Experimental study of the efficiency of earth-to-air heat exchangers: Effect of the presence of external fans

Abstract

Renewable energy means a source of energy which is renewable and without or with less energy consumption as possible. In the case of the earth to air heat exchanger EAHE, we can find EAHE without fan or blower and systems with it according to prevailing winds. In the present paper, an experimental investigation of the possibilities and influences of using EAHE without a fan and directly after using a fan as a mechanism of air inducing and its impact inside a hot arid region full-scale test room. Temperature and relative humidity inside a test room made of poly-wood are measured. Results show that temperature inside the test room connected to EAHE without and with external fan reduced by 10 and 14 °C, respectively. For relative humidity, it doesn’t exceed 20 to 30 % for both systems, respectively. Obtained results confirmed that fan use allowed EAHE to better thermal performance, but hygrometry must be controlled. The use of EAHE with an external fan could improve thermal comfort inside hot arid region buildings and dwellings.

Keywords

• Earth-to-air heat exchanger
• Arid environment
• Thermal comfort
• Climatic conditions
• Natural ventilation