An earth-air tunnel system for cooling buildings

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Abstract

This paper presents the results of an analysis and measurements performed on an earth-air tunnel system for cooling and heating buildings. The experiments were performed all year around on a large, already built tunnel, the cooling/heating performance of which was also studied. The measurements were verified by a simple theory. The cooling capacity of the tunnel was found to be considerably greater than its heating capacity.

Résumé

Dans cet article, on présente les résultats d'analyses et de mesures conduites sur un système de tunnel terre-air qui peut refroidir et chauffer un bâtiment. Les expériences ont été conduites tout au long de l'année sur un grand tunnel déjà existant. Les mesures furent vérifiées à l'aide d'une théorie simple et la performance du système de chauffage et de refroidissement fût aussi étudiée. On a trouvé que la capacité de refroidissement du tunnel est beaucoup plus importante que sa capacité de réchauffement.

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Present address: Centre of Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.

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