Energy and Buildings, Vol.128, 254-261, 2016
Performance evaluation and life cycle analysis of earth to air heat exchanger in a developing country
This study investigated the thermal comfort performance of indoor air using the earth to air heat exchanger installation in developing country Bangladesh and life cycle energy and GHG emission analysis using cradle to grave life cycle assessment technique. The system is able to bring the air from two extreme conditions; 11 degrees C, 91% RH in winter and 34 degrees C, 77% RH in summer to human comfort condition and performed well in an office room. Life cycle energy and emission analysis is done using two types of materials and the result shows that the system with MS material is better than that of the system with PVC material. Energy and CO2 emission payback period is within 15 days only. It is recommended that, installation of the system with MS material is better in the context of energy crisis and global GHG emission. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords:Earth to air heat exchanger;Thermal performance;Life cycle analysis;Energy consumption;GHG emission