FOUNDATIONS OF THERMODYNAMICS. The aim of the researches on this
topic is to provide a more rigorous and complete set of the
basic definitions of the theory and to provide more rigorous and
general definitions of thermodynamic temperature and entropy.
GROUND COUPLED HEAT PUMPS. Experimental and numerical researches
on this subject have the following aims: to determine the
thermal properties of the soil by means of thermal response tests;
to enhance the thermal performance of borehole heat exchangers;
to prepare new design methods for borehole heat exchanger
fields.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS. By means of building-plant system
simulation codes, several energy retrofit scenarios of existing
buildings are considered and compared. Techniques for the
construction of new quasi-zero energy buildings are also
studied.
The research activity of Prof. Zanchini concerns, at present:
the optimization of borehole heat exchangers and the development of new design and simulation methods for borehole heat exchanger fields.
1) EFFICIENCY OF BOREHOLE HEAT EXCHANGERS. By means of Thermal
Response Tests (TRTs) and of finite-element numerical simulations, the thermal
performance of vertical ground heat exchangers is evaluated
and optimized. The TRTs are performed both with the traditional method recommended by ASHRAE and by the additional use of fiber-optic systems that allow recording the temperature distribution along the pipes.
2) DESIGN AND SIMULATION METHODS FOR BOREHOLE HEAT EXCHANGER FIELDS. The aim of
the research is to develop new design and simulation methods for borehole heat
exchanger fields, more precise and reliable than those usually employed. In particular, dimensionless fluid-to-ground thermal response factors are determined, that allow evaluating accurately the time evolution of the fluid outlet temperature for borehole fields fed in parallel.
