Minimum life-cycle cost heat losses for shallow-trench underground heat distribution systems

Technical Report · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986

OSTI ID:5408398

Fang, J B

The rates of heat loss from two underground insulated pipes installed in a shallow trench were calculated using a computer program based on the application of the finite-element method to solution of two-dimensional steady heat-conduction problems. The calculated results of pipe heat loss under a specified ground-temperature condition are summarized for a range of pipe-insulation thickness, different sizes of shallow trench, and various pipe fluid temperatures. Methods of determining the minimum life-cycle cost heat loss and the corresponding economic insulation thickness for shallow-trench heat distribution systems are presented. Life-cycle-costing analysis was performed for two insulated pipes in a concrete trench to determine the cost of construction, annual energy cost associated with pipe heat loss, and yearly operating and maintenance costs.

• Research Organization: National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC (USA). Building Physics Div.
• OSTI ID: 5408398
• Report Number(s): PB-86-215167/XAB; NBSIR-86/3381
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290700 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Transport & Storage
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320603* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Public Utilities-- (1980-)
COST
ENERGY LOSSES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS
HEAT LOSSES
HEAT TRANSFER
LEVELS
LIFE-CYCLE COST
LOSSES
PIPES
SERVICE LIFE
THERMAL INSULATION
UNDERGROUND