A transient three-dimensional numerical solution is developed to analyze the thermal performance of thermo-active foundations used to heat and cool commercial buildings. Using laboratory testing data, the numerical solution is validated and used to carry out a sensitivity analysis to assess the most important design and operating parameters that affect the thermal performance of thermo-active foundations. It is found that the foundation depth, the shank space, the fluid flow rate, and the number of U-tube loops in each foundation pile are the main parameters that affect the thermal performance of a thermo-active foundation system. Based on the validated numerical solution, thermal response factors for a thermo-active foundation are developed, and implemented into a detailed building energy simulation program. These thermal response factors are then used to estimate the impact of installing thermo-active foundations on the total energy use of typical office buildings in representative US climates.
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November 2013
Research-Article
Performance of Thermoactive Foundations for Commercial Buildings
Moncef Krarti
Moncef Krarti
1
Professor
Building Systems Engineering
e-mail: Krartii@colorado.edu
Civil, Environmental, and Architectural
Engineering Department,
Building Systems Engineering
e-mail: Krartii@colorado.edu
Civil, Environmental, and Architectural
Engineering Department,
University of Colorado
,Boulder, CO 80309
1Corresponding author.
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Moncef Krarti
Professor
Building Systems Engineering
e-mail: Krartii@colorado.edu
Civil, Environmental, and Architectural
Engineering Department,
Building Systems Engineering
e-mail: Krartii@colorado.edu
Civil, Environmental, and Architectural
Engineering Department,
University of Colorado
,Boulder, CO 80309
1Corresponding author.
Contributed by the Solar Energy Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING. Manuscript received January 11, 2013; final manuscript received August 1, 2013; published online October 17, 2013. Assoc. Editor: Jorge E. Gonzalez.
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Nov 2013, 135(4): 040907 (10 pages)
Published Online: October 17, 2013
Article history
Received:
January 11, 2013
Revision Received:
August 1, 2013
Citation
Chang Kwag, B., and Krarti, M. (October 17, 2013). "Performance of Thermoactive Foundations for Commercial Buildings." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. November 2013; 135(4): 040907. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4025587
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