ITPE Technique Applications to Time-Varying Three-Dimensional Ground-Coupling Problems

Approximate analytical solutions for the three-dimensional heat transfer between slab-on-grade floors and rectangular basements under steady-periodic conditions are developed using the Interzone Temperature Profile Estimation (ITPE) method. The slab-on-grade solution is the first analytical slab-on-grade solution is the first analytical solution of the time-dependent three-dimensional problem for basements. Solutions are given for the temperature field and expressions are derived for the annual heat loss. Parametric analysis is used to emphasize the effect of geometric dimensions on the magnitude and phase of h eat loss relative to ambient temperature. The results obtained are compared with those from the two-dimensional model, and the three-dimensional characteristics of heat flow from slabs and basements are examined.