Influential factors on thermal performance of energy slabs equipped with an insulation layer. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Seokjae; Park, Sangwoo; Won, Jongmuk; Choi, Hangseok
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 174(2021)
• Page Start: 823
• Page End: 834
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Energy slab -- Ground heat exchanger (GHEX) -- Thermal performance test (TPT) -- Computational fluid-dynamic (CFD) model -- Thermal insulation layer; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.04.090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: The energy slab is a slab structure in a building that encases heat exchangers to utilize geothermal energy for heating and cooling of the building. In the energy slabs, the presence of thermal insulation layers is crucially important compared to those of the conventional Ground Heat Exchanger (GHEX). In this paper, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed by calibrating with the result of the in-situ thermal performance test (TPT) to comprehensively assess the effect of influential factors on the thermal performance of energy slabs. Note that the thermal conductivity of ground formations and the flow rate of working fluid significantly influence the thermal performance of energy slabs. Especially in the energy slabs, the existence of a thermal insulation layer with appropriate thermal properties is significantly important to relieve the thermal interference induced by ambient air temperature. Considering the performance of thermal insulation and economic feasibility, a PF (phenol foam) board is found to be the suitable material for the energy slab considered in this paper. Highlights: A CFD numerical model was developed to evaluate thermal performance of energy slabs. Influential factors on thermal performance of energy slabs were investigated. The PF board is a promising candidate for optimum thermal insulation material.