Heat content in soil-borehole thermal energy systems in the vadose zone

T. Başer, Y. Dong, J. S. McCartney

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This study focuses on understanding the heat content within soil-borehole thermal energy storage (SBTES) systems installed in different types of soils in the vadose zone. Temperature fluctuations in the atmosphere can create a variety of heat flux conditions resulting in different temperature gradients in the subsurface, even when a surficial insulation layer is incorporated. A three-dimensional (3D), transient finite element model was built in COMSOL to consider the representative field conditions as well as coupled heat transfer and water flow processes in the unsaturated soil within the SBTES system. The heat content is used to quantify the heat gain above the temperature profile expected above the ambient ground temperature fluctuations. The heat content changes with different type of soils as the hydraulic and thermal properties are specific to soil types. Results indicate that presence of an insulation layer leads to a significant heat gain in the shallow subsurface in all types of soils.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEnergy Geotechnics - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Energy Geotechnics, ICEGT 2016
EditorsFrank Wuttke, Sebastian Bauer, Marcelo Sánchez
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages195-202
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781138032996
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event1st International Conference on Energy Geotechnics, ICEGT 2016 - Kiel, Germany
Duration: Aug 29 2016Aug 31 2016

Publication series

NameEnergy Geotechnics - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Energy Geotechnics, ICEGT 2016

Other

Other1st International Conference on Energy Geotechnics, ICEGT 2016
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityKiel
Period8/29/168/31/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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