Ground preconditioning of supply air - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 05:16, 22 October 2020

2020-10-22T05:16:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:16, 22 October 2020
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		+	= Introduction =

	Using the earth as a method of thermally pre-conditioning the supply of air is a simple, cost effective way of employing huge thermal masses.		Using the earth as a method of thermally pre-conditioning the supply of air is a simple, cost effective way of employing huge thermal masses.
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	As with all ground coupling, the basic principle is that the ground temperature is much more stable than the ambient conditions. Passing cold or warm air over a surface at a certain temperature will bring the air temperature closer to the ground temperature. Very little additional equipment or ground intervention is needed, particularly if the building is to be mechanically ventilated anyway.		As with all ground coupling, the basic principle is that the ground temperature is much more stable than the ambient conditions. Passing cold or warm air over a surface at a certain temperature will bring the air temperature closer to the ground temperature. Very little additional equipment or ground intervention is needed, particularly if the building is to be mechanically ventilated anyway.

−	[[File:~~Schematic section~~.jpg\|~~1325x520px\|alt~~=~~Schematic section~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Schematic_section.jpg\|link=File:Schematic_section.jpg]]

−	''West London Academy – schematic section''	+	West London Academy – schematic section

	The heat transfer achieved depends on the surface area available, the velocity (which to a large extent determines the heat transfer coefficient), the time spent in contact with the ground and the external temperature. These are often competing with each other, but the critical issue in any system is to ensure that the airflow in the ground contact zone is turbulent. For a typical floor plenum 300mm deep, this occurs at a velocity of as little as 0.2 m/s, reducing proportionately in larger ducts and increasing in smaller pipes. Once in the turbulent zone, the heat transfer coefficient will continue to increase as the air moves faster. However, it can still obey the law of diminishing returns, with high velocities increasing pressure losses, resulting in noisier fans and more electrical energy usage.		The heat transfer achieved depends on the surface area available, the velocity (which to a large extent determines the heat transfer coefficient), the time spent in contact with the ground and the external temperature. These are often competing with each other, but the critical issue in any system is to ensure that the airflow in the ground contact zone is turbulent. For a typical floor plenum 300mm deep, this occurs at a velocity of as little as 0.2 m/s, reducing proportionately in larger ducts and increasing in smaller pipes. Once in the turbulent zone, the heat transfer coefficient will continue to increase as the air moves faster. However, it can still obey the law of diminishing returns, with high velocities increasing pressure losses, resulting in noisier fans and more electrical energy usage.
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	To illustrate the energy available, on a hot summer’s day the external temperature could easily be 30°C in the south of the UK, with a ground temperature of approximately 15°C. Heat transfer coefficients of 8 W/m²K are easily achievable, giving a cooling potential of 120 W/m². This can usefully serve buildings of two to three storeys.		To illustrate the energy available, on a hot summer’s day the external temperature could easily be 30°C in the south of the UK, with a ground temperature of approximately 15°C. Heat transfer coefficients of 8 W/m²K are easily achievable, giving a cooling potential of 120 W/m². This can usefully serve buildings of two to three storeys.

−	[[File:~~Steiner Academy graph of performance~~.jpg\|~~1107x818px\|alt~~=~~Steiner Academy graph of performance~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Steiner_Academy_graph_of_performance.jpg\|link=File:Steiner_Academy_graph_of_performance.jpg]]

−	''Graph showing earth tube performance at Hereford Steiner Academy.''	+	Graph showing earth tube performance at Hereford Steiner Academy.

	There are many possible configurations of air based systems, but the most common are earth tubes, and labyrinths and undercrofts.		There are many possible configurations of air based systems, but the most common are earth tubes, and labyrinths and undercrofts.
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	= Other issues =		= Other issues =
−	*Controls take some time to settle down, and post-occupancy evaluation, control modification and maintenance modification regimes are critical.
−	*It is important to make sure air flow is turbulent, but not so fast as to generate large pressure drops.
−	*It is important to ensure that clients and occupants are aware of the nature of the system so that they can be ‘on board’ and supportive as it settles down, particularly in the first few months of use.

−	-~~---~~	+	* Controls take some time to settle down, and post-occupancy evaluation, control modification and maintenance modification regimes are critical.
		+	* It is important to make sure air flow is turbulent, but not so fast as to generate large pressure drops.
		+	* It is important to ensure that clients and occupants are aware of the nature of the system so that they can be ‘on board’ and supportive as it settles down, particularly in the first few months of use.

−	This article was created by --[[User~~%3ABuro%20Happold~~\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.	+	-----
		+	This article was created by --[[User:Buro_Happold\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.

−	= ~~Find out more~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

−	~~=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===~~	+	* Air source heat pumps.
−	*Air source heat pumps.	+	* Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems
−	*Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems	+	* Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
−	*Earth-to-air heat exchangers.	+	* Geothermal energy.
−	*Geothermal energy.	+	* Geothermal pile foundations.
−	*Geothermal pile foundations.	+	* Ground energy options.
−	*Ground energy options.	+	* Ground source heat pumps.
−	*Ground source heat pumps.	+	* Thermal labyrinths.
−	*Thermal labyrinths.	+

−	[[Category:~~Products_/_components~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Product_Knowledge~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Research,_Development_and_Innovation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]
−	[[Category:Sustainability]]	+

Designing Buildings at 11:01, 27 June 2014

2014-06-27T11:01:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:01, 27 June 2014
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	----		----

−	This article was created by --[[User~~:Buro_Happold~~\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.	+	This article was created by --[[User%3ABuro%20Happold\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
		+	*Air source heat pumps.
	*Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems		*Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems
	*Earth-to-air heat exchangers.		*Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
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	*Thermal labyrinths.		*Thermal labyrinths.

−	[[Category:Products_/_components]]	+	[[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]
	[[Category:Sustainability]]		[[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 05:50, 26 May 2014

2014-05-26T05:50:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:50, 26 May 2014
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	----		----

−	This article was created by [[User~~%3ABuro%20Happold~~\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.	+	This article was created by --[[User:Buro_Happold\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Designing Buildings at 13:09, 18 March 2013

2013-03-18T13:09:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:09, 18 March 2013
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	= Labyrinths and undercrofts =		= Labyrinths and undercrofts =

−	A more powerful technique that can harness the entire footprint of a building is the use of labyrinths and undercrofts. These can be located under the building, or even extend beyond it, and can be ~~shallow~~ enough to allow access for maintenance. The most well-known labyrinth scheme is probably the one at the Earth Centre in Doncaster, where the walls even have an irregular shape to increase turbulence and the surface area available for heat transfer.	+	A more powerful technique that can harness the entire footprint of a building is the use of labyrinths and undercrofts. These can be located under the building, or even extend beyond it, and can be deep enough to allow access for maintenance. The most well-known labyrinth scheme is probably the one at the Earth Centre in Doncaster, where the walls even have an irregular shape to increase turbulence and the surface area available for heat transfer.

	See Thermal labyrinths for more information.		See Thermal labyrinths for more information.
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	Labyrinths are best dealt with by making them tall enough to be accessible. If this is not possible, regular access points into shallower voids should be provided.		Labyrinths are best dealt with by making them tall enough to be accessible. If this is not possible, regular access points into shallower voids should be provided.

−	It is crucial to ensure that dirt and vermin ingress is avoided by sealing any entries to ducts.	+	It is crucial to ensure that dirt and vermin ingress is avoided by sealing any inadvertent entries to ducts.

	= Efficiency =		= Efficiency =

Alex Harvie at 11:47, 18 March 2013

2013-03-18T11:47:05Z

Designing Buildings at 10:41, 17 March 2013

2013-03-17T10:41:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:41, 17 March 2013
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	*It is important to make sure air flow is turbulent, but not so fast as to generate large pressure drops.		*It is important to make sure air flow is turbulent, but not so fast as to generate large pressure drops.
	*It is important to ensure that clients and occupants are aware of the nature of the system so that they can be ‘on board’ and supportive as it settles down, particularly in the first few months of use.		*It is important to ensure that clients and occupants are aware of the nature of the system so that they can be ‘on board’ and supportive as it settles down, particularly in the first few months of use.
		+
		+	----
		+
		+	This article was created by [[User:Buro_Happold\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Designing Buildings at 07:38, 16 March 2013

2013-03-16T07:38:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:38, 16 March 2013
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	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
		+	*Dynamic thermal modelling of closed loop geothermal heat pump systems
	*Earth-to-air heat exchangers.		*Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
	*Geothermal energy.		*Geothermal energy.
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	*Ground energy options.		*Ground energy options.
	*Ground source heat pumps.		*Ground source heat pumps.
−	*Thermal labyrinths	+	*Thermal labyrinths.

	[[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:Products_/_components]]
	[[Category:Sustainability]]		[[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 10:44, 8 March 2013

2013-03-08T10:44:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:44, 8 March 2013
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	''Graph showing earth tube performance at Hereford Steiner Academy.''		''Graph showing earth tube performance at Hereford Steiner Academy.''

−	There are many possible configurations of air based systems, but the most common are earth tubes, and labyrinths and undercrofts.	+	There are many possible configurations of air based systems, but the most common are earth tubes, and labyrinths and undercrofts.

	= Earth tubes =		= Earth tubes =
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	Concrete and clay pipes are preferred, as they have a thermal conductivity similar to the materials in which they are buried and, in the case of clay, a low embodied energy. These ducts can be used as the inlet to a system or even on the supply to a room. However, care must be taken not to heat air in winter before passing it through the buried ducts as heat will be lost into the ground.		Concrete and clay pipes are preferred, as they have a thermal conductivity similar to the materials in which they are buried and, in the case of clay, a low embodied energy. These ducts can be used as the inlet to a system or even on the supply to a room. However, care must be taken not to heat air in winter before passing it through the buried ducts as heat will be lost into the ground.
		+
		+	See Earth-to-air heat exchangers (ETAHE) for more information.

	= Labyrinths and undercrofts =		= Labyrinths and undercrofts =

	A more powerful technique that can harness the entire footprint of a building is the use of labyrinths and undercrofts. These can be located under the building, or even extend beyond it, and can be deep enough to allow access for maintenance. The most well known labyrinth scheme is probably the one at the Earth Centre in Doncaster, where the walls even have an irregular shape to increase turbulence and the surface area available for heat transfer.		A more powerful technique that can harness the entire footprint of a building is the use of labyrinths and undercrofts. These can be located under the building, or even extend beyond it, and can be deep enough to allow access for maintenance. The most well known labyrinth scheme is probably the one at the Earth Centre in Doncaster, where the walls even have an irregular shape to increase turbulence and the surface area available for heat transfer.
		+
		+	See Thermal labyrinths for more information.

	= Access =		= Access =
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	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
		+	*Earth-to-air heat exchangers.
	*Geothermal energy.		*Geothermal energy.
	*Geothermal pile foundations.		*Geothermal pile foundations.
	*Ground energy options.		*Ground energy options.
	*Ground source heat pumps.		*Ground source heat pumps.
		+	*Thermal labyrinths

	[[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:Products_/_components]]
	[[Category:Sustainability]]		[[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 10:26, 8 March 2013

2013-03-08T10:26:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 8 March 2013
Line 34:		Line 34:
	''Graph showing earth tube performance at Hereford Steiner Academy.''		''Graph showing earth tube performance at Hereford Steiner Academy.''

−	There are many possible configurations of air based systems, but the most common are earth tubes, and labyrinths and undercrofts~~. These two options have markedly differing degrees of earth coupling and operational characteristics~~.	+	There are many possible configurations of air based systems, but the most common are earth tubes, and labyrinths and undercrofts.

	= Earth tubes =		= Earth tubes =

Designing Buildings at 10:26, 8 March 2013

2013-03-08T10:26:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 8 March 2013
Line 34:		Line 34:
	''Graph showing earth tube performance at Hereford Steiner Academy.''		''Graph showing earth tube performance at Hereford Steiner Academy.''

−	There are many possible configurations of air based systems, but the most common are earth tubes, and labyrinths and undercrofts.	+	There are many possible configurations of air based systems, but the most common are earth tubes, and labyrinths and undercrofts. These two options have markedly differing degrees of earth coupling and operational characteristics.

	= Earth tubes =		= Earth tubes =
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	Earth tubes can be dealt with in a similar way to drains, with access necessary at both ends, and preferably a pit at one end. CCTV can be used to check for defects, and spray methods can be used to clean the ducts. To ensure that condensation is managed efficiently, the ducts need to be laid to a slight fall.		Earth tubes can be dealt with in a similar way to drains, with access necessary at both ends, and preferably a pit at one end. CCTV can be used to check for defects, and spray methods can be used to clean the ducts. To ensure that condensation is managed efficiently, the ducts need to be laid to a slight fall.

−	Labyrinths are best dealt with by making them tall enough so that they are accessible. If this is not possible, regular access points into shallower voids should be provided.	+	Labyrinths are best dealt with by making them tall enough so that they are accessible. If this is not possible, regular access points into shallower voids should be provided.

	It is crucial to ensure that dirt and vermin ingress is avoided by sealing any inadvertent entries to ducts.		It is crucial to ensure that dirt and vermin ingress is avoided by sealing any inadvertent entries to ducts.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:47, 18 March 2013
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	= History =		= History =

−	The stability of the ground temperature provides a renewable energy source that has been exploited for many years. This is demonstrated in many extreme climates by the use of ground sheltered buildings, and in China, cave dwellings which take advantage of a lack of thermal variation ~~have existed for centuries~~.	+	The stability of the ground temperature provides a renewable energy source that has been exploited for many years. This is demonstrated in many extreme climates by the use of ground-sheltered buildings, and in China, cave dwellings, which take advantage of a lack of thermal variation.

	Water-based ground source systems are relatively common. They harness the stability of the ground temperature by passing a fluid through pipes that are in contact with the ground, or use ground water from deep sources.		Water-based ground source systems are relatively common. They harness the stability of the ground temperature by passing a fluid through pipes that are in contact with the ground, or use ground water from deep sources.
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	Air-based systems are generally relatively low-tech, require shallow interventions in the ground and are suitable for most sites. They can often be implemented relatively cheaply with little mechanical equipment required. However, they tend to be less well-known than water-based systems, and their behaviour is not as well understood, in particular the effect of the system itself on the temperatures of buried air paths.		Air-based systems are generally relatively low-tech, require shallow interventions in the ground and are suitable for most sites. They can often be implemented relatively cheaply with little mechanical equipment required. However, they tend to be less well-known than water-based systems, and their behaviour is not as well understood, in particular the effect of the system itself on the temperatures of buried air paths.

−	Early uses of this technology include The Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, which represented a landmark in the ventilation of hospital buildings. Air was supplied from a series of subterranean plant rooms, where it was filtered and/or cooled using wet sprays (in the days before Legionnaires Disease was recognised as an issue), and heated before passing through buried brick corridors on the way to the wards. While the ground connection would have been wasteful in terms of heat energy, it would have provided some useful additional cooling in summer.	+	Early uses of this technology include The Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, which represented a landmark in the ventilation of hospital buildings. Air was supplied from a series of subterranean plant rooms, where it was filtered and/or cooled using wet sprays (in the days before Legionnaires' Disease was recognised as an issue), and heated before passing through buried brick corridors on the way to the wards. While the ground connection would have been wasteful in terms of heat energy, it would have provided some useful additional cooling in summer. For more information see - [http://www.hevac-heritage.org/landmark_buildings/institutional/institutional.htm http://www.hevac-heritage.org/landmark_buildings/institutional/institutional.htm]

	Wolverhampton Civic Hall’s ventilation system, constructed in the 1930s, also uses myriad buried ducts to provide cooling in the summer.		Wolverhampton Civic Hall’s ventilation system, constructed in the 1930s, also uses myriad buried ducts to provide cooling in the summer.
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	Analysis of the airside heat transfer can be performed relatively simply, but assessment of how the temperature of the ground varies with depth and time is more difficult, and requires detailed thermal modelling in four dimensions. As a general rule, the deeper the ducts the better, up to a depth of around 2-3m.		Analysis of the airside heat transfer can be performed relatively simply, but assessment of how the temperature of the ground varies with depth and time is more difficult, and requires detailed thermal modelling in four dimensions. As a general rule, the deeper the ducts the better, up to a depth of around 2-3m.

−	The heat and coolth recovered from the ground can not only reduce heating use in the building, but can effectively enable thermally lightweight buildings to have summertime performance similar to those with large amounts of thermal mass. This can provide a high degree of resilience against changes in use, such as increased IT loads, occupancies, and longer hours of use. Most critically for the future, it is able to deal with the effects of climate change.	+	The heat and coolth recovered from the ground can not only reduce heating use in the building, but can effectively enable thermally-lightweight buildings to have summertime performance similar to those with large amounts of thermal mass. This can provide a high degree of resilience against changes in use, such as increased IT loads, occupancies, and longer hours of use. Most critically for the future, it is able to deal with the effects of climate change.

−	To illustrate the energy available, on a hot summer’s day the external temperature could easily be 30°C in the south of the UK, with a ground temperature of ~~maybe~~ 15°C. Heat transfer coefficients of 8 W/m²K are easily achievable, giving a cooling potential of 120 W/m². This can usefully serve buildings of two to three storeys.	+	To illustrate the energy available, on a hot summer’s day the external temperature could easily be 30°C in the south of the UK, with a ground temperature of approximately 15°C. Heat transfer coefficients of 8 W/m²K are easily achievable, giving a cooling potential of 120 W/m². This can usefully serve buildings of two to three storeys.

	[[File:Steiner Academy graph of performance.jpg\|1107x818px\|alt=Steiner Academy graph of performance.jpg]]		[[File:Steiner Academy graph of performance.jpg\|1107x818px\|alt=Steiner Academy graph of performance.jpg]]
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	Earth tubes are pipes buried in the ground. This is a cheap technology that can be easily utilised beneath the footprint of a building or in its surroundings. Burial depths of 2m are preferred, but 1m of cover can provide a good degree of stability.		Earth tubes are pipes buried in the ground. This is a cheap technology that can be easily utilised beneath the footprint of a building or in its surroundings. Burial depths of 2m are preferred, but 1m of cover can provide a good degree of stability.

−	Concrete and clay pipes are preferred, as they have a thermal conductivity similar to the materials in which they are buried and, in the case of clay, a low embodied energy. These ducts can be used as the inlet to a system or even on the supply to a room. However, care must be taken not to heat air in winter before passing it through the buried ducts as heat will be lost into the ground.	+	Concrete and clay pipes are preferred, as they have a thermal conductivity similar to the materials in which they are buried and, in the case of clay, a low embodied energy. These ducts can be used as the inlet to a system or even on the supply to a room. However, care must be taken not to heat air in winter before passing it through the buried ducts, as heat will be lost into the ground.

	See Earth-to-air heat exchangers (ETAHE) for more information.		See Earth-to-air heat exchangers (ETAHE) for more information.
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	= Labyrinths and undercrofts =		= Labyrinths and undercrofts =

−	A more powerful technique that can harness the entire footprint of a building is the use of labyrinths and undercrofts. These can be located under the building, or even extend beyond it, and can be ~~deep~~ enough to allow access for maintenance. The most well known labyrinth scheme is probably the one at the Earth Centre in Doncaster, where the walls even have an irregular shape to increase turbulence and the surface area available for heat transfer.	+	A more powerful technique that can harness the entire footprint of a building is the use of labyrinths and undercrofts. These can be located under the building, or even extend beyond it, and can be shallow enough to allow access for maintenance. The most well-known labyrinth scheme is probably the one at the Earth Centre in Doncaster, where the walls even have an irregular shape to increase turbulence and the surface area available for heat transfer.

	See Thermal labyrinths for more information.		See Thermal labyrinths for more information.
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	Concerns are sometimes raised about the cleaning and maintenance of undercrofts and earth tubes.		Concerns are sometimes raised about the cleaning and maintenance of undercrofts and earth tubes.

−	Earth tubes can be dealt with in a similar way to drains, with access necessary at both ends, and preferably a pit at one end. CCTV can be used to check for defects, and spray methods can be used to clean the ducts. To ensure that condensation is managed efficiently, the ducts need to be laid to a slight fall.	+	Earth tubes can be dealt with in a similar way to drains, with access necessary at both ends, and preferably a pit at one end. CCTV can be used to check for defects, and spray methods can be used to clean the ducts. To ensure that condensation is managed efficiently, the ducts need to be laid with a slight fall.

−	Labyrinths are best dealt with by making them tall enough ~~so that they are~~ accessible. If this is not possible, regular access points into shallower voids should be provided.	+	Labyrinths are best dealt with by making them tall enough to be accessible. If this is not possible, regular access points into shallower voids should be provided.

−	It is crucial to ensure that dirt and vermin ingress is avoided by sealing any ~~inadvertent~~ entries to ducts.	+	It is crucial to ensure that dirt and vermin ingress is avoided by sealing any entries to ducts.

	= Efficiency =		= Efficiency =
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	----		----

−	This article was created by [[User~~:Buro_Happold~~\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.	+	This article was created by [[User%3ABuro%20Happold\|Buro Happold]], 17 March 2013, based on a 2008 article in 'Patterns'.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =