The potential of Earth-to-Air Heat Exchangers for reducing energy demand in Spanish dwellings

Abstract

An earth-air heat exchanger (EAHX), also known as Provençal well or Canadian well, is a system for cooling and heating buildings using the ground as a heat sink/source. This study is dealing with earth-air heat exchanger (EAHX) implementation for Spanish dwellings. The objective is to assess the potential of this solution for HVAC energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. A numerical study is conducted to assess the thermal behavior of EAHX using the transient simulation tool TRNSYS. The simulations are carried out for typical Spanish single family detached home, taken into account three different climate regions. Detailed results are presented concerning EAHX thermal behavior and its benefits in terms of energy savings and anti pollution effects for fresh air pre-heating and pre-cooling within mechanical ventilation system of the house.