Effect of unsaturated soil parameters on hydrothermal behavior considering meteorological conditions
摘要
Accurate prediction of soil temperature profiles is essential for optimizing shallow geothermal energy systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study presents a comprehensive 3D numerical hydrothermal model developed using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate coupled heat and moisture transfer in unsaturated clayey and sandy soils under real climatic conditions in Oran, Algeria. The model integrates soil–atmosphere interactions, incorporating parameters such as porosity, density, and saturation level, along with soil thermal properties like conductivity and volumetric heat capacity. Simulations reveal that clayey soils exhibit stronger thermal damping and higher subsurface stability compared to sandy soils, with temperature stabilization occurring at approximately 4 m and 8 m depth, respectively. Lower porosity and higher density enhance soil thermal conductivity and heat retention, particularly near the surface. Model validation against experimental data confirmed its accuracy, capturing seasonal variations in subsurface temperature. These results provide valuable insights for the design of efficient ground heat exchangers and support the selection of optimal soil conditions for geothermal applications in Mediterranean climates.