GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM

Abstract

A geothermal heating and cooling system that uses a water source to provide a heat transfer medium is provided. Elements of the system may include a water source, one or more circulation loops coupled to the water source, a heat exchanger and/or heat pump, and/or a monitoring component configured to monitor for conditions within the system, including leak integrity and water quality.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/300,401, filed Feb. 26, 2016, and titled “Geothermal Heating and Cooling System,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of the technology relates to geothermal heating and cooling.

BACKGROUND

Geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize the temperature of the earth to provide a constant temperature source for heat transfer. Traditional geothermal systems can be cumbersome, expensive, and limited in their heating and cooling capacity. Accordingly, an improved geothermal heating and cooling system that addresses these issues, among others, is needed.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description section of this disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the technology, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the technology.

In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, a geothermal heating and cooling system that uses a water source, such as a municipal water source, to provide a medium for heat transfer. More specifically, elements of the system may include a water source, one or more circulation loops coupled to the water source, a heat exchanger/heat pump, and a monitoring component configured to monitor for conditions within the system, including leak integrity and water quality.

In one embodiment, a system for geothermal heating and cooling is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The system comprises a water source, a circulation loop coupled to the water source and passing proximate a space to be heated or cooled, the circulation loop configured to circulate water from the water source, a heat pump coupled to the circulation loop and configured to provide heat transfer between the water and the space to be heated or cooled, and a monitoring component configured to monitor for at least one of quality of the water and leak integrity of the circulation loop.

In another embodiment, a system for geothermal heating and cooling is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The system comprises a water source, a heat exchanger, a first circulation loop configured to circulate water from the water source through the heat exchanger and back to the water source, a second circulation loop configured to circulate a heat exchange fluid through the heat exchanger and proximate a space to be heated or cooled, and a monitoring component configured to monitor at least one of quality of the water and leak integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop.

In another embodiment, a heat exchanger for a geothermal heating and cooling system is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The heat exchanger comprises a first circulation loop, a second circulation loop, at least one air chamber between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and a monitoring component positioned in the at least one air chamber, the monitoring component configured to detect at least one of a presence of fluid in the at least one air chamber and a change of pressure in the at least one air chamber.

In another embodiment, a method of geothermal heating and cooling is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The method comprises providing a water source, providing a heat exchanger, coupling a first circulation loop to the heat exchanger and to the water source, coupling a second circulation loop to the heat exchanger and extending the second circulation loop proximate a space to be heated or cooled, coupling a heat pump to the second circulation loop for exchanging heat between a heat exchange fluid in the second circulation loop and the space to be heated or cooled, and providing a monitoring component configured to monitor for at least one of quality of the water and integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop.

As used in this disclosure, “monitoring component” may comprise a single element or a combination of elements, local or remote, automatically or manually operated and/or configured, for monitoring water quality or leak integrity in a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Additionally, as used in this disclosure, a “water source” may be a municipal water source, wastewater source, graywater source, reused or reclaimed water source, federal water source, private water source, in-ground or above-ground water source, or any other source of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are intended to be exemplary and non-limiting, wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system utilizing a water source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 1B is another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system utilizing a water source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 1C is another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system utilizing a water source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2A is an exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system utilizing a heat exchanger and a water source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2B is another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system utilizing a heat exchanger and a water source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 2C is another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system utilizing a heat exchanger and a water source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary heat exchanger setup for the geothermal heating and cooling systems depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 4A is an exemplary heat exchanger for a geothermal heating and cooling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the heat exchanger depicted in FIG. 4A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 4C is a partial cross-section view of the heat exchanger depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary valve and piping configuration for use with a geothermal heating and cooling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary method of geothermal heating and cooling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 7A is an exemplary table of measured influent and effluent water temperature from a geothermal heating and cooling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology; and

FIG. 7B is an exemplary table of measured water quality indicators taken from water used in a geothermal heating and cooling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present technology is described with specificity in this disclosure to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of the technology. Rather, the claimed subject matter may also be embodied in other ways, to include different features, components, steps, and/or combinations of steps, similar to the ones described in this disclosure, in conjunction with other present and/or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps disclosed herein unless and except the order of individual steps is explicitly described and required.

At a high level, the present technology generally relates to geothermal heating and cooling utilizing a water source (e.g., a preinstalled potable water line or reclaimed water line). A circulation loop may be coupled to the water source and used to circulate water through, around, and/or proximate a space to be heated or cooled, and/or through a heat exchanger coupled to a separate circulation loop that circulates a heating and cooling fluid through, around, and/or proximate to the space to be heated or cooled, to allow heat transfer to occur. Additionally, a monitoring component may be used to determine a quality of the water in the system and re-entering the water source, and/or to determine if any leaks are present within the system. Exemplary embodiments of the technology are described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 1-6.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, an exemplary system 10 for geothermal heating and cooling is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 1A, a water source 12 is shown, along with a space 14 to be heated or cooled (e.g., a building with rooms). The water source 12 may be above or below ground, and may be preinstalled, or installed with the system 10, or otherwise adapted from an existing water source or system. The water source 12 may provide water 16, such as potable water, waste water, gray water, or another type of water, for use in the system 10. FIG. 1A also depicts a circulation loop 18 that is in fluid communication with the water source 12 at a first fluid coupling 20 and a second fluid coupling 22. The circulation loop 18 is in fluid communication with the water source 12 and circulates the water 16 through, around, and/or proximate the space 14 to be heated or cooled.

The system 10 in FIG. 1A further includes a plurality of heat pumps 24, which may be used to transfer heat between the water 16 in the circulation loop 18 and the space 14 to be heated or cooled. In an exemplary operation of the system 10, the water 16 is drawn from the water source 12 and sent through the circulation loop 18. The heat pumps 24 transfer heat between the water 16 and air in the space 14 to be heated or cooled, adjusting the temperature in the space 14 using the water. The heat pumps 24 may be coupled within, near, and/or proximate the space 14 to be heated or cooled (e.g., wall mounted heating and air conditioning units), but may also be located remotely, such as at a central location or on a roof of a building. It should be noted although a plurality of heat pumps 24 are depicted in FIGS. 1-3, in implementation, only one heat pump may be used, or multiple heat pumps may be used, as well. The circulation loop 18 may also travel to multiple spaces or buildings.

The water may enter the circulation loop 18 from the water source 12 at the first fluid coupling 20, proceed through the circulation loop 18 through, around, and/or proximate the space 14 to be heated or cooled, and then exit the circulation loop 18 at the second fluid coupling 22, where it may re-enters the water source 12. Although not explicitly depicted, one or more valves may be located at the first fluid coupling 20, around the circulation loop 18, and/or at the second fluid coupling 22 to direct, restrict, and/or activate the flow of the water 16 through the circulation loop 18. Additionally, one or more backflow preventers 26 may be located in the circulation loop 18 to prevent the water from reversing direction and re-entering the water source 12, as needed.

FIG. 1A further depicts a monitoring component 28. The monitoring component 28, in a broad sense, may be one or multiple components, separate or interconnected, used to monitor various conditions of the system 10. The monitoring component 28 may thus indicate when preconfigured operating conditions are or are not satisfied by the system 10. For example, the monitoring component 28 may be used to monitor quality of the water 16 in the system 10 by continuously or intermittently testing the water 16, and/or may be used to monitor the leak integrity of the system 10, or rather, detect when a leak in the system 10 has occurred. In FIG. 1A, the monitoring component 28 is depicted as dual components at two locations proximate the first and second fluid couplings 20, 22 of the circulation loop 18, respectively, but may be located anywhere, and may comprise more or fewer components.

The monitoring component 28 may include one or more sensors 29 for monitoring operating conditions of the system 10. The sensors 29 may comprise water quality testing sensors, such as temperature sensors, contaminant sensors, biologic or pathogen testing sensors, heavy metal sensors, and/or volatile organic compound sensors, for example, which are configured to detect the presence of the same, either locally at the system 10, or remotely at a testing location using water extracted from the system 10. The sensors 29 may also comprise leak integrity sensors, such as pressure sensors, humidity/moisture sensors, and/or fluid detection sensors used within or proximate the system 10, for example. The sensors 29 may be coupled to, within, or proximate to the circulation loop 18, the space 14, and/or other parts of the system 10, including at a downstream location 30 relative to the circulation loop 18. The monitoring component 28 may be configured to test the quality of the water 16 in the system 10 by extracting a portion of the water 16 from the circulation loop 18 at one or multiple locations (e.g., at the downstream location 30).

Referring now to FIG. 1B, another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system 32 utilizing a water source 12 is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The system 32 depicted in FIG. 1B once again features the water source 12, the circulation loop 18, the heat pumps 24, and the monitoring component 28. However, the system 32 in FIG. 1B is designed so that after the water 16 has passed through the circulation loop 18, the water 16 is not returned to the water source 12, but rather, is pumped down a diffusion well 34. The diffusion well 34 may simply disperse the water 16 into an underground water table, or may drain the water 16 down a storm sewer or other water return infrastructure. The setup of the system 32 may allow for testing of the system 32 without reintroducing the water 16 into the water source 12.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system 36 is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 1C, the system 36 once again includes the water source 12, the circulation loop 18, the first fluid coupling 20, the second fluid coupling 22, the heat pumps 24, and the monitoring component 28, as well as sensors 29 for monitoring the water 16 and/or the system 36 (the sensors 29 may also be within an internal portion of the circulation loop 18 through which the water 16 flows). Additionally, the diffusion well 34 is also coupled to the circulation loop 18 at a third fluid coupling 38.

In FIG. 1C, the system 36 further comprises a junction 40 having a valve 42. The junction 40 and the valve 42 allow control of the direction of the water 16 in the circulation loop 18, so that at least a portion of the water 16 may be selectively directed either through the second fluid coupling 22 back to the water source 12, or through the third fluid coupling 38 to the diffusion well 34 so that that the water 16 may be prevented, or at least restricted or reduced, from entering back into the water source 12. This allows selective operation, testing, and/or diversion of the water 16, if needed.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, an exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system 44 utilizing a heat exchanger 46 is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The system 44 depicted in FIG. 2A includes a first circulation loop 48 which is coupled to the water source 12 with the first fluid coupling 20. The first circulation loop 48 passes through the heat exchanger 46 to a diffusion well 34, which allows the water 16 to be dispersed away from the water source 12, as discussed in the earlier sections.

The system 44 includes a second circulation loop 50 that extends through, around, and/or proximate the space 14 to be heated or cooled, which in FIG. 2A may be a building with a number of rooms. The second circulation loop 50 contains a heat exchange fluid 52, such as a water-glycol mixture, that is recirculated through the second circulation loop 50 with one or more pumps 54. The second circulation loop 50 also includes a plurality of heat pumps 24 which are coupled to the second circulation loop 50 around the space 14 to be heated or cooled. The heat pumps 24 allow for heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid 52 and air in the space 14 to be heated or cooled.

The heat exchanger 46 may be designed such that both the first circulation loop 48 and the second circulation loop 50 pass through the heat exchanger 46 in separate pathways, to allow transfer of heat between the water 16, which may be constantly replenished from the water source 12, and the heat exchange fluid 52, which may be recirculated through the second circulation loop 50 to carry heat to or from the space 14, without directly mixing the water 16 and the heat exchange fluid 52. In this respect, the heat exchanger 46 may be designed such that the first and second circulation loops 48, 50 are in fluid isolation, possibly using pressurization, one or more air chambers or gaps, a double walled design, gaskets, seals, or a similar segmented design, which may help prevent the heat exchange fluid 52 from infiltrating or contaminating the water 16 in the first circulation loop 48. Additionally, the monitoring component 28 may be integrated into the heat exchanger 46 to monitor water quality and leak integrity, as discussed further below.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system 56 utilizing a heat exchanger 46 is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 2B, the system 56 includes the water source 12, the first circulation loop 48 circulating the water 16 from the water source 12, the second circulation loop 50, the heat pumps 24, the heat exchanger 46, and the monitoring component 28. The first circulation loop 48 is coupled to the water source 12 at the first fluid coupling 20 to provide an inlet for the water 16 from the water source 12. The first circulation loop 48 is further coupled to the water source 12 at the second fluid coupling 22 to provide an outlet for the water 16 to return to the water source 12.

In contrast to FIG. 2A, the system 56 depicted in FIG. 2B may permit direct return of the water 16 in the first circulation loop 48 to the water source 12. Additionally, the monitoring component 28, and any components thereof which may be located at various positions around the system 56, may be utilized to monitor the water quality and/or leak integrity. In FIGS. 2A-2B, the monitoring component 28 is coupled to the heat exchanger 46 and also to the first circulation loop 48.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling system 58 utilizing a heat exchanger 46 is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 2C, the system 58 includes the water source 12, the first circulation loop 48, the second circulation loop 50, the heat exchanger 46, and the monitoring component 28. The first fluid coupling 20 joins the first circulation loop 48 to the water source 12, and the second fluid coupling 22 joins the first circulation loop 48 to the water source 12. Additionally, the third fluid coupling 38 is provided, which includes the junction 40 having the valve 42. The third fluid coupling 38 couples the first circulation loop 48 to the diffusion well 34. Re-routing the water to the diffusion well 34 may be done if the monitoring component 28 determines that the quality of the water 16 or the leak integrity of the system 58 have not met a predetermined standard.

Additionally, FIG. 2C depicts an exemplary notification and control component 25 which can be communicatively coupled to the monitoring component 28, to allow communication of the leak integrity or water quality to a control center and/or operator. Additionally, the notification and control component 25 may be coupled to other system components such as valves or backflow preventers (e.g., the junction 40 and valve 42 at the third fluid coupling 38), to allow diversion of the water 16 when preconfigured standards of water quality or leak integrity are not maintained. For example, if the monitoring component 28 detects a water quality issue, locally or through water removal and remote testing, the notification and control component 25 may communicate the same with a signal, and/or activate the valve 42 to divert the water 16 in the first circulation loop 48 to the diffusion well 34.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary heat exchanger setup 60 which may be used with the geothermal heating and cooling systems 44, 56, and 58 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The heat exchanger 46 allows heat transfer between the first circulation loop 48 and the second circulation loop 50, while maintaining isolation of the loops 48, 50.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, an exemplary heat exchanger 46, which may be used in the geothermal heating and cooling systems 44, 56, and 58 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 4A, the heat exchanger 46 includes an inlet 64 for the water 16 from the water source 12 and an outlet 66 for the water 16 from the water source 12. The heat exchanger also includes an inlet 68 for the heat exchange fluid 52 and an outlet 70 for the heat exchange fluid 52 for the second circulation loop 50. The heat exchanger 46 further includes a plurality of plates 72 in a stacked configuration.

Although exemplary heat exchangers are depicted herein as plate-and-frame heat exchangers, any type of double-walled heat exchangers, air-gap or air-chamber type heat exchangers, double-pipe heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers, plate-fin heat exchangers, concentric tube heat exchangers, and spiral heat exchangers may be used. In other words, any heat exchanger that includes an air gap, seal, and/or fluid separation, including one with a monitoring component therein, that allows transfer of heat and which can be monitored for the presence of fluid or a change in humidity or pressure, may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, an exploded view of the heat exchanger 46 depicted in FIG. 4A is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 4B, once again the heat exchanger 46 includes the inlet 64 and the outlet 66 for the water 16 and the inlet 68 and the outlet 70 for the heat exchange fluid 52. The water 16 and the heat exchange fluid 52 are in isolated, separate loops 74, 76 as they travel through the heat exchanger 46. More specifically, the water 16 travels through a first series of plates 78 in the heat exchanger 46, and the heat exchange fluid 52 travels through a second series of plates 80 in the heat exchanger 46, the first and second series of plates 78, 80 in fluid isolation.

The first series of plates 78 and the second series of plates 80 are also at least partially separated by at least one air chamber 82, which may be a plurality of isolated air chambers 82 between the respective plurality of plates 72, or one interconnected air chamber 82 that extends between the plurality of plates 72. The air chamber 82 provides an additional boundary to help maintain fluid separation between water 16 and the heat exchange fluid 52, and also, may allow testing for leak integrity within the heat exchanger 46. Additionally, the monitoring component 28, shown distinct from the heat exchanger 46 in FIG. 4B for clarity, may be coupled to or at least partially installed or integrated into the heat exchanger 46, and/or into the air chamber 82, to allow monitoring of the heat exchanger 46 and the air chamber 82. Further, a sensor 29 or other detection component may be positioned in the heat exchanger, in the air chamber, and/or within one of the loops 74, 76.

In one exemplary operation of the heat exchanger 46, the heat exchanger 46 may be pressurized, with a pressure sensor 27 coupled to the monitoring component 28. The pressure sensor 27 may be positioned in the air chamber 82 to detect if a pressure within the heat exchanger 46 (e.g., in the air chamber 82) has changed, in order to monitor the leak integrity of the loops 74, 76. The air chamber 82, or another part of the heat exchanger 46, such as a bottom interior area, may include a fluid detection sensor 31 to detect when a fluid is present in the heat exchanger 46 or in the air chamber 82. Other detection methods, including pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, or other types of detection components may be integrated into the heat exchanger 46 or air chamber 82 to monitor leak integrity. Similar methods may be employed around piping at other locations in the first circulation loop and/or second circulation loop.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, a partial cross-section view of the heat exchanger 46 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 4C, a first plate 84 of the first series of plates 78 through which the water 16 in first circulation loop 48 flows is shown adjacent a second plate 86 of the second series of plates 80 through which the heat exchange fluid 52 of the second circulation loop 50 flows. The first plate 84 and the second plate 86 are separated by the air chamber 82. Further, a plurality of rubber gaskets 88, which provide a watertight seal, are positioned between the first plate 84 and the second plate 86, and also in the air chamber 82. The air chamber 82 may include the monitoring component 28, or a component thereof such as the pressure sensor 27, for monitoring leak integrity in the heat exchanger 46 and/or in the air chamber 82, as discussed in relation to FIG. 4B.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary valve and piping configuration for use with a geothermal heating and cooling system, such as the system 58 shown in FIG. 2C, is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 5 represents an exemplary configuration that includes the heat exchanger 46, a first circulation loop 48 carrying the water 16 from the water source 12, a second circulation loop 50 carrying a heat exchange fluid 52, and the third fluid coupling 38 with the junction 40 and the valve 42 for diverting at least a portion of the water 16 to the monitoring component 28 and/or to the diffusion well 34. A transition section of piping 92 carries the water 16 from the first circulation loop 48 to the diffusion well 34, with a valve positioned in the piping 92 for diverting some of the water 16 to the monitoring component 28 for monitoring water quality.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of an exemplary method 600 of geothermal heating and cooling is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. At a first block 610, a water source, such as the water source 12 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, is provided. At a second block 612, a heat exchanger, such as the heat exchanger 46 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, is provided. At a third block 614, a first circulation loop, such as the first circulation loop 48 shown in FIG. 2B, is coupled to the heat exchanger and to the water source. At a fourth block 616, a second circulation loop, such as the second circulation loop 50 shown in FIG. 2B, is coupled to the heat exchanger and extends proximate to a space, such as the space 14 shown in FIG. 2B, to be heated or cooled.

At a fifth block 618, a heat pump, such as the heat pump 24 shown in FIG. 2A, is coupled to the second circulation loop for exchanging heat between a heat exchange fluid in the second circulation loop and the space to be heated or cooled. At a sixth block 620, a monitoring component, such as the monitoring component 28 shown in FIG. 2B, is provided, the monitoring component configured to monitor at least one of quality of the water and integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop.

The water quality indicators may be monitored on an intermittent, selective, or ongoing basis by the monitoring component or other testing equipment. The indicators may be measured or determined from the water 16 in the circulation loops, and also, from water in a downstream section of the water source 12, to provide a comprehensive picture of the water quality in the system. Baseline indicators may also be taken by monitoring water in the water source before it enters the water circulation loops in the system. Additionally, any tests performed to verify state, local, and federal drinking water standards may be conducted. It should be noted that the water may simply be removed locally and tested by a monitoring component at a remote lab, in addition to being tested on-site, including by specific sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, an exemplary table of influent and effluent temperature measurements from water in a geothermal heating and cooling system is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The water used in the geothermal heating and cooling systems described herein may be returned to the water source, and as a result, it may be desirable for the water to maintain a preconfigured temperature range when it reenters the water source. As shown in FIG. 7A, influent and effluent temperature of the water in the system may be monitored to determine the thermal effect of the geothermal system on the water. A preconfigured allowable temperature increase or variance may be selected and monitored for so that pathogenic or bacterial growth conditions in the water are controlled, among other things.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, an exemplary table of water quality indicators taken from water used in a geothermal heating and cooling system is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 7B, a variety of indicators are monitored for, tested, and recorded during setup and/or operation of a geothermal heating and cooling system, such as those described herein. Preconfigured allowable readings, or ranges of readings, may be used to determine if a preconfigured water quality is maintained for the water used in the system and reintroduced to the water source. Accordingly, these measurements may be used to determine if reintroduction of the water into the water source should occur.

As for water quality indicators, a variety can be monitored, measured, and/or recorded for analysis. The indicators may include measurements of influent temperature, effluent temperature, influent chlorine, effluent chlorine, influent pH, effluent pH, influent pressure, effluent pressure, influent iron, effluent iron, influent bacteria, effluent bacteria, influent heterotrophic plate count, effluent heterotrophic plate count, or other measurements. The indicators may be measured using appropriate testing equipment or sensors, on-site or off-site.

Additionally, a variety of other water quality indicators, which may include the presence of inorganic compounds, may be tested in the water, including calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, seaborgium, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, manganese, magnesium, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium, zinc, copernicium, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrogen dioxide, sulphate, alkali, hard calcium, color, methylene blue active substances, langelier saturation index, ammonia, odors, total dissolved solids, etc.

Further, volatile organic compounds may also be measured and analyzed. Such volatile organic compounds may include 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,1,1-Dichloroethene, 1,1-Dichloropropene, 1,2,3-Tricholorobenzene, 1,2,3-Tricholorpropane, 1,2,4-Tricholorbenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,3-Dichloropropene, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, 2,2-Dichloropropene, 2/4-Chlorotoluene, 4-Isopropyltoluene, Benzene, Bromobenzene, Bromocholormethane, Bromodichloromethane, Bromoform, Bromomethane, Carbon Tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, Chloroethane, Chloroform, Chloromethane, cis-1,2-Dichloroethene, cis-1,3-Dichloropropane, Dibromochloromethane, Dibromomethane, Dichlorodifluoromethane, Ethylbenzene, Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexane, Isopropyl Benzene, m,p-Xylene, MTBE, Methylene Chloride, n-Butylbenzene, n-Propylbenzene, o-Xylene, sec-Butylbenzene, Styrene, tert-Butylbenzene, Tetrachloroethene, Toluene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, Trichloroethene, Trichlorofluoromethane, and Vinyl Chloride, among others. In addition, systems for geothermal heating and cooling, including those described in this disclosure, and those with proper setup, have been tested for influent and effluent water temperature, inorganic compounds, and volatile organic compounds, and have determined to remain within preconfigured acceptable levels between influent measurements and effluent measurements for selected water quality indicators.

The present technology has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present technology pertains without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. A system for geothermal heating and cooling, the system comprising:

a water source;

a circulation loop coupled to the water source and passing proximate to a space to be heated or cooled, the circulation loop configured to circulate water from the water source;

a heat pump coupled to the circulation loop and configured to provide heat transfer between the water and the space to be heated or cooled; and

a monitoring component configured to monitor for at least one of: quality of the water, and leak integrity of the circulation loop.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first fluid coupling joined to the circulation loop and to the water source, the first fluid coupling configured to provide the water to the circulation loop from the water source.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a second fluid coupling joined to the circulation loop and to the water source, the second fluid coupling configured to return the water from the circulation loop to the water source.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a third fluid coupling joined to the circulation loop and to a diffusion well, and a junction with at least one valve configured to selectively direct the water through the first fluid coupling or the second fluid coupling.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring component is configured to:

extract a portion of the water from the circulation loop or from the water source at a location downstream of the circulation loop; and

test the water for at least one of: contaminants; and biologics and pathogens.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein monitoring the leak integrity of the circulation loop comprises monitoring for:

pressure changes within the circulation loop using a pressure sensor coupled to the circulation loop; and

a presence of the water outside of an internal portion of the circulation loop through which the water travels using a fluid detection sensor coupled to the circulation loop.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one backflow preventer coupled to the circulation loop that prevents the water from reversing direction.

8. A system for geothermal heating and cooling, the system comprising:

a water source;

a heat exchanger;

a first circulation loop configured to circulate water from the water source through the heat exchanger and back to the water source;

a second circulation loop configured to circulate a heat exchange fluid through the heat exchanger and proximate to a space to be heated or cooled; and

a monitoring component configured to monitor for at least one of: quality of the water, and leak integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a first fluid coupling joined to the first circulation loop and to the water source, the first fluid coupling configured to provide the water to the first circulation loop from the water source.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a second fluid coupling joined to the first circulation loop and to the water source, the second fluid coupling configured to return the water from the first circulation loop to the water source.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a third fluid coupling joined to the first circulation loop and to a diffusion well, and a junction with at least one valve configured to selectively direct the water through the second fluid coupling or the third fluid coupling.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the monitoring component monitors the quality of the water, and is configured to:

extract a portion of the water from the first circulation loop or from the water source at a location downstream of the first circulation loop; and

test the water for at least one of: contaminants; and biologics and pathogens.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the monitoring component monitors for leak integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and wherein the monitoring component is configured to detect a pressure change within the heat exchanger using a pressure sensor.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the monitoring component monitors for leak integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and wherein the monitoring component is configured to determine a presence of fluid in the heat exchanger using a fluid detection sensor.

15. The system of claim 8, wherein the system further comprises a notification component and a flow control component,

wherein the notification component is configured to send a signal when the monitoring component detects that the quality of the water is compromised or a leak is present in at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and

wherein the flow control component is configured to prevent the water from returning to the water source when the monitoring component detects that the water quality is compromised or the leak is present in at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop.

16. The system of claim 8, further comprising at least one heat pump coupled to the second circulation loop for providing heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid and the space to be heated or cooled.

17. The system of claim 8, wherein the heat exchanger is a double-walled heat exchanger, wherein the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop are separated by at least one air chamber in the double-walled heat exchanger, and wherein the monitoring component monitors for the leak integrity within the at least one air chamber.

18. A heat exchanger for a geothermal heating and cooling system, the heat exchanger comprising:

a first circulation loop;

a second circulation loop;

at least one air chamber between the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop; and

a monitoring component positioned in the at least one air chamber, the monitoring component configured to detect at least one of: a presence of fluid in the at least one air chamber, and a change of pressure in the at least one air chamber.

19. The heat exchanger of claim 18, wherein the heat exchanger is a plate-and-frame heat exchanger, wherein the first circulation loop comprises a first series of plates, and wherein the second circulation loop comprises a second series of plates in alternating configuration with the first series of plates.

20. The heat exchanger of claim 19, wherein the at least one air chamber is pressurized, and wherein the monitoring component monitors for the change of pressure in the at least one air gap using at least one pressure sensor.

21. The heat exchanger of claim 18, wherein the monitoring component monitors for the presence of fluid in the at least one air chamber using at least one of a humidity sensor and a fluid detection sensor.

22. A method for geothermal heating and cooling, the method comprising:

providing a water source;

providing a heat exchanger;

coupling a first circulation loop to the heat exchanger and to the water source;

coupling a second circulation loop to the heat exchanger and extending the second circulation loop proximate to a space to be heated or cooled;

coupling a heat pump to the second circulation loop for exchanging heat between a heat exchange fluid in the second circulation loop and the space to be heated or cooled; and

providing a monitoring component configured to monitor for at least one of: quality of the water, and integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the monitoring component monitors the integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop using at least one of:

a pressure sensor coupled to the heat exchanger; and

a fluid detection sensor coupled to the heat exchanger.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the monitoring component monitors the quality of the water, and wherein monitoring the quality of the water comprises monitoring for:

changes in temperature;

a presence of contaminants; and

a presence of biologics and pathogens.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a temperature sensor coupled to the water source downstream of the first circulation loop, and measuring changes in temperature of the water.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

coupling a junction comprising a valve to the first circulation loop;

coupling the junction to a diffusion well;

determining the integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop is compromised; and

operating the valve to divert at least a portion of the water in the first circulation loop to the diffusion well to prevent the at least a portion of the water from returning to the water source.