Thermal inertia of the soil – PublicoGT

Omar Marroquín Pacheco
Subsoil thermal inertia refers to the ability of soil and underground layers to store and release heat gradually. The subsoil has a high thermal mass due to its composition and density, allowing it to act as a “store” of heat that can influence the temperature of a building.

When subsoil thermal inertia is applied in building construction, the soil’s ability to absorb and store heat during the day and slowly release it at night is taken advantage of. This helps regulate the interior temperature of buildings, reducing the need for air conditioning systems and improving energy efficiency.

There are several ways to apply the thermal inertia of the subsoil in a building:

1. Geothermal heating and cooling systems: These systems use geothermal heat pumps to extract or transfer heat underground. During winter, heat is extracted from underground and used to heat the building, while during summer, excess heat from the building is transferred to underground to
   its cooling.
2. Passive design: When designing a building, the location and orientation of the building can be taken into account to take advantage of the thermal inertia of the subsoil. For example, high thermal density materials can be incorporated into interior floors or walls to store heat during the day and slowly release it at night.
3. Thermal energy storage systems: Subsurface thermal energy storage systems can be used to capture excess heat generated in a building and release it later when needed. This may include the use of buried pipes to circulate hot water or heating systems.
   heat storage in the form of rocks heated by solar energy.
   It is important to note that the effective application of subsurface thermal inertia depends on several factors, such as local climate, subsurface geology, and building design. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with experts in architecture and HVAC systems to make the most of this strategy in a specific project.