Experimental Evaluation of Surface Geothermal Energy for Air Conditioning Applications in Iraq
Author(s):
Ahmed SH. Al-Samari, Sameer D. Ali
Affiliation(s):
ABSTRACT: This study aims to investigate the opportunity of using geothermal energy in Iraq climate for air conditioning applications. Well water represents one of the sustainable energy resources and it has proven that its temperature constant all seasons about 24 oC (75 oF) in Baqubah, Iraq. The results show that using surface geothermal energy can maintain an indoor temperature around 30 oC (86 oF) which is very good in comparison to the extremely severe outdoor climate here in Iraq about 48 oC (118.5 oF) in August. However, the geothermal system by itself couldn’t guarantee the comfort conditions which should be around 25 oC (77 oF) and 55% relative humidity. On the other hand, the electrical energy consumption decreased about 60% or more during the summer and winter seasons with ensuring the comfort conditions.
Keywords : Renewable energy; Geothermal energy; Air conditioning applications; Iraq climate.