Earth Air Tunnel Amazing Works and Benefits
Earth Air Tunnel Amazing Works and Benefits
This is the explanation of how an earth air tunnel works. Earth air tunnels (EATs) are a type of passive heating and cooling system that uses the stable temperature of the ground to heat or cool a building. Here’s a breakdown of the function of the Earth Air Tunnel (EAT):
- Air Inlet/Chimney: The air inlet, also labeled chimney in the diagram, is located on the cooler side of the building, typically on the north side. It draws in cool air from outside.
- Pipe: The air travels through an underground pipe, which is buried at a depth where the ground temperature remains stable throughout the year. The stable ground temperature cools the warm summer air and heats the cool winter air.
- Air Outlet: The cool or heated air exits the pipe through the air outlet, which is located inside the building.
The effectiveness of an earth air tunnel depends on the climate, soil conditions, and the design of the system. Earth air tunnels are most effective in climates with large temperature swings between summer and winter. They are also more effective in soils with high thermal conductivity, such as sand or gravel.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of earth air tunnels:
Advantages
- Energy-efficient: Earth air tunnels are a low-energy way to heat and cool a building. They use the natural temperature of the ground to heat or cool the air, which reduces the need for conventional heating and cooling systems.
- Cost-effective: Earth air tunnels can be relatively inexpensive to install and maintain.
- Comfortable: Earth air tunnels can provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. The air from an earth air tunnel is typically free of pollutants and allergens.
Disadvantages
- Not suitable for all climates: Earth air tunnels are most effective in climates with large temperature swings between summer and winter. They may not be effective in climates with mild temperatures year-round.
- Requires space: Earth air tunnels require a significant amount of space for the underground pipe.
- Maintenance: Earth air tunnels may require periodic maintenance to clean the pipes and remove debris.
Overall, earth air tunnels can be a viable option for sustainable heating and cooling in some climates.