Mathematical Models for Geothermal Heat Exchangers

Ground heat exchangers allow the heat transfer between the ground and a carrier fluid circulating within them. They are conceptually based on the fact that, at a sufficient depth, the ground has approximately a constant temperature all over the year. In this preliminary study, two types of vertical heat exchangers are analysed. A mathematical model is proposed for the convective heat transfer between the ground and the fluid within the exchanger. The numerical solution of this model is described and the corresponding numerical results are compared with experimental measurements obtained on real devices