Study of the use of low enthalpy geothermal energy for the thermal conditioning of a low-income house in Mexico

With the global population increasing and electricity consumption rising, the environmental impact of energy use, particularly in the building sector during summer, has become a significant concern. The widespread reliance on electromechanical air conditioning systems exacerbates this issue, driving the need for more sustainable cooling strategies, especially in arid climates where passive technologies are insufficient. One promising approach is the use of waste heat from geothermal processes, which can supply the heat required for absorption cooling systems widely utilized in various countries. This study investigates the potential of utilizing low-enthalpy geothermal waste heat from a marginal geothermal wellbore (NL-1) through the low-enthalpy geothermal fluid absorption system (LEGFAS), which integrates an absorption chiller, to improve thermal comfort in a low-income housing complex situated in a hot, dry climate zone near the Cerro Prieto geothermal field. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the research examines airflow and heat transfer, considering 3-dimensional turbulent flow and conjugate heat transfer. The analysis complies with NOM-020-ENER-2011 standards, ensuring accurate evaluation of exterior wall and ceiling temperature conditions. One of the principal findings of this study is the achievement of significant energy savings, estimated at approximately 60.8%. Furthermore, this methodology is highly pertinent for harnessing residual heat from abandoned geothermal and oil wells, offering a sustainable and efficient cooling solution for surrounding areas. With an estimated payback period of 4–6 years, LEGFAS presents a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional cooling systems. This makes it especially suitable for marginalized regions requiring reliable, energy-efficient air conditioning solutions. • Geothermal energy offers versatile applications beyond electricity generation. • LEGFAS delivers 60.8% energy savings, ISO 7730 compliance, and sustainable cooling. • Geothermal-powered absorption cooling exemplifies cascading energy use. • Renewable energy-based climate control for low-income communities. • Ensuring thermal comfort in warm, dry climates.