Computational model for a ground coupled space cooling system with an underground energy storage tank

A computational model for determining annual periodic performance of a cooling system utilizing a ground coupled chiller and a spherical underground thermal energy storage tank is developed. An analytical solution for the transient heat transfer problem outside the storage tank is obtained by the application of complex finite Fourier transform (CFFT) technique. Analytical expressions for heat gain to the space and energy consumption of the chiller are acquired, and these expressions are coupled with the transient temperature field problem to obtain computational model. Variation of water temperature in the storage tank is calculated using the transient solution of the problem over an entire year for different soil, chiller, and storage tank characteristics. Temperature profile of earth surrounding the storage tank and the COP of the cooling unit are also investigated under various assumptions and varying system design and operating conditions. The results show that water temperature in the storage tank remains under ambient air temperature during summer months, and thus the proposed ground coupled cooling system should yield higher COP values compared to a corresponding air source system.