A New Hydrothermal Coupling Model for Predicting Temperature Profiles: Impact of Porosity, Density and Meteorological Factors
Keywords:
Specific soil density, Atmospheric conditions, Hydrothermal model, Porosity, Specific soil density , Soil temperatureAbstract
Accurately predicting soil temperature variation plays a crucial role in the design and optimization of geothermal applications, as it directly impacts the efficiency and performance of geothermal energy systems. The study of the hydrothermal behavior of soil systems lacks accurate simulations of the effects of atmospheric conditions on water transfer processes and thermal changes in unsaturated soil media. Therefore, a 3D coupled numerical model was developed in this paper, incorporating both soil-atmosphere interactions and the specific characteristics of unsaturated soils, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the behavior of soil systems under varying conditions. Based on this model, the changes in the thermal profile within soil, as a function of depth and time, were analyzed. Two soil types (clay and sand) were investigated, considering different porosities and specific densities. Furthermore, the developed model accounts for real meteorological conditions in the Oran region (Algeria). The results indicate that clayey soil with low porosity (n = 0.4) and high density, is particularly well-suited for retaining heat and reducing heat loss. Its properties allow it to efficiently store thermal energy, making it an ideal medium for geothermal applications where heat retention is important. This model can be adapted to other regions by adjusting local data, offering a methodology for optimizing geothermal systems in various climatic and geological contexts.References
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