Enhancement of shallow ground heat exchanger with phase change material

Heat pumps perform better when coupled with ground as thermal source than with air. In literature, several studies and applications suggest and analyse the use of phase change materials (PCMs) coupled with single or double U-tube vertical borehole heat exchangers (BHEs). Usually, PCMs are mixed with the grouting material during the installation. An alternative solution to vertical BHEs is the use of horizontal ground heat exchangers (HGHEs). The present work investigates the possibility of coupling PCMs with a flat-panel HGHE installed inside a trench 2 m under the ground surface. The study analyses the case in which PCMs are adjacent to the HGHE, taking a cue from alternative coupling technologies which have PCMs added to the backfilling material of the trench where the HGHE is installed. The analysis has been conducted with COMSOL software tool. A simulation model of the system was developed to carry out a parametric analysis. The objective of the simulations is the investigation of the thermal behaviour of the HGHE patent pending coupled with PCMs under cycles of operation which represent how the heat pump could work in GSHP system. The results show the meaningful difference of using the PCM in direct contact with the HGHE.

Automated summary

This study investigates the coupling of phase change materials (PCMs) with a horizontal ground heat exchanger (HGHE) for heat pump applications. The results show that compared to traditional vertical borehole heat exchangers, the direct contact between PCMs and HGHE can significantly improve the performance of heat pumps.