A techno-economic analytical comparison of the performance of air-source and horizontal-ground-source air-conditioners in South Africa
✍ Scribed by P. J. Petit; J. P. Meyer
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 1997
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 238 KB
- Volume
- 21
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0363-907X
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✦ Synopsis
In this paper, a comparison is made of the economical viability in South Africa of horizontal-ground-source systems and air-source systems. This study is undertaken because South African manufacturers of air-source systems are considering producing ground-source systems, since the latter systems are gaining more acceptance for environmental reasons. Monthly heating/cooling capacities and coefficients of performance for both systems are determined. Furthermore, it is found that overseas data concerning the optimum depth for the placement of a horizontal water-loop for a ground-source system are not valid for South African conditions, due to climatic differences. Therefore, a techno-economic analysis is conducted to determine the optimum depth. The payback period, net present value and internal rate of return of ground-source systems at various depths are calculated for Pretoria, South Africa. It is conclude that ground-source systems are more viable than air-source systems. It is also observed that the optimum depth for the horizontal water-loop is very shallow compared to recommendations in literature.