Ground Thermal Responses During Heat Exchange at EcoFarm

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3701_2.1.43

Authors: Jun Wang

Abstract:

This paper analyzes the ground thermal responses during constant rate of heat injection and extraction. The undisturbed underground temperature is assumed to be uniform. Seven types of earth material are analyzed using mean values of their thermal properties. Simple equation for Zone of Influence, convenient for quick engineering assessment, is derived. The results show that, among seven underground materials studied, dry sand and sand aquifer are the best for storage type application of thermal energy; whereas igneous is the best for dissipative type application of geothermal energy.

Keywords: Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES), Ground Thermal Response, Thermal Conductivity,
Zone of Influence (ZOI)