Session: 02-05: International Emphasis Applications

Paper Number: 130342

130342 - Design of a Radiant Floor Heating and Domestic Hot Water System Using Thermal Waters in the Andean Region of Ecuador 

Abstract: 

The use of alternative and sustainable energy sources is currently a topic of great relevance worldwide. In Ecuador, there is a significant potential for harnessing geothermal energy, and there exists a gap in implementing technologies that can utilize this energy source. This project aims to generate knowledge that enriches the literature in this regard. This paper presents a design for a heating and domestic hot water system that harnesses energy derived from thermal waters. The system was specifically tailored for a block of rooms in the tourist complex 'Terjamanco,' situated in the community of Papallacta on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountain range in Ecuador with ambient temperatures can drop below 0°C during certain times of the year and thermal waters have stable temperatures above 50°C.  Hands-on experience can be beneficial as students gain a better perspective of the theory presented in class. For this reason, the design of the system was carried out as part of the graduation work of mechanical engineering students. The calculation of the building's thermal load, the design of the piping system, and the sizing of the heat exchangers were carried out through the formal design process, and the selection of each component was based on an analysis of various options available in the local market. The option of radiant floors has been selected as the optimal choice for the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system in the rooms, and a coil parallel heat exchanger design was chosen to harness the energy contained in the thermal waters. Furthermore, an economic analysis was performed. The construction cost and maintenance expenses were taken into consideration, comparing a conventional HVAC and water heating system with the geothermal energy-based proposed alternative in scenarios featuring construction materials optimized for environmental conditions. Ecuador stands out in Latin America for having among the lowest electricity and LPG costs, because there exist government subsidies for these energy sources. However, a significant constraint to implementing this kind of design in the country arises from the impact of subsidies on the timelines for return on investment. Through TRNSYS, a simulation of the proposed design for a heating and domestic hot water system was conducted, and it was concluded that its implementation, along with the use of suitable construction materials, can lead to savings of over 80% in electricity bills and fuel consumption, ultimately averting the emission of up to 20 tons of CO2 annually into the environment.

Presenting Author: Guillermo Soriano ESPOL

Presenting Author Biography: Guillermo Soriano is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Director of the Sustainability Program and the Center for Renewable and Alternative Energies (CERA) at ESPOL and Director of the ESPOL Sustainability Program. Guillermo holds a degree in mechanical engineering from ESPOL and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University.
His professional activity seeks to promote initiatives in sustainable construction and the optimal use of energy in the built environment at different scales, from mechanical-electrical systems within a building to the district level. These initiatives consider external factors such as climate change, the use of renewable energy in the built environment, and the analysis and design of thermal systems. He has led ESPOL's sustainability program with a focus on teaching, research, and operations at the university.

Authors:

Sofia Coppiano ESPOL
Yesika Gamarra ESPOL
Daniel Moreira ESPOL
Guillermo Soriano ESPOL