A new model to predict subsoil-thermal profiles based on seasonal rain conditions and soil properties. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molina-Rodea, R.; Wong-Loya, J.A.
• Is Part Of: Geothermics. Volume 97(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Weather conditions -- Heat transfer -- Soil porosity -- Soil permeability; Hydrogeology -- Periodicals; Geothermal resources -- Periodicals; Énergie géothermique -- Périodiques; GEOTHERMAL ENGINEERING; GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION; Geothermal resources; Hydrogeology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geothermics.2021.102261
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0375-6505

Abstract

Highlights: Environmental factors such as rain have a direct impact on the sub soil temperature profiles. The subsoil heat transfer is modified due to the environmental characteristics of the time of year. The soil's porosity and permeability affect the thermal dynamics in the soil. The new model shows a better fit with experimental data against de analytical solution. Abstract: In the present work, a novel way to simulate the soil temperature profiles is developed. Soil temperature profiles are essential to know the Stabilized Temperature (ST). In topics related to low depth geothermal energy, sustainable building, renewable energies, and energy efficiency is essential to know both soil temperature profiles and the ST in the design phase. The first way to predict soil temperature profiles was by solving the heat conduction equation by Fourier series. The main problem with the analytical solution is the environmental factors. By omitting these conditions, results agree only with some regions where environmental conditions have less influence on the subsoil temperature. The presented simulator allows using variables used in the analytical solution, likewise environmental factors like relative humidity and rain duration. Besides, the change of thermo-physical properties along the year is considered. The results of the simulator are compared against experimental data in situ and the analytical solution used previously. The comparison results point out that the new simulator reproduces up to 80% better the soil temperature profiles than the analytical solution by Fourier series.