Abstract: A fluid flushing and pressurization apparatus for use with geothermal systems, capable of delivering a reversible high-velocity flow of fluid through a system of buried PE pipe without introducing an overpressure condition or water hammer. The apparatus can be utilized with methods for installing, preparing, flushing, filling, testing, and certifying geothermal heating and cooling systems. A portable pumping and testing apparatus can include a high-volume pump, a high-pressure pump, a flow meter, and pressure sensors in wired or wireless communication with a processor or logic controller such that continuous or periodic monitoring of the system can be recorded. The system can be programmed to operate automatically under computer control such that reversal of the flow through the geothermal system does not shock or damage the equipment or buried piping.
Abstract: Equipment and processes for ground heat exchange are disclosed. Embodiments of the ground heat exchange system may comprise a geothermal well that includes an inner tube positioned coaxially inside a borehole in geologic units, a substantially-liquid impermeable outer liner sealed at the bottom, and a liquid supply system. The outer liner may include one or more layers of a substantially-liquid impermeable fabric or coating. A fluid such as water is supplied by the liquid supply system and flows co-axially through the inner tube. The fluid pressure in the annulus between the inner tube and the outer liner presses the outer liner against the borehole wall, providing sealing contact and preventing interconnection of aquifers of the geologic units.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 7, 2013
Date of Patent:
October 13, 2015
Assignee:
Braun Intertec Geothermal, LLC
Inventors:
Scott Freitag, Kelton Douglas Leighton Barr
Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow designers of geothermal heat exchange systems to closely tailor their system designs to the cooling and/or heating demands of the buildings for which their systems are being designed. Systems and methods are discussed herein for gathering information empirically about a ground heat exchanger's performance in a particular physical environment, which facilitates more accurate and efficient design of geothermal heat exchange systems. Such information can be gathered empirically from a design module connected to a ground heat exchanger in a physical environment. The design module can circulate liquid through the ground heat exchanger and conduct a variety of tests to determine characteristics of the ground heat exchanger and the physical environment.
Abstract: A fluid flushing and pressurization apparatus for use with geothermal systems, capable of delivering a reversible high-velocity flow of fluid through a system of buried PE pipe without introducing an overpressure condition or water hammer. The apparatus can be utilized with methods for installing, preparing, flushing, filling, testing, and certifying geothermal heating and cooling systems. A portable pumping and testing apparatus can include a high-volume pump, a high-pressure pump, a flow meter, and pressure sensors in wired or wireless communication with a processor or logic controller such that continuous or periodic monitoring of the system can be recorded. The system can be programmed to operate automatically under computer control such that reversal of the flow through the geothermal system does not shock or damage the equipment or buried piping.