09-24-19, 03:41 PM | #1 |
Apprentice EcoRenovator
Join Date: Feb 2011
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Earthtube-fed air conditioning?
I have an idea that I haven't been able to find really discussed elsewhere online, so I thought I'd throw it out here.
Basically, instead of using earth tubes to directly condition a space, you would use it to feed cooled air to a 2-hose portable air conditioner. Potential advantages: 1. Increased efficiency for the air conditioner 2. Eliminates mold concerns associated with earth tubes since heat exchange air and 3. Portable A/Cs are relatively inexpensive ~$400, can easily be upgraded/swapped out. 4. Earth tube design and materials could be simplified since mold isn't so much of a concern. 5. Simplicity/fail-safe nature of air as a fluid. No leaks, special fluids to worry about. Potential Disadvantages 1. Alternative GSHP, or A/C's could be inherently more efficient with less work. 2. Static pressure in earth tubes, need for booster fans 3. Cost/work involved in excavation for tubes. Questions: 1. How much of an efficiency gain would the air conditioner see from pre-cooled air? 2. What sort of depth of pipe would be necessary? (a/c only) and in what kind of climates? 3. Thermodynamic effect of condensation in the earth tube? Cheers! |
Tags |
a/c, air conditioner, earth tube, geothermal, portable ac |
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