GIS-MCDM based framework to evaluate site suitability and CO2 mitigation potential of earth-air-heat exchanger: A case study

Harish Puppala, Manoj Kumar Arora, Nagababu Garlapati and Amarnath Bheemaraju

Renewable Energy, 2023, vol. 216, issue C

Abstract: The Earth-Air-Heat-Exchanger (EAHE) is an effective solution for reducing energy demand. GIS based tools are commonly used to assess the suitability of EAHE sites, relying on geospatial data for geological and climatic parameters. However, lack of comparable data for different regions limits their applicability. In this regard, a framework that utilizes ERA5 reanalysis data to derive necessary geological and climatic parameters is proposed and demonstrated by considering India. Findings indicate that 25% of country's area falls under excellent category, benefiting 21% of the population. Additionally, 47% and 32% of the area are classified as moderate and good, respectively, providing thermal comfort to 51% and 28% of the population. Technical suitability of installing EAHE in an excellent category region is assessed through design and simulation study. Field studies are performed to collect climatic and geological parameters required for design. A computer model is developed using these design variables to determine the outlet temperature from EAHE. The simulation studies align with site suitability maps generated using GIS-MCDM framework, highlighting its reliability. Carbon footprint analysis reveals that EAHE adoption can reduce CO2 by 66.2% compared to conventional air conditioning units. The proposed GIS-MCDM framework can be extended to other regions lacking field data.

Keywords: Earth air heat exchanger (EAHE); Multi-criteria-decision-making (MCDM); Geographical information systems (GIS) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:216:y:2023:i:c:s0960148123009862

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2023.119072

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