Analysis of a Combined System of a. Earth-Heat-Exchanger and a Heat Pump

Jorn Herz, Andreas Doll, Klaus Brinkmann
Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld, Germany

Address for Contact:

Prof. Dr. Klaus Brinkmann
Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld
Automation and Energy System Technology
P. O. Box 1380, D-55761 Birkenfeld/ Germany
E-Mail: k. brinkmann@umwelt-campus. de

This paper presents an analysis of the system technology of an earth-heat — exchanger combined to a heat pump, which was (ca. 1995 — 2002) realised at the building of the Umwelt-Campus in Birkenfeld, which belongs to the University of Applied Sciences Trier in Germany. The heat pump works for a recovery of the stored heat in a massive absorber at the air-outlet, in order to minimise energy losses in the atmosphere. Examinations and comparisons to others up to now realised earth-heat-exchanger projects in Germany, done by Jorn Herz for reaching his diploma degree, show, that the special configuration at the Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld seems to be the first of that kind. This presentation gives an overview of the system technology and working principle. Measurements and mathematical modelling were done, in order to evaluate the efficiency of this combined system and to identify to advantages and disadvantages of this realisation. Additional, practical experiences with stability and working conditions etc., made by Andreas Doll, the responsible technical engineer for the Campus Buildings, are integrated.