Maaperäjäähdytys

Maaperäjäähdytys, also known as ground cooling or earth cooling, is a passive cooling technique that utilizes the relatively stable temperature of the earth to cool buildings or other structures. The principle behind maaperäjäähdytys relies on the fact that the temperature of the soil several meters below the surface remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, typically between 10-15 degrees Celsius in many temperate climates.

This method involves circulating air through underground pipes or conduits. During warm periods, the air from the building is passed through these buried pipes. As the air travels through the cooler earth, it transfers its heat to the surrounding soil, thus cooling down. The cooled air is then returned to the building, providing a natural and energy-efficient means of reducing indoor temperatures. In some systems, the earth can also be used to pre-cool ventilation air before it enters a building's mechanical cooling system, thereby reducing the load on the primary cooling equipment.

Maaperäjäähdytys systems can be implemented in various ways. One common approach involves a network of buried pipes, often made of plastic, through which air is drawn. Another method utilizes boreholes drilled deep into the ground, through which air is circulated. The effectiveness of maaperäjäähdytys depends on factors such as soil type, moisture content, depth of installation, and the length of the underground conduits. While it requires an initial investment in the underground infrastructure, the operational costs are typically very low, as it relies on natural thermal properties rather than energy-intensive machinery. It is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional air conditioning.