Hybrid ground coupled heat exchanger systems for space heating/cooling applications: A review

doi:10.1016/j.rser.2016.01.125

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Volume 60, July 2016, Pages 724-738

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.01.125 Get rights and content

Abstract

Ground coupled heat exchanger (GCHE) systems are used for space heating/cooling across the globe. Hybrid GCHE systems are being preferred over unitary system due to higher efficiency. GCHE system can be classified as earth air heat exchanger (EAHE) and ground source heat pump (GSHP). Fast depleting stocks, recent rise in costs of fossil fuels and its serious impact on climate makes it imperative to adopt renewable and environment friendly sources of energy and energy conservation. The aim of this study is to review the current status of hybrid GCHE systems with passive renewable systems. The paper concisely explains EAHE, GSHP and various passive techniques commonly used for space heating/cooling and review state of the art of hybrid EAHE and GSHP systems. A comparative study of various technologies has been presented and their role in energy conservation highlighted.

Introduction

Rapid growth in infrastructure sector, industries and buildings has resulted in increased energy demand for space heating/cooling [1], [2], [3], [4]. Around 32–33% out of total energy consumption is utilized for space heating/cooling [5], [6].

Space heating/cooling and air circulation are complimentary to each other. Efficient air circulation with air-cleaning unit helps to increase efficiency and energy conservation [7], [8]. Prevention of air infiltration is equally significant to conserve energy [9], [10]. Green building control strategies use various concepts of natural heating, cooling, ventilation and air-conditioning [11], [12].

Varying power output limitation of renewable energy technology prevents their use on large scale. Therefore, to promote renewable technology, incremental adoption of combination of various hybrid techniques play important role towards energy conservation and mitigate the impact on environment through emission reduction [13], [14]. Hybrid GCHE (i.e. EAHE, GSHP) systems are getting popularity around the world. They are helpful in multiple applications including design strategy of demand side management, alternative to the mechanical vapor compression system, space heating/cooling, etc. Arteconi et al. [15] tested the hybrid GSHP system and concluded that hybrid system could be used for designing the strategy of demand side management. Switching off the GSHP system during peak hours (16:00–19:00 h) could flatten the load curve in addition to providing comfort to the building’s occupants through other passive systems. Balbay et al. [16], [17] tested the vertical GSHP system and developed computer models to analyze the melting of the snow/ice occurred in bridge and pavement surfaces in winter. The data obtained from experimental and computerized studies were in good agreement. Esen et al. [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27] tested the heating performance of the horizontal GSHP and found that it was economical than the conventional heating methods (electric resistance, fuel oil, liquid petrol, gas, coal and oil) except natural gas. It was observed that numerical results and experimental results were very close. The performance of GSHP system was better than the air-coupled heat pump system for space cooling. Energetic and exergetic efficiencies of the horizontal GSHP system increased with rising the ground temperature for heating season. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) could be used to predict the performance of the GSHP system quite perfectly. Further, its performance could be enhanced by using hybridized structures such as fuzzy weighted pre-processing based ANFIS. Performance of an artificial neural network (ANN) could be improved with a statistical weighted pre-processing method with the minimum data set. The computation of support vector machine model was faster than other techniques i.e. ANN and ANFIS.

Qi et al. [28] reviewed the progress of GSHP with hybrid energy systems all over the world. They concluded that use of GSHP hybrid systems would be the strategic and essential for the efficient utilization of renewable energy for sustainable development. However, the paper did not include EAHE system. EAHE with solar, energy storage, conventional heating/cooling systems provide significant energy savings.

This paper describes the GCHE and passive techniques generally used for space heating/cooling. A review state of the art of hybrid EAHE and GSHP systems with various passive renewable energy systems have been presented.

Section snippets

Objectives of hybrid GCHE systems

Increased requirement of space heating/cooling has resulted in increased power demand, CO₂ emission and global warming. As per latest IPCC report, CO₂ emission must be decreased by 40–70% by 2050 from 2010 to limit the two degree global temperature increase compared to pre-industrial level [29]. One ton reduction in CO₂ emission is equal to one ton carbon credit earned. It financially works out to be $28.37 per ton [30]. Therefore it plays key role in getting economic viability of hybrid GCHE

Space heating/cooling systems

Systems for space heating/cooling can be classified as passive and active systems.

Hybrid GCHE systems: state of the art

Hybrid GCHE systems can be classified as hybrid systems with EAHE and GSHP system.

Economic analysis of hybrid systems

Economic viability is necessary to accept and promote hybrid systems which are assessed by various economic analysis techniques. Broad classification of analysis techniques is shown in Fig. 12.

PBP refers to the period in which the project will generate the necessary cash to recoup the investment. This approach is easy to apply and understand but is suitable for short term economic performance analysis, because it does not consider time value of money and returns after PBP of the project.

Conclusion

GCHE systems are recognized to be outstanding in space heating/cooling and have been widely used for years. From the literature review, it is observed that neither GCHE nor passive technologies alone are satisfactory in majority of the cases. The desired solution appears to be emerging in the combination of GCHE and passive systems.

Review of hybrid GCHE systems concluded that hybrid of EAHE with evaporative cooler could increase cooling effect by 69% and reduce length of buried pipe up to

References (206)

L. Perez-lombard et al.
A review on buildings energy consumption information
Energy Build
(2008)
K.K.W. Wan et al.
Future trends of building heating and cooling loads and energy consumption in different climates
Build Environ
(2011)
M. Isaac et al.
Modeling global residential sector energy demand for heating and air conditioning in the context to climate change
Energy Policy
(2009)
D. Urge-Vorsatz et al.
Heating and cooling energy trends and drivers in buildings
Renew Sustain Energy Rev
(2015)
A.M. Omer
Energy, environment and sustainable development
Renew Sustain Energy Rev
(2008)
P. Nejat et al.
A global review of energy consumption, CO₂ emissions and policy in the residential sector (with an overview of the top ten CO₂ emitting countries)
Renew Sustain Energy Rev
(2015)
W. Cho et al.
Energy-efficient ventilation with air-cleaning mode and demand control in a multi-residential building
Energy Build
(2015)
P. Brinks et al.
Air infiltration assesment for industrial buildings
Energy Build
(2015)
I. Visa et al.
Improving the renewable energy mix in a building toward the nearly zero energy status
Energy Build
(2014)
M. Santamouris et al.
Recent progress on passive cooling techniques: advanced technological developments to improve survivability levels in low-income households
Energy Build
(2007)

A. Arteconi et al.

Domestic demand-side management (DSM): role of heat pumps and thermal energy storage (TES) systems

Appl Therm Eng

(2013)

H. Esen et al.

Technoeconomic appraisal of a ground source heat pump system for a heating season in eastern Turkey

Energy Convers Manag

(2006)

H. Esen et al.

Numerical and experimental analysis of a horizontal ground- coupled heat pump system

Build Environ

(2007)

H. Esen et al.

A techno-economic comparison of ground-coupled and air-coupled heat pump system for space cooling

Build Environ

(2007)

H. Esen et al.

Energy and exergy analysis of a ground-coupled heat pump system with two horizontal ground heat exchangers

Build Environ

(2007)

H. Esen et al.

Modelling a ground-coupled heat pump system using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems

Int. J. Refrig

(2008)

H. Esen et al.

Predicting performance of a ground-source heat pump system using fuzzy weighted pre-processing-based ANFIS

Build Environ

(2008)

H. Esen et al.

Artificial neural networks and adaptive neuro-fuzzy assessments for ground-coupled heat pump system

Energy Build

(2008)

H. Esen et al.

Forecasting of a ground-coupled heat pump performance using neural networks with statistical data weighting pre-processing

Int. J. Therm Sci

(2008)

H. Esen et al.

Performance prediction of a ground-coupled heat pump system using artificial neural networks

Expert Syst Appl

(2008)

H. Esen et al.

Modelling a ground-coupled heat pump system by a support vector machine

Renew Energy

(2008)

Z. Qi et al.

Status and development of hybrid energy systems from ground source heat pump in China and other countries

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

(2014)

M.K. Mishra et al.

Scenerio analysis of CO₂ emissions reduction potential through clean coal technology in India’s power sector:2014–50

Energy Strategy Rev

(2015)

G.H. Go et al.

Optimum design of horizontal ground-coupled heat pump systems using spiral-coil-loop heat exchangers

Appl Energy

(2016)

M. Santamouris et al.

Passive cooling dissipation techniques for building and other structures: the state of the art

Energy Build

(2013)

H.Y. Chan et al.

Review of passive solar heating and cooling technologies

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

(2010)

R. Li et al.

Experimental and theoretical analysis on thermal performance of solar thermal curtain wall in building envelope

Energy Build

(2015)

X. Hong et al.

Three-dimensional simulation on the thermal performance of a novel Trombe wall with venetian blind structure

Energy Build

(2015)

A. Chel et al.

Energy conservation in honey storage building using Trombe wall

Energy Build

(2008)

A.R. Shahreza et al.

Experimental and numerical investigation on an innovative solar chimney

Energy Conserv Manag

(2015)

R. Khanal et al.

Solar chimney- A passive strategy for natural ventilation

Energy Build

(2011)

A. Sharma et al.

Review on thermal energy storage with phase change materials and applications

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

(2009)

M.M. Aboulnaga

A roof solar chimney assisted by cooling cavity for natural ventilation in buildings in hot arid climates: an energy conservation approach in Al-Ain city

Renew Energy

(1998)

O. Saadatian et al.

Review of wind catcher technologies

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

(2012)

H. Montazeri et al.

Two-sided wind catcher performance evaluation using experimental, numerical and analytical model-ing

Renew Energy

(2010)

A.A. Dehghan et al.

Natural ventilation characteristics of one-sided wind catchers: experimental and analytical evaluation

Energy Build

(2013)

A.R. Dehghani-sanij et al.

A new design of wind tower for passive ventilation in buildings to reduce energy consumption in windy regions

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

(2015)

B.R. Hughes et al.

The development of commercial wind towers for natural ventilation: a review

Appl. Energy

(2012)

M.M. Farid et al.

A review on phase change energy storage: materials and applications

Energy Conserv Manag

(2004)

M.C. Browne et al.

Phase change materials for photovoltaic thermal management

Renew sustain Energy Rev

(2015)

J. Shao et al.

Review of phase change emulsions (PCMEs) and their applications in HVAC systems

Energy Build

(2015)

S.E. Kalnaes et al.

Phase change materials and products for building applications: A state-of-the-art review and future research opportunities

Energy Build

(2015)

A. Sole et al.

State of the art on gas–solid thermochemical energy storage systems and reactors for building applications

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

(2015)

M. Karimpour et al.

Impact of climate change on the design of energy efficient residential building envelopes

Energy Build

(2015)

J. Xu et al.

A systamatic approach for energy efficient building design factors optimization

Energy Build

(2015)

V. Bansal et al.

Performance analysis of earth-pipe-air heat exchanger for winter heating

Energy Build

(2009)

V. Bansal et al.

Performance analysis of earth-pipe-air heat exchanger for summer cooling

Energy Build

(2010)

L. Ozgener

A review on the experimental and analytical analysis of earth to air heat exchanger (EAHE) systems in Turkey

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

(2011)

F. Ascione et al.

Earth-to-air heat exchangers for Italian climates

Renew Energy

(2011)

D. Adamovsky et al.

Changes in energy and temperature in the ground mass with horizontal heat exchangers-the energy source for heat pumps

Energy Build

(2015)

Cited by (80)

Advances in ground heat exchangers for space heating and cooling: Review and perspectives
2024, Energy and Built Environment
As a renewable energy source, geothermal energy has been widely used to provide space heating and cooling for buildings. The thermal performance of ground heat exchanger (GHE) is significant for the operating efficiency of the ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems. This paper presents a comprehensive review of developments and advances of three kinds of GHE, including vertical borehole GHE (VBGHE), Pile GHE (PGHE), and deep borehole GHE (DBGHE) which are currently popular in larger GSHP systems. Firstly, analytical models proposed to analyze heat transfer process of VBGHE with different geological conditions are summarized, such as homogenous or heterogeneous ground, with or without groundwater advection. Numerical and short-time step models and measures to improve GHE thermal performance are also reviewed. Secondly, a summary of research advances in PGHE is provided, which includes the heat transfer models of PGHE, the effects of geometric structure, operation modes, pile spacing, use of phase change material (PCM), thermal properties of PCM, thermo-mechanical behavior and/or thermal performance of PGHE. The effects of groundwater flow direction and velocity on PGHE are also summarized in brief. Lastly, models of three kinds of DBGHEs, i.e., deep coaxial GHE (DCGHE), deep U-bend GHE (DUGHE) and super-long gravity heat pipe (SLGHP), are reviewed. The physical bases of the different analytical models are elaborated and also their advantages and disadvantages are described. Advances in numerical modelling and improving numerical model calculation speed of DCBHE, DCBHE array, and DUBHE are summarized. The review provides a meaningful reference for the further study of GHEs.
Ground source heat pumps: Recent progress, applications, challenges, barriers, and role in achieving sustainable development goals based on bibliometric analysis
2023, Thermal Science and Engineering Progress
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) have shown great potential to replace conventional heating and cooling systems in many regions. They also have a significant contribution to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper aims to investigate the advancements, applications, research trends related to GSHPs, and the challenges and barriers that face their development based on a bibliometric analysis. The results show that in recent years, a considerable growth in GSHP’s research has been recognized, with a focus on heating more than cooling, which is due to the fact that GSHP is more suitable for cold regions. The major part of the research done on GSHPs in relation to the SDGs focused on SDG 7, followed by SDG 13. This is mainly due to the direct relation between GSHPs and the environment. However, it was also found that GSHPs have a crucial contribution to the other SDGs, but there was insufficient work dedicated to investigating such relations. Based on the interpretation of the bibliometric analysis, it was deduced that most of the challenges and barriers to GSHPs are related to the capital cost, groundwater contamination, regulations, subsidies, and incentives.
On the exploitation of dynamic simulations for the design of buildings energy systems
2023, Energy
To achieve the Paris Agreement 1.5 °C target, apart from the obligation for new buildings to be ZEBs, the existing building stock should be retrofitted as well, in order to improve their energy efficiency by using more efficient electromechanical energy systems and envelope materials, whereas RES should cover their energy needs. In this context, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) have been institutionalized to certify the energy behavior of buildings. Various types of buildings energy modeling tools and calculation methods have been proposed for EPCs procedures. This study focuses on the energy performance gap between dynamic and quasi steady-state simulation tools. The results from a comparative case study have shown remarkable discrepancies between dynamic and quasi-steady-state simulation processes, for the same building. Indeed, the quasi-steady-state simulation tool estimates 4.5% higher annual electricity consumption per conditioned area for the existing building and approximately 74% less energy savings for the retrofitted one, leading to an overestimation of 85% in CO₂ emissions prediction. Finally, compared to the analysis with the dynamic simulation tool, an increased retrofit cost, approximately by 19.7% (and thus 3 times higher payback period), is needed according to the results of the quasi-steady-state simulation tool, in order to achieve the same Energy classification.
A state-of-the-art review on shallow geothermal ventilation systems with thermal performance enhancement[sbnd] system classifications, advanced technologies and applications
2023, Energy and Built Environment
Geothermal energy with abundance and large quantity can partially cover building heating/cooling loads and promote the carbon-neutrality transitions. Shallow geothermal ventilation (SGV) system, with a little initial investment cost, is one of promising technologies to partly replace the conventional air-conditioning system for air pre-cooling/pre-heating. This paper reviews applications of SGV system for improving thermal performance over latest two decades, which mainly includes the reclassification of SGV system, coupling with other advanced energy-saving technologies, application potentials for building cooling/heating under various weather conditions. Heat transfer mechanism and mathematical modelling techniques have been reviewed, together with in-depth analysis on current research trends, existing limitations, and recommendations of SGV system. Phase change materials, with considerable latent energy density, can stabilize the thermal performance with high reliability. The review identifies that optimization designs and advanced approaches need to be investigated to address the existing urgent issues of SGV system (e.g., large land occupation, difficulty in centralized collection of condensate water timely for horizontal buried pipe, bacteria growth, polluted supply air, and high construction cost for vertical buried pipe). A plenty of studies show that the SGV system could greatly expand the application scope and improve system energy efficiency by combining with other energy-saving technologies. This paper will provide some guidelines for the scientific researchers and engineers to keep track on recent advancements and research trends of SGV system for the building thermal performance enhancement and pave path for future research works.
Earth air heat exchangers
2023, Renewable Energy - Volume 2: Wave, Geothermal, and Bioenergy Definitions, Developments, Applications, Case Studies, and Modelling and Simulation
The aim of this chapter is to present an overview of earth air heat exchangers (EAHEs) and exhibit the main parameters affecting their performance, cost, and environmental impact. These parameters are related to the type and configuration of the EAHE, climate, and shallow geothermal conditions such as pipe diameter, pipe length, depth, soil thermal conductivity, ground temperature, ambient temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation. From the literature, it can be shown that passive EAHEs are usually recommended such that their operating cost is almost zero. The most commonly used passive EAHEs comprise solar chimney or wind tower allowing the natural circulation of air. Additionally, the capital cost of the system can be reduced by integrating the EAHE into the building foundation. Compared with traditional air-conditioning systems, EAHEs have shown significant ecological benefits during operation while their negative impacts are mostly associated with the manufacturing and recycling processes.
Introduction and definition of geothermal energy
2023, Renewable Energy - Volume 2: Wave, Geothermal, and Bioenergy Definitions, Developments, Applications, Case Studies, and Modelling and Simulation
This chapter presents an overview of geothermal energy (GE) utilizations, applications, characteristics, and types of installations. Both deep and shallow systems show that GE is an attractive alternative to conventional energy sources to provide heating, cooling, and electricity. In comparison with other renewable energy sources, GE is also favorable due to its stability and independence of immediate ambient changes. Thus GE systems are highly efficient and have acceptable operating costs. This chapter also highlights the barriers facing GE systems in which the high capital cost of installation is the major issue. Additionally, when the load is high in case of a shallow GE system, the ground thermal imbalance may lead to a decrease in the ground heat exchanger’s performance. Therefore it is usually recommended to use supplementary energy source to reduce the capital cost of installation and avoid thermal ground fouling.

View all citing articles on Scopus

View full text

Hybrid ground coupled heat exchanger systems for space heating/cooling applications: A review

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Objectives of hybrid GCHE systems

Space heating/cooling systems

Hybrid GCHE systems: state of the art

Economic analysis of hybrid systems

Conclusion

Energy Build

Build Environ

Energy Policy

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Energy Build

Energy Build

Energy Build

Energy Build

Appl Therm Eng

Energy Convers Manag

Build Environ

Build Environ

Build Environ

Int. J. Refrig

Build Environ

Energy Build

Int. J. Therm Sci

Expert Syst Appl

Renew Energy

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Energy Strategy Rev

Appl Energy

Energy Build

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Energy Build

Energy Build

Energy Build

Energy Conserv Manag

Energy Build

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Renew Energy

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Renew Energy

Energy Build

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Appl. Energy

Energy Conserv Manag

Renew sustain Energy Rev

Energy Build

Energy Build

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Energy Build

Energy Build

Energy Build

Energy Build

Renew Sustain Energy Rev

Renew Energy

Energy Build