Calculations of Maximum Allowable Heat Losses for Various Shallow Trench Heat Distribution Systems

摘要

The calculation of heat losses for shallow trench underground heat distribution systems was performed using a finite element computer program. The finite element analysis solved a two-dimensional steady-state heat transfer problem for two insulated pipes in a rectangular trench with surrounding soil. A life-cycle cost analysis was performed to determine the cost of construction and annual energy cost associated with pipe heat loss for underground concrete trench systems of different trench dimensions and insulated pipe sizes.