Three-dimensional numerical model for heat transfer dynamic analysis for the building-soil interaction by applying the similarity theory

This paper assesses the analysis of heat losses of buildings through ground, as part of the building's energy balance. The purpose of this study is to identify and to propose an adequate similar model, which allows the use of numerical methods for heat transfer comprehensive studies, under dynamic thermal regime for long-term investigated periods, for large slabs on ground and the building's interaction with the ground. The similarity theory allows that starting from the differential equation of the heat transfer to use criterion equations, which will allow the substitution of the initial parameters of the real model with the parameters introduced in the "similar" model. Further, using the proposed theoretical model into an applied study, it is demonstrated that for the heated building, part of the heat that dissipates to the ground is maintained in the soil under the slab, from one heating season to the next heating season, thus demonstrating the plausibility of a phenomenon of heat storage in the ground, based on the thermal mass of the soil.