Geothermal Energy System for Passive Design in Buildings: Applications and Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The use of renewable energy is essential for sustainable development, and buildings are responsible for a significant part of energy consumption. Therefore, this study is focused on geothermal energy and its application to buildings and its potential significance for energy savings and minimizing the carbon footprint. In this study, geothermal systems like earth air tunnel systems, geothermal exchange systems, earth sheltering systems have been studied and classified, based on their efficiency in different building typologies and climate, and factors affecting these systems are discussed, and systems selection for different needs and method of installation have been analyzed. Four case studies based on different geothermal systems in different regions and of different building typologies have also been compared to assess the performance and evolution in the field. Sustainable development is not the idea but the need for the future and minimizing the carbon footprint of the building is a step towards it, the use of renewable energy supports that step. Geothermal energy alone can be used for different purposes like electricity generation, passive and active heating, and cooling, also other renewable energies like solar for lighting load, use of biofuels for consumption purposes, will lead to an environment where the carbon footprint of the building can be minimized to zero.