Ground heat exchanger temperature distribution analysis and experimental verification

The underground two-dimensional symmetry temperature field of a vertical double spiral coil ground heat exchanger (GHX) designed by the authors for a ground source heat pump (GSHP) system was simulated using the volume-control method. A heat transfer model of underground coil is made, and the underground temperature distribution of the coil was solved numerically. Experimental temperature data are measured. The analytical results are compared thoroughly with the experimental data. The mathematical mode presented herein may provide design guidance for the design of GHX for GSHP systems. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.