Numerical Analysis and Constructal Design of Earth-Air Heat Exchanger: Mathematical Methods for Engineering

The Earth-Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE) is a device used to improve the thermal condition of built environments. It contributes to the reduction in energy consumption of traditional air conditioning equipment. The operating principle consists of pipelines that are buried in the superficial soil layers. These layers are permanently exposed to solar radiation. Consequently, the air is driven to flow inside the duct which exchanges heat with the earth. Thus, its operating principle is based on fluid mechanics and heat transfer, areas where Constructal Design method has been successfully employed in the search for better performances for systems engineering. In this way, was noted that the application of Constructal Design method on projects of Earth-Air Heat Exchangers installations implies a significantly higher thermal performance when compared to installations made with not optimized geometries.