The purpose of this project was to mathematically model a Slinky-Coil Geothermal Heating System. We first consider and discuss the difficulties of modeling one loop of a slinky coil. We then reduce the problem further to analyzing a half-loop, through non-dimensionalization, separation of variables, eigenfunction expansions, and perturbation series to obtain a function to model the temperature of the slinky coil. In both cases, we examine the quasi-steady approximation, which gives us a steady-state solution to our problem. Our model can successfully model the temperature rise, but it is very inefficient as it requires a very large amount of loops, on the order of thousands, to sustain the ambient temperature of the soil.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Chen, Kyle Hao

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050515-101105

Advisor

• Tilley, Burt S.

Year

• 2015

Date created

• 2015-05-05

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mathematical Sciences

Rights statement

• In Copyright