by the local soil properties. This HGSHP system would be able to decrease annual CO2 emissions by about 71.4% and 71.9% compared to gas and electricity heating systems, respectively.
Item Type
ethesis
Thesis Type
PhD
Supervisors
Subjects (LC)
Associated Schools / Departments
Department of Architecture and Built Environment (UK)
eprints ID
78155
UoN Repository URI
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MAN LUO 14339712.pdf
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Full-text
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Examined. Thesis corrected version
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8.82 MB
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