Geothermal Heat Exchanger CFD Simulation, ANSYS Fluent Training
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€165.00 €115.00
Geothermal heat exchangers, particularly those used in ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems, have been assumed to be game-changers in the realm of sustainable energy solutions. These innovative systems tap into the Earth’s natural heat, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods. At the heart of GSHP technology lies the borehole heat exchanger (BHE), which comes in various configurations such as single U-tube, 2U, and multi-tube designs. Each layout has its own set of pros and cons, influencing factors like thermal efficiency and space requirements. However, the widespread adoption of GSHPs, especially in urban areas, faces challenges related to the substantial space needed for BHE installations. As research continues to push the boundaries of BHE design, focusing on enhancing heat exchange performance while minimizing spatial footprint, geothermal heat exchangers are poised to play a crucial role in our transition towards more sustainable and efficient energy systems. This study mainly gets credit from the reference paper titled “ Heat extraction analyses and energy consumption characteristics of novel designs of geothermal borehole heat exchangers with elliptic and oval double U-tube structures [1]“; however, other papers were also helpful.
- Reference [1]: Al-Kbodi, Basher Hassan, et al. “Heat extraction analyses and energy consumption characteristics of novel designs of geothermal borehole heat exchangers with elliptic and oval double U-tube structures.” Applied Thermal Engineering235 (2023): 121418.
- Reference [2]: Rajeh, Taha, et al. “Modeling and techno-economic comparison of two types of coaxial with double U-tube ground heat exchangers.” Applied Thermal Engineering225 (2023): 120221.
Figure 1: Outline of Geothermal Heat Exchanger CFD Simulation
Simulation Process
The proposed geothermal heat exchanger configuration, namely, elliptic tube heat exchanger is modeled using Design Modeler. The numerical model is divided into four areas: soil outside, backfill soil inside the borehole, tube, and working fluid. The geometry model is discretized by structured elements (8543513 cells). See Fig.2. Notably, the soil outside requires a temperature gradient driven by a non-linear function of depth. So, a User-defined Function (UDF) is needed. This natural distribution of heat in the earth is of the importance that leads to a real-life approach.
Figure 2: Structured grid over Geothermal Heat Exchanger CFD Simulation, ANSYS Fluent Training
Post-processing
The simulation results of the geothermal heat exchanger depict a temperature distribution pattern across the system. The temperature contour plot shows a distinct U-shaped pipe configuration in the center, characterized by the highest temperatures, reaching approximately 302-303 K (28.85-29.85°C). This closely matches the inlet water temperature of 30°C, indicating minimal heat loss as the water enters the system. Surrounding the pipe, we observe a gradual temperature gradient, transitioning from warmer near the pipe to cooler at the outer edges of the soil. This gradient illustrates the heat transfer process from the warmer water to the cooler soil, with the most intense heat exchange occurring in the immediate vicinity of the pipe.
The soil temperature gradient, governed by the user-defined function, creates a complex thermal environment that influences the heat exchanger’s performance. The parabolic nature of the temperature distribution in the soil is reflected in the asymmetrical cooling pattern observed in the contour plot. The upper and lower regions of the soil mass exhibit cooler temperatures, around 291-293 K (17.85-19.85°C), while the middle section shows slightly higher temperatures. This temperature variation in the soil likely affects the efficiency of heat transfer along the length of the pipe, with potentially more effective cooling in the upper and lower sections where the temperature difference between the water and soil is greatest. The simulation results underscore the importance of considering soil temperature profiles in the design and optimization of geothermal heat exchanger systems to maximize their performance and efficiency.
Figure 3: Temperature distribution around Geothermal Heat Exchanger CFD Simulation
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