Author(s)

R. L. Frederick & A. Zenteno

Abstract

The numerical simulation of heat transfer in geothermal heat exchangers is performed. Systems consisting of horizontal tubes embedded in the ground are simulated for time periods of 3 months. Cases comprise OF a single tube, two parallel tubes and a horizontal array of 9 tubes. The thermal conductance between tubes and soil is defined and numerically determined, and scaling laws are formulated for its dependence on the main independent variables. Interference between tubes in arrays is also characterized by an index relating to heat transfer from a single tube. The design criteria for tube arrays is formulated. Keywords: geothermal heat exchangers, thermal conductance, numerical model.

Keywords

geothermal heat exchangers, thermal conductance, numerical model.