English

Thermal performance of Earth Air Tunnel Heat Exchanger (EATHE) under transient operating conditions depends upon the shape of thermal influence zone within the soil domain around the buried pipe. A detailed parametric analysis has been carried out using experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to investigate the effect of time duration of continuous operation and thermal conductivity of soil on thermal influence zone under transient conditions.

The paper presents a laboratory investigation about cork-cement mixtures designed for building applications. Samples are prepared by mixing cork aggregates, sand, cement and water. Two volume dosages of cork are considered by 50% and 75% (relative to sand). The samples are then characterized in terms of their hygrothermal properties, which are used for simulations on room level for the Constantine city in Algeria. Results show that using cork concrete results in the energy consumption economy that can reach 29% when compared to a classical solution using hollow brick. 

Providing satisfactory indoor environmental conditions, air quality and thermal comfort through adequate ventilation is crucial in maintaining safe, healthy and comfortable buildings. Since, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are significant contributors to energy consumed in buildings, natural ventilation solutions are being increasingly utilised.