Retrofit strategies to obtain a NZEB using low enthalpy geothermal energy systems

D. D'Agostino, F. Minichiello, F. Petito, C. Renno and A. Valentino

Energy, 2022, vol. 239, issue PD

Abstract: The European Union introduced the concept of “Net Zero Energy Building” (NZEB) to promote competitive, sustainable, eco-friendly, and “decarbonised” cities. To these aims, mainly with reference to highly urbanized places, it is necessary to renovate existing buildings to achieve the NZEB target. Thus, this paper analyses the energy retrofit of an existing building considering two low enthalpy geothermal systems in the HVAC plants: the Ground-to-Air Heat eXchanger (GAHX) and the Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP). These two plants are used in different retrofit strategies and compared from an energy, environmental and economic point of view. A dynamic simulation software based on EnergyPlus calculation engine is used. The results are very interesting and demonstrate how by using a low enthalpy geothermal plant, a very low value of primary energy requirement can be obtained (about 60 kWh/m2, i.e., −71% compared to the existing building, characterized by a gas boiler). Moreover, substantial savings on annual energy bills and reduction of CO2 emissions are obtained.

Keywords: NZEB; Ground source heat pump; Energy retrofit; Dynamic simulation; Gorund-to-Air Heat eXchanger (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:239:y:2022:i:pd:s036054422102555x

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.122307

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