Avaliação do potencial de utilização da energia geotérmica superficial de Tupi Paulista-SP para climatização do ambiente construído

Abstract

Power consumption from non-renewable energy sources is one of the greatest concerns nowadays and it evidences that nature resources are being explored at a chronological ratio that is considerably higher than the one nature needs to replenish itself. Investing in renewable resources is necessary, and near-surface geothermal energy stands out in this regard. It is stored in form of heat under Earth's surface, is considered a clean and renewable energy source, and it is highly available. Thus, by using this energy source we contribute to the reduction of fossil fuel consumption, and consequently, to reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The present work evaluates the potential of near-surface geothermal energy at Tupi Paulista-SP as an auxiliary power source for indoor climate control systems. Temperature was measured underground, at 0.0m (ambient temperature), 1.5m, 3.0m and 4.5m deep. Results show that earth temperature tends to stability as we approach deeper layers of soil, in agreement to literature. Layers closer to surface were more sensible to variations in ambient temperature, as deeper layers were more stable, with temperatures around 20ºC and 25ºC, proving that earth is a great heat source, which allows it to be used for indoor climate control.