Energy geostructures (EGs) represent an innovative technology in the sustainable energy agenda and are useful for satisfying the energy needs of the built environment. They are usually involving geostructures such as piles, walls, tunnels, shafts, and sewers. The application of such technology to infrastructure projects may have considerable thermal potential because of the large surfaces that can be thermally activated. This study focuses on thermo-active walls (energy walls, EWs), which are retaining structures used to sustain the sides of excavations. Key features related to their thermal design are examined, and a design methodology is proposed. The heat-exchange modes involving EWs and the surrounding materials (concrete, soil, air) are investigated via extensive three-dimensional hydrothermal finite-element simulations involving the non-isothermal flow in the heat exchangers (HEs), as well as all other heat-exchange modes. The results are first presented as charts related to the thermal behavior of the HEs under different hydrothermal environments. Finally, a methodology for early-stage thermal performance design is proposed, and a corresponding flowchart is presented. This study may be helpful for incorporating EGs into the engineering design.

Zannin J., Ferrari A., Larrey-Lassalle P., Laloui L. (2022). Early-stage thermal performance design of thermo-active walls implemented in underground infrastructures. GEOMECHANICS FOR ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, 30, 100218 [10.1016/j.gete.2020.100218].

Early-stage thermal performance design of thermo-active walls implemented in underground infrastructures

Ferrari A.;
2022-01-01

Abstract

Energy geostructures (EGs) represent an innovative technology in the sustainable energy agenda and are useful for satisfying the energy needs of the built environment. They are usually involving geostructures such as piles, walls, tunnels, shafts, and sewers. The application of such technology to infrastructure projects may have considerable thermal potential because of the large surfaces that can be thermally activated. This study focuses on thermo-active walls (energy walls, EWs), which are retaining structures used to sustain the sides of excavations. Key features related to their thermal design are examined, and a design methodology is proposed. The heat-exchange modes involving EWs and the surrounding materials (concrete, soil, air) are investigated via extensive three-dimensional hydrothermal finite-element simulations involving the non-isothermal flow in the heat exchangers (HEs), as well as all other heat-exchange modes. The results are first presented as charts related to the thermal behavior of the HEs under different hydrothermal environments. Finally, a methodology for early-stage thermal performance design is proposed, and a corresponding flowchart is presented. This study may be helpful for incorporating EGs into the engineering design.
2022
Zannin J., Ferrari A., Larrey-Lassalle P., Laloui L. (2022). Early-stage thermal performance design of thermo-active walls implemented in underground infrastructures. GEOMECHANICS FOR ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, 30, 100218 [10.1016/j.gete.2020.100218].
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
1-s2.0-S2352380820300721-main.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: Versione Editoriale
Dimensione 2.06 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
2.06 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10447/577211
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 8
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 9
social impact