Passive cooling in buildings using earth–air heat exchangers

Identifier:  TFM:2345

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM2345

Authors:  Tron, Nataliia

Abstract:
This thesis investigates the application of Earth–Air Heat Exchangers (EAHEs) as a passive cooling strategy under the climatic and soil conditions of Tarragona and Poltava. Numerical simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics model transient heat transfer in buried pipes, while parametric analyses assess the effects of pipe length, diameter, depth, and air velocity. Results demonstrate summer indoor air temperature reductions of up to 8 °C, with optimal performance observed at burial depths of 4.5 m. The study confirms that EAHEs offer an effective, energy-efficient alternative to conventional cooling, enhancing building resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change.