The core of the ground-source heat pump system: PE pipe thermal conductivity optimization and energy-saving effect analysis

PE pipe, also known as polyethylene pipe, is widely used in various piping systems due to its excellent flexibility, corrosion resistance, and long service life. Its thermal conductivity is particularly important for ground-source heat pump systems. Traditional PE pipes have relatively limited thermal conductivity, resulting in energy loss during heat transfer. To improve their thermal conductivity, researchers and manufacturers are constantly exploring and innovating.

On the one hand, by adding special high-thermal conductivity modifiers, such as metallic and solid non-metallic high-thermal conductivity modifiers, to the raw materials, the thermal conductivity of PE pipes can be significantly improved. Research has shown that the thermal conductivity of modified PE pipes can be increased by over 30%, bringing it closer to that of soil. This significantly enhances their ability to exchange heat with underground soil or water, rapidly transferring heat and ensuring efficient operation of ground-source heat pump systems. On the other hand, improving the pipe's structural design has also become an important means of optimizing thermal conductivity. For example, a design with both a non-smooth inner and outer surface increases the contact area between the inner pipe wall and the fluid inside, and between the outer pipe wall and the underground rock and soil, facilitating more efficient transfer of heat carried by the fluid inside the pipe to the rock and soil.

Optimizing thermal conductivity brings significant energy savings to ground-source heat pump systems. Taking the use of a ground-source heat pump system for household heating as an example, high-performance PE pipes can enable the system to absorb heat from the ground and transfer it to the interior more quickly, shortening the heating time and reducing energy consumption. Compared to traditional air conditioning systems, ground-source heat pump systems equipped with optimized PE pipes offer higher energy efficiency, significantly reducing operating costs and energy consumption. In large commercial buildings, high-efficiency PE pipes can also be effective, reducing overall HVAC energy consumption and saving businesses money.

Furthermore, PE pipes are inherently environmentally friendly and corrosion-resistant, making them less susceptible to corrosion damage during long-term underground use. This extends the pipe's service life, reduces system maintenance costs and replacement risks, and complies with sustainable development requirements. With the continuous advancement of technology, PE pipes will continue to make breakthroughs in optimizing thermal conductivity, injecting strong impetus into the widespread application of ground-source heat pump systems and the realization of energy conservation and emission reduction goals.