Geographical Patents (Class 165/45)
-
Publication number: 20090229787Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that includes a chamber rotor with a chamber and an extension rotor with an extension. The rotors are housed in a rotor case. A pressure cavity is at least transiently formed by the extension rotor and the chamber rotor. The present invention also includes a compressor that includes a chamber rotor with a chamber and an extension rotor with an extension where the extension is adapted to be received in the chamber when the rotors are synchronously rotated. The compressor also includes a power input shaft attached to the extension rotor and a gear assembly attached to the rotors that is adapted to insure the synchronous rotation of the rotors. A rotor case houses the rotors and has an intake port and an exhaust port. The present invention also includes an engine that is similar to the compressor and includes a spark plug. Methods of compressing, pumping and generating electricity and mechanical power are also part of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventor: Jerome Lurtz
-
Publication number: 20090223509Abstract: A liquid-heating system has a solar energy collector exposed to solar radiation, a geothermal heat exchanger buried in the ground at a depth between 0.5 m and 5 m, a heater through which a liquid to be heated passes, and a heat pump having a sink side connected to the heater and a source side connected to the geothermal heat exchanger or to the solar energy collector. A first controller or valve setup connected to the heat collector can in one position connect the solar energy collector to the water heater such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the water heater. In another position it can connect the solar energy collector to the geothermal heat exchanger such that heat collected by the solar energy collector is applied to the ground surrounding the geothermal heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Wolfgang Hoellenriegel, Manfred Roth
-
Patent number: 7581592Abstract: A method and system is provided relating to the production of ethanol or other renewable bio-fuels on a mass, large scale basis while maintaining a positive energy balance. In one example, the present invention relates to a system and method for the mass manufacture of fuel, fuel stock, or fuel additives by using dry or drying up hydrocarbon wells as a heat source in the manufacturing process. In one example, the distillation column is constructed from dried up oil wells.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Inventors: Ronald R. Bush, Bruce A. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20090211728Abstract: The present invention is a geo-thermal energy system comprised of: at least one extraction pump that draws water from a natural water source; at least one heat exchanger, each of which provides an energy source, from which one or more corresponding buildings can extract heat to provide heating, or into which each building can reject heat to provide cooling; a first length of piping between the water source and the heat exchanger that delivers the water to each heat exchanger; a second length of piping that discharges the water after exiting each heat exchanger; and at least one diversion junction that is coupled to either the first or second length of piping and provides non-potable water to a fire protection system, or other potable water use, within each building. The discharged water is discharged back to the same water source, a second natural water source, a well, or a drainage system without adding any contaminants to the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Thomas R. Harley, Gerry A. Mattern, Geoffrey S. Miller
-
Publication number: 20090211757Abstract: Fluid is introduced to one or more underground fluid passages in thermal contact with a hot rock formation. Kinetic energy of the fluid being introduced is converted into electrical energy. The introduced fluid absorbs heat from the hot rock formation. That absorbed heat is extracted from the heated fluid for use in connection with a domestic or industrial application.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: William Riley
-
Publication number: 20090211727Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigeration system, associated system of heating and refrigeration, geothermal energy utilizing system, cold storing apparatus, heat storing apparatus and the accessories thereof, and in particular relates to an air conditioning system utilizing natural cold energy, geothermal energy, thermal waste, residual heat and environmental friendly energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2005Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventors: Xuejun Yin, Jisheng Song
-
Patent number: 7578140Abstract: A direct expansion geothermal heat exchange system including certain line set sizes, distances, designs, depths, and lengths, including a long trench system design, certain vapor line coverings and moisturizing means, certain refrigerant operational pressures and type, certain pin restrictor sizes and locations, certain liquid line insulation lengths, certain containment pipe composition, pipe sizing with polyethylene, pipe antifreeze fill percentage, and pipe top sealing, a certain oil return safeguard procedure, certain interior heat exchanger design tonnages with predominate heating loads and with predominate cooling loads, a certain receiver type and capacity, an optional means of placing sub-surface refrigerant transport tubing within respective protective containment pipes, certain trench system and well/borehole system combinations, and certain trench creation means.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
-
Patent number: 7571762Abstract: A ground source heat exchange system includes an upstream manifold and a downstream manifold. More than one heat exchange flow circuit can be connected to the upstream and downstream manifolds for burial in the ground. A control valve associated with each heat exchange flow circuit is mounted on at least one of the manifolds. Each control valve controls flow of heat exchange fluid through a respective heat exchange flow circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: 1438253 Ontario Inc.Inventor: Mark G. Ross
-
Patent number: 7566980Abstract: A roadway system and method for energy generation and distribution are presented. This system allows a geothermal infrastructure to be tied into the roadway system electricity grid. The geothermal infrastructure may include energy exchangers that are electrically connected to the roadway system electricity grid. By connecting the energy exchangers electrically to the roadway system electricity grid, the energy exchangers may be powered by solar and/or wind generating devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a roadway system for energy generation and distribution comprises a plurality of energy harnessing devices (e.g., solar and/or wind generating devices). The roadway system electricity grid is configured for mass distribution of electricity. The energy exchangers are configured to electrically connect to the roadway system electricity grid.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Genedics Clean Energy, LLCInventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
-
Publication number: 20090165992Abstract: Provided is a geothermal heat exchange system and method including a plurality of heat depots, each including a sealed container filled with a heat exchange fluid and further including an input heat transfer line and an output heat transfer line for carrying the heat transfer fluid. The input line proceeds through a top surface of the container at least a minimal distance into the container, and the output heat transfer line originates immediately at the upper surface of the container. Multiple heat depots connected to one another in a continuous unbroken chain are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: Noble Geofurnace, Inc.Inventor: SaeHeum Song
-
Publication number: 20090158736Abstract: A thermal power plant is disclosed that comprises a heating system (10) that utilizes solar radiation for heating a working fluid, a turbine (11) to which, in operation, the working fluid is delivered, a condenser (13) located downstream from the turbine and arranged for condensing vapour exhausted from the turbine, and a cooling system (14) associated with the condenser. The heating system comprises a field of reflectors (17) that, during diurnal periods, are arranged (for example by pivoting) to reflect incident solar radiation to a receiver (18) for heating the working fluid. The cooling system (14) is arranged in operation of the power plant to transport a coolant fluid to which heat is transferred during vapour condensing and it comprises a subterranean heat exchanger incorporating conduits (27) through which the coolant is recirculated when cycling through the condenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: SOLAR HEAT AND POWER PTY LTDInventor: Robert Charles Mierisch
-
Publication number: 20090139687Abstract: A system and a method for heating two buildings using geothermal energy comprises pumping a heat transfer liquid through conduits located in a water filled well and then passing the heat transfer liquid through floor conduits located in a first building, subsequently pumping the heat transfer liquid through a reservoir and then back to the well, pumping a second heat transfer liquid through a compressor and using the warm side of the compressor to heat a second building, the second heat transfer liquid being passed through a serpentine arrangement in the reservoir. The first building is normally an outbuilding and the second building is a residence.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Benoit Reginster
-
Publication number: 20090133424Abstract: An R-410A DX heating/cooling system with: an electrical generating expansion device; with a protective means for refrigerant transport tubing containing dissimilar metals and/or in corrosive environments; with an automatic heating mode expansion device; with a TXV by-pass design; with retractable sub-surface tubing designs; with sub-surface line set sizing at varying depths and lengths; with reciprocal compressor sizing; with a DX Hydronic system design; with an improved oil separator float design; with a mobile DX system design; and with a resting module DX system design.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: EARTH TO AIR SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
-
Publication number: 20090120606Abstract: A double DX hydronic heating/cooling system includes a primary DX system for maintaining a primary interior fluid loop at a desired temperature range. Secondary DX sub-systems are operatively coupled to the primary interior fluid loop and are operable in either a heating mode or a cooling mode to provide independent control of interior air temperature in different spaces. Each sub-system includes a dedicated water pump to minimize power requirements for the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: EARTH TO AIR, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
-
Publication number: 20090121488Abstract: A system for generating electric power by utilizing solar heat flux. The system comprises a heating sub system and a cooling loop. The cooling loop circulates a coolant through a heat exchanger with an expanded second refrigerant which has been heated by the heating sub system thereby heating the coolant. The cooling loop includes a pipe buried in the ground at depth, D. A soil surrounds the length, L, of the pipe and a wrapping material defines and maintains a radial soil annulus width, ?s, extending radially from the pipe to an outer periphery at a peripheral radius, r?, measured radially from its axis, A. The radial soil annulus width, ?s, can be maintained at k s h s - r o . The length, L, of the pipe can be equal to mc p 2 ? ? ? ? { 0.5469 k f + 1 k p ? ln ? ( r o r i ) + 1 k s ? [ 1 + ln ? ( r ? r o ) ] } wherein r ? = k s h s .Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Mohinder Singh Bhatti, Mingyu Wang, Shrikant Mukund Joshi
-
Publication number: 20090116699Abstract: The system disclosed herein increases the acceptance rate of capture and authentication of biometric data by a biometric device. The biometric device's acceptance rate is improved by maintaining the operating temperature of biometric device within a preset temperature range. The biometric device is housed in a thermal enclosure. A geothermal system is used for maintaining the operating temperature of the biometric device within the preset temperature range by regulating the temperature of the air within the thermal enclosure. A temperature sensor is provided for determining the operating temperature of the biometric device. A control unit controls the operation of the geothermal system based on the operating temperature information provided by the temperature sensor. Further, the system disclosed herein is used for temperature stabilization of electronic devices whose operating temperature needs to be maintained within a preset temperature range for optimal operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Joseph J. Turek, Katrina S. Champagne, Robert John Encarnacion
-
Publication number: 20090107650Abstract: The invention relates to a geothermal probe for the exploitation of geothermal heat, comprising a cluster of several closed heat tubes, which for transporting the heat are filled with a two-phase working medium that can be evaporated by means of the geothermal heat and can be condensed in a heat discharging zone. In this case, the respective heat tubes are subdivided over their length into at least a heat receiving zone, a heat transporting zone and a heat discharging zone, at least two heat tubes in the heat receiving zone and/or in the heat transporting zone being of different lengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventor: Wolfgang Feldmann
-
Publication number: 20090095442Abstract: A direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system has a self-adjusting expansion valve and a bypass flow path to improve efficiency when the system operates in a heating mode. The expansion valve may operate based solely on pressure from the vapor refrigerant transport line. The system may alternatively include an accumulator, a compressor, and an oil separator, wherein an oil return line returns oil from the oil separator to the accumulator. Additionally, a direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system may include a hot-gas bypass valve for diverting heated vapor refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant line. Finally, a direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system having a sub-surface heat exchanger extending to a depth of at least 300 feet may use a refrigerant particularly suited for such an application.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: EARTH TO AIR SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
-
Publication number: 20090084518Abstract: A system for utilizing low energy includes a terminal, a heating circuit and a ground circuit, wherein heat bound to a medium circulating in the ground circuit is transferred with the terminal, such as a ground heat pump, to the heating circuit. The ground circuit is implemented with an inner pipe and outer pipe surrounding it in such a way that the outer end of the outer pipe is closed, wherein, depending on the flow direction, the medium can move at the end of the pipe from the inner pipe to the outer pipe and vice versa. Further, a pipe for utilizing low energy is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: MATEVE OYInventors: Erkki-Jussi Panula, Mauri Lieskoski
-
Publication number: 20090084519Abstract: A system for a low-energy network includes a collector circuit (1a, 1b) filled with a first transfer solution, a heat transfer circuit (7) filled with a second transfer solution, and a terminal (3) adapted to transfer heat between the transfer solutions of the collector circuit (1a, 1b) and the heat transfer circuit (7). The collector circuits (1a, 1b) are connected to the terminal via two distribution reservoirs (82, 81), of which the first distribution reservoir (81) is isolated and configured to receive and transfer heated transfer liquid, and the second distribution reservoir (82) is configured to receive and transfer cooled transfer liquid, and at least one collector circuit (1a, 1b) connecting the first distribution reservoir (81) and the second distribution reservoir (82) is connected to each distribution reservoir (81, 82) terminating the low-energy network. The system may also include a distribution tank (80) for the low-energy network.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: MATEVE OYInventors: Erkki-Jussi Panula, Mauri Lieskoski
-
Publication number: 20090078393Abstract: An air conditioning system operating on heat exchange between water supply system and ground enthalpy includes a first pipeline, a fan, and a power supply unit. The first pipeline is divided into an input section, a heat exchange section, and an output section in sequence to input water from an outdoor water source. The fan corresponds in position to the heat exchange section. The power supply unit is adapted to supply power to the fan. The air blowing by the fan facilitates the enthalpy in the water source executing sufficient heat exchange with air in a room to lower or elevate beforehand the room temperature so to shorten the startup time of or forthwith substitute the air conditioner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: HO-JAN TSAI, HSU-MING CHANG
-
Publication number: 20090065173Abstract: A direct exchange heating/cooling system includes a specially designed supplemental air-source heat exchanger (also referred to herein as a High Level Heat Dissipater (“HLHD”). The HLHD is coupled to the primary vapor/hot gas line exiting the system's compressor at a point between the compressor unit and the sub-surface geothermal heat exchange tubing, and is operable only in the cooling mode of system operation. The HLHD includes heat exchange tubing that is sheltered from rain/moisture and has supply and discharge refrigerant transport tubing with relatively equally sized interior diameters, designed solely for mostly vapor (as opposed to liquid) refrigerant transport. The HLHD incorporates at least two check valves, or the like, so as to force hot compressor discharge gas through the HLHD in the cooling mode, and so as to prohibit geothermally warmed refrigerant gas flow through the HLHD in the heating mode. The HLHD has specially designed heat exchangers and may optionally include a fan.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: EARTH TO AIR SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
-
Publication number: 20090047072Abstract: An installation for conveying superheated fluid discharged from a vent located at or near the base of a body of water. The installation comprises a hood for locating the installation over the vent, and an insulated conduit that is in fluid communication with the hood and extends upwardly through the body of water.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: ECOFLUIDICS PTY LTDInventors: John Sinclair Reid, Peter John Nielsen
-
Patent number: 7490657Abstract: A double-pipe geothermal water circulating apparatus including an outer pipe having a geothermal water supplying strainer for infiltrating geothermal water from an aquifer and a geothermal water returning strainer for returning used geothermal water to the aquifer, a thermal insulation inner pipe composed of a thermal insulator that forms a flow channel with the outer pipe, a pump for pumping the geothermal water from the thermal insulation inner pipe, a heat source supplying force feed pipe for force-feeding pumped geothermal water to an heat exchanger and a heat source reusing pipe connected to the flow channel for returning the used geothermal water to the aquifer. Also, the double-pipe geothermal water circulating apparatus is provided therein with the flow channel from the geothermal water returning strainer to the geothermal water supplying strainer that is not separated, whereby geothermal water can flow therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Hiroaki Ueyama
-
Publication number: 20090032214Abstract: This system of the control and protection of the terrestrial climate relies mainly on civilian airlines burning (preferably price-subsidized) sun-shading (sun-blocking/sun-reflective) fuels in the high levels of the atmosphere in order to reduce the intensity of the solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface. The use of sun-blocking airline fuels for the protection of the Earth from solar radiation parallels the use of sun-blocking skin-creams for the protection of the individual. The invention parallels the cooling effect on the Earth's climate caused by major volcanic eruptions, collisions of the Earth with asteroids, or the cooling effect one could expect after a major nuclear war. This invention proposes the creation of a controlled mini “nuclear winter”, in other words of a cooling caused by the increased refraction of the atmosphere or by the increased shading of the terrestrial surface by particulates in the high levels of the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Mark Hucko
-
Publication number: 20090032215Abstract: A water tank for use in air-conditioning and/or heating systems and includes a container capable of storing at least one thousand gallons of a fluid. An evaporator coil is disposed within the container and the fluid contained within the container. The evaporator can consist as part of a refrigerant circuit. A pickup radiator coil is also disposed within the container and fluid. The pickup radiator coil can consist as part of a chilled water air conditioning water system for a dwelling. The water tank can be insulated. The fluid stored within said container can be a mixture of water and anti-freeze.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: RALPH MUSCATELL
-
Publication number: 20090032259Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that includes an anisotropic nanocomposite element in thermal communication with a heat-generating element for conducting heat away from the heat-generating element along a selected direction. In another aspect, a method of conveying heat away from a heat-generating element is disclosed that includes transferring heat from the heat-generating element to an anisotropic nanocomposite element that is configured to conduct heat along a selected direction, and transferring heat received by the anisotropic nanocomposite element to a heat-absorbing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Roger Fincher
-
Publication number: 20090025902Abstract: The probe (10) comprises a circuit for circulating a heat-conveying fluid, between a fluid inlet (28) and a fluid outlet (34) connected to a heat pump. The circuit comprises at least two tubes (12, 14) extending in parallel, comprising a fluid admission tube (14) and a fluid return tube (12), the admission and return tubes being put into communication (24) with each other at their distal ends (18, 22). The tubes are made with a wall in common over their entire length, advantageously a wall that is isothermal. They may be engaged one inside the other (12, 14) or they may be adjoining. The assembly forms a single tubular element suitable for burying having a distal end that is free that can easily be introduced into a tunnel of small diameter that has been dug by a miniature boring machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: HADESInventors: Georges Favier, Michel Horps
-
Publication number: 20090000611Abstract: A furnace in combination with a heat pump and solar panels for providing domestic hot water and forced hot or cooled air utilizing heat pump achieved efficiency levels in an on-demand and unlimited domestic hot water, heating and air conditioning system. In heating mode, recycled air acquires heat from the heat pump's condenser coil and transfers this heat to the on-demand hot water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: Stewart R. Kaiser
-
Publication number: 20080289795Abstract: A pipe for use in a geothermal heat exchange system is disclosed that is insertable into a bore hole having a proximal end and a distal end. The pipe has a proximal end, a distal end and an outer wall member. The outer wall member includes an external surface, and an interior surface defining an interior passageway through which a heat exchange fluid can flow. The pipe also includes a divider extending between opposed points of the interior surface for dividing the interior passageway into an inflow passageway for conducting water from the proximal end to the distal end of the pipe, and an outflow passageway for conducting water from the distal end to the proximal end of the pipe. The divider segregates the water in the outflow passageway from the water in the inflow passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: James Hardin, Changchun Zhang
-
Patent number: 7445057Abstract: A drill head has a domed leading face and carries cutting teeth. A tubular drill string can be used to drive the head into the ground. An off-center aperture communicates with the bore of the string, by means of a connecting passage, which defines an oblique cone. During drilling, a flushing medium can be pumped down the bore and out through the aperture. As the drill string and head are withdrawn, an elongate member can be introduced down the bore, out through the aperture, to be left in the passage drilled by the head. The form of the mouths and connecting passage avoid the elongate member encountering any discontinuities which would prevent it leaving the head. The elongate member could be reinforcing bar for a cast-in-situ pile, or part of a ground loop for a ground heat energy system.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Global Innovations, LLCInventor: Roger A. Bullivant
-
Patent number: 7438501Abstract: A ground freezing system includes a metal feed pipe for delivering refrigerant to the lower end of a freeze pipe installed in a bore in the ground. The feed pipe is supported on a compression spring which accommodates thermal contraction of the feed pipe while maintaining support of its weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Layne Christensen CompanyInventor: Joseph A. Sopko
-
Publication number: 20080236784Abstract: A pipe arrangement for geothermal probes includes at least two pipes having at least one layer each that surrounds a lumen. One of the pipes functions as inflow pipe and the other pipe functions as return flow pipe. At least one of the pipes is produced at least in part from a non cross-linked polymer material and is distinguished in that the polymer material of the at least one layer for the pipes has a FNCT value (full notched creep test) according to ISO 16770 of at least 3000 hours.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: Rehau AG & Co.Inventor: Volker Liebel
-
Publication number: 20080230205Abstract: A process of control of a thermal energy storage unit in the ground includes heat exchangers buried in the ground, each of the exchangers allowing a calorific energy exchange between a heat-conveying fluid traversing it and the ground, the energy storage unit being at the interface between a source and consumer of calorific energy to store thermal energy. One measures the temperature in various points of the ground using buried temperature gauges, the temperatures and flow of a heat-conveying fluid in input and output of the source to determine the thermal power provided by the source, and temperatures and flow of a heat-conveying fluid in input and output of the consumer to determine the thermal power to provide the consumer. One optimizes the storage of thermal energy in the storage unit by selecting active exchangers among the plurality of exchangers according to temperature measurements, flow measurements and thermal power measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: VentiloneInventors: Bruno Seguin, Christophe Reiss
-
Publication number: 20080216986Abstract: Solar heating systems are provided which utilize an integrated fixture for transferring heat from a solar collector to a lower-temperature loop, e.g. a domestic hot water system or radiant heating system. The fixture provides a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the solar collector to the lower temperature loop. The fixture may also include a casting, in which are formed solar collector supply and return ports, lower temperature supply and return ports, a solar collector pump volute, and a lower temperature pump volute. The systems also include two pumps, and a temperature optimization control that varies the speed of at least one of the pumps depending on the temperature of the liquid in the solar collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventor: David Sweet
-
Publication number: 20080209933Abstract: An coaxial-flow-flow heat exchanging structure having a proximal end and a distal end for exchanging heat between a source of fluid at a first temperature and the environment (e.g. ground, water, slurry) at a second temperature. The coaxial-flow-flow heat exchanging structure comprises a thermally-conductive flowguide tube having a hollow conduit extending from said proximal end to said distal end. A helically-finned tubing is disposed within the hollow conduit of said thermally-conductive flowguide tube, and has a central conduit for conducting a heat exchanging fluid, from said proximal end, along the central conduit towards the distal end, and returning back to the proximal end along a spiral annular flow channel formed between the thermally-conductive flowguide tube and the helically-finned tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim
-
Publication number: 20080210402Abstract: A method of transferring heat energy between a heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth, and material beneath the surface of the Earth, by installing one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures in the material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure has inner and out flow channels along which aqueous-based heat transfer fluid is circulated. Turbulance is generated in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, to increase the rate of heat energy transfer between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth along the length of the outer flow channel. This in turn increases the rate of heat energy transfer between the heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth and material beneath the surface of the Earth.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim
-
Publication number: 20080202723Abstract: In a method of installing a borehole heat exchanger in the earth, a channel is formed in the earth by means of a pushing device, thereby causing a compression of the earth as a result of earth being displaced, and inserting a borehole heat exchanger in the channel, causing an elastic component of the earth to move toward the heat exchanger as the earth relaxes in order to provide an intimate contact between the earth and the heat exchanger. Installation of the borehole heat exchanger in elastically displaced earth ensures not only a stable and lasting securement of the heat exchanger in the earth but also the intimate contact between earth and heat exchanger wall so important for heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: TRACTO-TECHNIK GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dieter Wurm, Hans-Joachim Bayer
-
Publication number: 20080196859Abstract: A method of transferring heat energy between a heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth, and material beneath the surface of the Earth, by installing one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures in the material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure has inner and out flow channels along which aqueous-based heat transfer fluid is circulated. Turbulence is generated in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, thereby improving the transfer of heat energy between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth along the length of the outer flow channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim
-
Publication number: 20080185122Abstract: A thermally-regulated building structure including a foundation for supporting the thermally-regulated building structure on the surface of the Earth, and one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in the Earth, for facilitating the transfer of heat energy between (i) an heat energy exchanging system maintained within the thermally-regulated building structure and (ii) the Earth. Each said coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure includes an inner tube section having an outer wall surface extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a thermally conductive outer tube section, disposed coaxially around the inner tube section, and having an inner wall surface extending between the proximal and distal ends. An outer flow channel is provided between the outer wall surface of the inner tube section and the inner wall surface of the outer tube section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim
-
Patent number: 7407003Abstract: A ground source heat exchange system includes an upstream manifold and a downstream manifold. More than one heat exchange flow circuit can be connected to the upstream and downstream manifolds for burial in the ground. A control valve associated with each heat exchange flow circuit is mounted on at least one of the manifolds. Each control valve controls flow of heat exchange fluid through a respective heat exchange flow circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: 1438253 Ontario Inc.Inventor: Mark G. Ross
-
Publication number: 20080173425Abstract: A direct exchange heating/cooling system with at least one of a reduced compressor size, with a 500 psi high pressure cut-off switch, with a 98% efficient oil separator, with extra oil, operating at a higher pressure than an R-22 system, with receiver design parameters for efficiency and fox capacity, with geothermal heat exchange line set design parameters, with special heating/cooling expansion device sizing and design, with a specially sized air handler, and with a vapor line pre-heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: EARTH TO AIR SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
-
Patent number: 7401641Abstract: A system for installing sub-surface fluid transport tubing and pressure testing coupling seals in a vertically oriented geothermal heating/cooling system installation, and particularly in a direct exchange system installation, includes providing an elevated containment area, that has a confined space opening, supported by extensions/poles, within which opening an upper portion of the fluid transport tubing segment, to be installed within the borehole, can be positioned and contained. The system further includes pressure testing above-ground segmental coupling seals, by using moderate gas pressure applied via temporary gas hose and plug connections to respective ends of the operatively connected fluid transport line set.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Earth to Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
-
Publication number: 20080169084Abstract: A heat exchanger 10 is for use in a geothermal energy system for a building 12, for heating and/or cooling. The exchanger 10 has a flask member 14 which defines a chamber 16 for heat exchange fluid. A supply conduit 22 supplies heat exchange fluid to a first port of the chamber 16, from ground level. An exhaust conduit 26 removes heat exchange fluid from a second port 28. The flow direction can be reversed. A pipe 30 extends from the inlet port 24 to an intermediate position 32, generally at the bottom of the chamber, whereas the outlet port 28 is generally at the top of the chamber. Accordingly, fluid entering the chamber must pass down to the bottom of the chamber, before leaving the pipe 30 and then flowing back up the chamber to the outlet port 28.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventor: Roger A. Bullivant
-
Publication number: 20080149302Abstract: A system and method for creating a geothermal generation and distribution grid is presented. This system allows the average home to be tied into an existing geothermal “grid”. The user need not invest in the infrastructure necessary outside the home to enable a system inside the home. The user, instead, is responsible for creating the section that exists in the interior infrastructure. In one embodiment of the invention, the infrastructure comprises at least one distribution flow line having a forward line for a first phase and a return flow line for a circulatory second phase. The distribution flow line is coupled to any point along a main flow line. The main line is buried along a roadway and to a sufficient depth within an earthly body for converting the first and second phases. The main line may be configured to be an open loop with an optional closed loop infrastructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
-
Publication number: 20080149301Abstract: 1. In the heating system, air used in the combustion of fuel such as natural gas, propane or oil can be preheated by use of a heat exchanger and passing of flue gas through a heat exchanger to preheat the air. This method can also be used for dryers and ovens to reheat the air by use of heat exchanger. In the heating system, use of air sucked from the soil is preferred, which is warmer than the outside air during winter season. This air is further heated by circulating through a heat exchanger to recover heat from the existing flue gases. After warming the air, it is used in the combustion of natural gas, propane or oil. This method prevents suction of cold air from outside to replace air used in the combustion in a furnace in a home or a building, which exit through a stack or chimney as flue gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Jayant Jatkar
-
Publication number: 20080148758Abstract: A heat exchanging system facilitating the transfer of heat energy between (i) a heat energy exchanging subsystem employed in the system, and (ii) the ambient environment. One or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures are installed in the ambient environment, for facilitating the transfer of heat energy in a heat conducting stream between (i) the heat energy exchanging subsystem and (ii) the ambient environment. Each said coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure includes an inner tube section having an outer wall surface extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a thermally conductive outer tube section, disposed coaxially around the inner tube section, and having an inner wall surface extending between the proximal and distal ends. An outer flow channel is provided between the outer wall surface of the inner tube section and the inner wall surface of the outer tube section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim
-
Publication number: 20080128108Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of heat rejection and extraction between a fluid and the earth, providing for a high efficiency convective heat exchanger located in ground water, a means for inducing flow of said ground water at its initial temperature from ground water pool through said heat exchanger, a means of inducing heat transfer from said ground water to said heat transfer fluid or gas, a means of discharging said ground water at a new temperature back into said ground water pool, and a piping system suitable to transport said heat transfer fluid from a thermal load at some remote location at a first temperature, though the said convective heat exchanger and transporting the heat transfer fluid at a new temperature to the location(s) where the thermal energy is utilized.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2005Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Steven Joseph Clark
-
Patent number: 7377122Abstract: The coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in the Earth, for facilitating the transfer of heat energy in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid, between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure includes an inner tube section, a thermally conductive outer tube section, and outer flow channel between the inner tube section and the outer tube section. A turbulence generating structure is disposed along a portion of the length of the outer flow channel so as to introduce turbulence into the flow of the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, while its cross-sectional characteristics produce fluid flows therealong having optimal vortex characteristics that optimize heat transfer with the Earth.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Kelix Heat Transfer Systems, LLCInventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim
-
Patent number: 7373785Abstract: A geothermal heat exchanging system including a heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of Earth, and one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in the Earth. The coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in the Earth, facilitate the transfer of heat energy in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid, between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure includes an inner tube section, a thermally conductive outer tube section, and outer flow channel between the inner tube section and the outer tube section. A turbulence generating structure is disposed along a portion of the length of the outer flow channel so as to introduce turbulence into the flow of the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, thereby improving the transfer of heat energy between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and the Earth along the length of the outer flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Kelix Heat Transfer Systems, LLCInventors: John E. Kidwell, Michael L. Fraim