Effect of nanofluid on a Low-enthalpy geothermal plant

In Italy 40% of total energy consumption is destined for buildings. To reduce energy consumption and consequently achieve a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, it is necessary to design well and build better. The technologies that make it possible to increase the energy saving of buildings for civil use are linked to three main aspects: envelope, insulation, and air conditioning; high efficiency systems, integrated building-plant design, use of appliances and lighting with low energy consumption, use of energy from renewable sources; building automation. In this work, the energy demand of a building located in Campania is supplied by a low-enthalpy geothermal plant where the working fluid is a nanofluid. Building thermal loads and performance of the geothermal plant are evaluated by means of TRNSYS®. Borehole heat exchangers design is carried out by means of the ASHRAE procedure. The geothermal system is designed considering the geological characteristics of the site, the characteristics of the geothermal plant and energy conversion system. The performance of the system is evaluated for different nanofluid as working fluid, water-Al2O3, water-CuO and water-SiO2, for several nanoparticle concentrations.