Performance of a Field-Scale Shallow Horizontal Thermal Energy Storage System

Tuǧçe Başer, Candice Hanna, John S. McCartney

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

Abstract

This study focuses on the performance of a shallow, horizontal thermal energy storage system in San Diego. Heat collected from solar thermal panels over a period of 120 days was injected into a slinky-loop heat exchanger installed at a depth of 1.2 m from the ground surface in compacted backfill soil, and the evolution in ground temperature was measured using embedded temperature sensors in the subsurface. Although the heat injection rate used in the experiment was relatively small, the field test still provides useful data for the validation of design models for horizontal heat storage systems. For an average heat injection rate of 20 W/m2, the ground temperature increased to approximately 6°C greater than the ambient ground temperature expected at the depth of the heat exchanger. An analytical model for horizontal heat exchangers considering surface temperature fluctuations was calibrated against the measured data and was used to evaluate the impacts of design parameters on the storage of thermal energy in the shallow subsurface.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGeotechnical Special Publication
EditorsChristopher L. Meehan, Sanjeev Kumar, Miguel A. Pando, Joseph T. Coe
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers
Pages273-281
Number of pages9
EditionGSP 312
ISBN (Electronic)9780784482148
ISBN (Print)9780784482148
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event8th International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering: Geoenvironmental Engineering and Sustainability, Geo-Congress 2019 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: Mar 24 2019Mar 27 2019

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
NumberGSP 312
Volume2019-March
ISSN (Print)0895-0563

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering: Geoenvironmental Engineering and Sustainability, Geo-Congress 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period3/24/193/27/19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Building and Construction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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