Optimization of the installation of an Earth-to-Air Heat Exchanger and detailed design of a dedicated experimental set-up

Earth-to-Air Heat Exchangers (EAHE) represent a relatively simple technology that can be easily coupled with traditional HVAC systems as well as with hybrid systems in order to exploit the thermal capacity of the ground. The air is pre-heated in the cold season and pre-cooled in the warm season through the EAHE, thus smoothing the peak loads and reducing the primary energy consumption. The present paper presents an experimental set-up of an EAHE implemented in a rural area in the Sicily region, focusing on the selection of the type of soils and the characteristics of the monitoring system installed to collect information on the actual energy performance of the EAHE