Quantification of Heat Losses through Structural Supports for Shallow Trench Heat Distribution Systems

摘要

Shallow trench heat distribution systems generally contain numerous structural supports which are often in direct contact with hot carrier pipes and form highly conductive heat flow paths, and are major sources of heat loss. Quantification of the heat loss caused by thermal bridges due to pipe supports and prediction of thermal fields were achieved using three finite element computer models of two-dimensional, steady-state heat conduction within a rectangular concrete trench containing two insulated pipes with and without pipe supports, and the surrounding earth. The theoretical basis, computational scheme, and the data input and outputs of the developed computer programs for sample calculations are described. Two trench pipe support systems studied include the horizontal anchoring and the vertical supports. The thermal bridges due to structural supports contribute approximately 17 times more to total heat loss compared to similar pipes with no pipe supports.