Experimental validation of a CFD model of a ground heat exchanger with slinky coils

Abstract

Rising energy prices have increased the popularity of many renewable energy sources including heat pumps. In the case of ground heat pumps research related to the analysis of the operation and selection of ground heat exchangers as a heat source are insufficient. With this in mind, on the operation of the horizontal slinky coil heat exchanger research work has been undertaken. As a research tool, the Computational Fluid Dynamics has been used. To check the adequacy of the CFD model, a validation of the model was carried out using the results of research on a real heat exchanger. Comparison was made: values of ground temperatures, outlet temperatures from the exchanger, and heat flux exchanged by the heat exchanger. In the opinion of the authors, the validation of the CFD model was successful.