An Earth Duct is a design technique that uses natural ventilation to help temper the air. This helps pre-heat or pre-cool air depending on the season. For this project there are (2) runs of precast concrete pipe 24" in diameter and approximately 1000' in total length that are installed at least 4' below grade. One end of the 2 pipes is open to allow fresh air to be drawn in. The other end of the 2 pipes is connected to a fan that pulls the outside air in through the inlet, underground for 500 feet side by side, and then up into the building where it mixes it with indoor conditioned air.
The earth duct is designed to provide a 15 degree temperature differential between outside air temperature and the air being delivered to the air handling units. This pre-conditioned air will require the geothermal heat pumps to “work less” to condition the air that is ultimately supplied to the building for space conditioning than if straight outside air was delivered to the air handling units. The outside air is mixed with air returning from the building before it is conditioned and delivered back to the building.
The system was designed through collaboration between, Kohler Ronan, an MEP engineer with a specialization in sustainable design, Atelier Ten a consulting firm with a specialization in sustainable design, and Landtech, an environmental and engineering consulting firm.
Above is a photo where the earth duct enters the building from the site through the foundation wall. On the other side of the wall, the earth duct continues under the slab and then rises up to mix with the air in the mechanical equipment in the attic before it is delivered to the building.
Above is a photo of the precast concrete pipe which is installed a minimum of 4' below grade. Air will be drawn in through the top of the precast structures, then through the pipes where the earth will pre-heat or pre-cool the outside air before mixing it with the building air to reduce the amount of work and energy that the building systems need to use.
Construction of earth ducts below the ground is a very good technique to acquire the goal of natural ventilation. This whole process helps in improving the air quality of your home. Air Duct Cleaning is essential for every home so as to breathe in a pollutant free and harm free indoor air.
ReplyDeleteMost machines or air cooled chillers devices used today use heat exchangers in a way or another.
ReplyDeleteSplit Units
I’ll take the cover off but I’d like to know how much I need to take apart and where the drain tube is located. Anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDelete