A novel application of a borehole ground heat exchanger integrated with a solar collector for stable temperature control of an outdoor fishpond

Salilih E.M.; Leon-Salas W.D.; Gonzalez L.G.R.; Larico P.F.; Cornejo M.V.; Postigo-Málaga M.; Pichu M.O.; Gonzales J.M.J. · Energy Conversion and Management (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2026.121272

Resumen

In this study, we propose a novel application of a ground heat exchanger (GHE) integrated with a solar collector array to stabilize the water temperature of an outdoor fishpond in a high-altitude, cold-climate region. Unlike previous work that mainly focused on buildings, greenhouses, or raceway ponds, this study extends GHE technology to aquaculture systems, addressing the critical challenge of large seasonal and diurnal temperature fluctuations. The performance of the solar collector array is modeled using an empirical equation obtained from test data of a specific collector model. The heat transfer analyses of the subsystems are coupled to determine the thermal characteristics of the entire system. Finally, the performance of the proposed coupled system is compared with that of a conventional outdoor fishpond, which is not connected to either the solar collectors or the GHE. The results show that the proposed system provides a more consistent and stable temperature profile for the fishpond, with a lower amplitude of temperature oscillation. In the proposed system, the water temperature ranges between 3.4 °C and 19.0 °C, while in the conventional fishpond system, water temperatures can drop to the freezing point due to the low ambient temperatures of the geographic location and can reach as high as 26.7 °C during the summer. This work highlights a new pathway for renewable-energy-based aquaculture temperature regulation, offering a technically viable solution for enhancing fish survival and productivity in climates where conventional passive measures are insufficient.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa