Investigation of earth air heat exchangers functioning in arid locations using Matlab/Simulink

This study presents a MATLAB/Simulink model to predict the distribution of soil temperatures and design Earth-to-Air Heat Exchangers (EAHEs) efficiently. It compares four EAHE configurations, including single-pipe, multi-pipe, multiple-single pipes (MS-pipes), and twisted-single pipes (TS-pipes) systems. The presented model is validated with reliable results and allows for easy modifications to obtain the final design. Results show that MS-pipe EAHE is the better in terms of pressure losses and good in terms cooling potential. The study proves that the installation of the EAHEs in Kufa, Iraq, is highly efficient, achieving cooling potential of 1626 W in August and 129.8 W in March. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of the geometric configuration of EAHEs on both their flow behavior and thermal efficiency, presenting an equation for comparing pipe lengths at different soil depths. This study fills the knowledge gap in the use of MATLAB simulation for designing EAHEs and estimating soil temperatures distribution and it compares four EAHEs configurations.