Geographical Patents (Class 165/45)
  • Patent number: 9644126
    Abstract: This invention relates to treated geothermal brine compositions containing reduced concentrations of iron, silica, and zinc compared to the untreated brines. Exemplary compositions contain concentration of zinc ranges from 0 to 300 mg/kg, concentration of silica ranges from 0 to 30 mg/kg, concentration of iron ranges from 0 to 300 mg/kg. Exemplary compositions also contain reduced concentrations of elements like lithium, manganese, arsenic, barium, and lead. Exemplary compositions include Salton Sea brines containing a concentration of zinc less than 10 mg/kg, a concentration of silica ranging from less than 10 mg/kg, and a concentration of iron less than 10 mg/kg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Simbol, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Harrison, John Burba
  • Patent number: 9625141
    Abstract: The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide an fluid circulating installation adapted with a temperature equalization system and fluid transmission duct disposed in a heat carrier existing in solid or liquid state in the nature where presents comparatively larger and more reliable heat carrying capacity. The fluid passes through the solid or gas state semiconductor application installation to regulate the semiconductor application installation for temperature equalization, and flows back to the heat equalization installation disposed in the natural heat carrier of heat for the heat equalization installation providing good heat conduction in the natural heat carrier to provide the operation of temperature equalization regulating function on the backflow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 9618215
    Abstract: The present invention relates to energy supply systems which comprise an energy storage unit and an energy production unit. Control methods according to the invention advantageously allow to calculate an operational cost of the energy supply system based on the energy flux that can be supplied by the system and the energy flux that is demanded externally from the system. The operational cost can be calculated for all possible values of the above parameters in advance. The calculated parameters can be stored in an array in a device implementing methods of the invention. Methods of the invention allow to operate an energy supply system so as to guarantee that at any instant a predetermined (nonzero) amount of energy flux can be supplied by the energy storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Johan Van Bael, Hans Hoes, Fjo De Ridder
  • Patent number: 9605863
    Abstract: A system for regulating the internal temperature of a structure such as a domicile or office is described. The system is configured to employ a series of inter-wall channels, designed to direct air originating from at least one HVAC unit and at least one heat exchanger in order to equalize the temperature within the walls, ceiling, and the flooring of a conventional structure. In this manner, the system employs air as an effective insulator, supplementing the existing fiberglass insulation of a structure with a dynamic, temperature sensitive means of insulation, helping to keep heating and cooling costs down, and limiting strain on the HVAC units of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: David W. Schonhorst
  • Patent number: 9593868
    Abstract: A horizontal ground-coupled heat exchanger for a geothermal system. The underground portion of the system includes; at least one conduit located in the soil below its frost line containing a heat transfer liquid; at least one stratum between the at least one conduit and the soil, totally disposed beneath the surface of the soil at a depth from the surface of the soil of 1.2-3 m and completely separated from the soil by at least two layers of a thin thermo-conductive waterproof material, the at least one stratum containing heat conductive water saturated fill material with the at least one conduit being disposed therein; and a means to compensate for small leaks of water from the at least one stratum. The size of the smallest dimension of the stratum per conduit is determined; the sizing is based on a user selected stratum efficiency parameter employing a relation provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Vladimir Entin, Vladimir Kominar, Irina Loktev
  • Patent number: 9518786
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for storing energy includes a high pressure storage vessel (10) for receiving high pressure gas, the high pressure storage vessel (10) including a high pressure heat store including a first chamber housing a first gas-permeable heat storage structure (14); and a low pressure storage vessel (11,12) for receiving low pressure gas, the low pressure storage vessel (11,12) including a low pressure heat store including a second chamber housing a second gas-permeable heat storage structure (16,18. The first heat storage structure (14) has a mean surface area per unit volume which is higher than a mean surface area per unit volume of the second heat storage structure (16,18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Energy Technologies Institute LLP
    Inventors: Jonathan Sebastian Howes, James Macnaghten
  • Patent number: 9512677
    Abstract: A process is shown to efficiently drill multiple, short-length, medium-radius lateral holes from a vertical well shaft. The disclosed process may be performed without the need to repeatedly pull down-hole equipment for every lateral hole drilled so as to make the lateral hole drilling process efficient. A heat pipe assembly is shown inserted into each drilled hole. The disclosed drilling and heat pipe insertion may be performed multiple times at a given vertical depth location in the well shaft. The process may be performed without the need to repeatedly pull down-hole equipment for insertion of multiple heat pipes at a same vertical level in the well level for each lateral hole drilled at that level so as to make for an efficient heat pipe insertion process. The described process may be performed multiple times at a large number of vertical depth locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A Shimko, Michael J Parrella, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9484615
    Abstract: A mast arrangement comprises: a mast arranged for carrying a first module of a radio network node, a holding structure adapted to receive a lower portion of the mast, and a housing for a second module of the radio network node. An air inlet channel in the mast is connected to the housing via an inlet passage, and an air outlet channel in the mast is connected to the housing via an outlet passage. An interior of the housing is arranged to direct an airflow from the inlet passage along, and/or through, the second module to the outlet passage. Further, a radio network node and a method of cooling the second module in a radio network node are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventor: Peter Häger
  • Patent number: 9470434
    Abstract: Provided is a multiplex pipe and a system for recovering steam from a geothermal well, which are capable of solving all of the various problems with a neutralization pipe prepared by painting or the like of an alkali-resistant coating on the inner face of an acid-resistant single pipe. A multiplex pipe 10 that is configured to recover steam from a geothermal well GT, includes: a casing pipe 1 located outside; and a duplex pipe 4 that is slidable relative to the casing pipe 1 in the casing pipe 1, and has a first gap 5 with an inner face of the casing pipe 1, the duplex pipe including an outer pipe 2 having acid-resistance and an inner pipe 3 having alkali-resistance, the outer pipe 2 and the inner pipe 3 defining a second gap 6 therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumikin Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keita Suzumura, Masayuki Igarashi, Akihiro Itoh, Akira Kawakami, Hideki Fujii, Teruhiko Hayashi, Kazuhiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9404480
    Abstract: A closed-loop, solid-state system generates electricity from geothermal heat from a well by flow of heat, without needing large quantities of water to conduct heat from the ground. The present invention contemplates uses for depleted oil or gas wells and newly drilled wells to generate electricity in an environmentally-friendly method. Geothermal heat is conducted from the Earth to a heat exchanging element to heat the contents of pipes. The pipes are insulated between the bottom of the well and the surface to minimize heat dissipation as the heated contents of the pipes travel to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Pardev, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Parrella
  • Patent number: 9403694
    Abstract: The present invention provides a geothermal based heat utilization system for just about preventing scaling of geothermal fluid in a heat exchanger, comprising a mixing unit upstream to a heat exchanger of said system and in which separated brine, steam condensate and non-condensable gas portions are mixed so as to just about reconstruct the geothermal fluid to just about equilibrium conditions such that dissolved solids are assured not to precipitate in the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Lucien Y. Bronicki
  • Patent number: 9395106
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling power electronics using heat sinks, and including a heat pump. The heat pump includes a main refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and a reversing valve. A biflow expansion valve is configured to receive condensed liquid refrigerant and to expand the refrigerant. A cooling circuit in fluid communication with the main refrigerant line includes an expansion device configured to receive a portion of condensed liquid refrigerant from the main refrigerant circuit and to expand the portion of condensed liquid refrigerant. A heat sink is configured to receive the expanded portion of refrigerant from the expansion device. Power electronics are coupled to the heat sink such that the portion of expanded refrigerant from the expansion device passes through the heat sink and cools the power electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Patent number: 9394771
    Abstract: A renewable energy, single well, primarily self-flow, geothermal heat/power production system that acquires naturally occurring sub-surface geothermal heat to heat water and/or produce mechanical/electrical power using a heat exchangers or a turbine/generator. The sub-surface structures defining a working fluid flow path may be insulated, such as with vacuum insulation, to increase system efficiency and ensure a substantially self-generating working fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Deep Well Power, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 9391492
    Abstract: The facility for transforming heat energy includes an energy-storage device including an HT vat containing a heat-transfer fluid HT in pressurized gaseous phase, a PCM vat containing a phase-change material, as PCM material, the PCM vat and the HT vat being positioned relative to one another such as to enable a transfer of heat energy between the PCM material and the HT fluid. There is a first electric generator connected to the HT vat by a fluid forward channel and a fluid backward channel, the generator generating power from a kinetic energy of the pressurized gaseous fluid, and a heat pump, transferring heat energy from a cold source to the energy-storage device in order to heat the HT fluid contained in the HT vat and/or to provide energy to the PCM material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: LI-MITHRA ENGINEERING
    Inventor: Pierre Yves Torrent
  • Patent number: 9386729
    Abstract: The energy conversion device (10) includes a power module (14), a unit (16) for cooling the power module (14), and a sealed enclosure (12) housing the power module (14) and at least part of the cooling unit (16). The cooling unit (16) includes a cooling circuit (18), in which a coolant circulates, a first heat exchanger (20) with the power module (14), through which the coolant passes, and at least one pump (24) making the coolant circulate in the circuit (18). The cooling circuit (18) includes a pressure regulating branch (26), extending between an outlet and an inlet of the driving pump (24), the regulating branch (26) including a pressure regulating valve (28), normally closed, capable of opening when the pressure difference between the outlet and the inlet of the driving pump (24) exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GE Power Conversion Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Henri Baerd, Guillaume Godfroy
  • Patent number: 9363924
    Abstract: Cooling methods are provided which include providing a heat sink having a housing with a compartment, a coolant inlet, and a coolant outlet. The housing is configured for a coolant to flow from the coolant inlet through the compartment to the coolant outlet, wherein the coolant is transferring heat extracted from one or more electronic components. The heat sink further includes one or more heat pipes having a first portion disposed within the compartment of the housing and a second portion disposed outside the housing. The heat pipe(s) is configured to extract heat from the coolant flowing through the compartment, and to transfer the extracted heat to the second portion disposed outside the housing. The second portion outside the housing is disposed to facilitate conducting the extracted heat into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. Campbell, Richard C. Chu, Milnes P. David, Michael J. Ellsworth, Jr., Madhusudan K. Iyengar, Roger R. Schmidt, Robert E. Simons
  • Patent number: 9341400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Braun Intertec Geothermal, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Freitag
  • Patent number: 9285140
    Abstract: A ground source heat transfer system circulates transfer fluid between heat exchange units and a ground loop. The system includes a bypass which allows the transfer fluid to continue to circulate past the exchange units while bypassing the ground loop. Monitoring the conditions of the system with temperature sensors allows the system to selectively activate the bypass whenever diverting fluid away from the ground loop can save heat or energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Melink Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen K. Melink
  • Patent number: 9273866
    Abstract: In a coal fired power plant (17) incorporating a feed-water heater (10), energy is provided to the feed-water heater by pumping geothermal hot water through supply and return pipes (15, 16) from a geothermal reservoir (14) located beneath an adjacent coal seam (19). The coal seam acts as an insulating layer, increasing the temperature of the geothermal reservoir (14). Solar heat collectors (21) and (25) can also be provided to boost the temperature of the geothermal hot water and/or the feed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: NEWCASTLE INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Brad William Mullard, Behdad Moghtaderi
  • Patent number: 9200850
    Abstract: A closed-loop heat equalization system includes a heat gaining device installed within a natural thermal energy storage body, and a heat releasing device having multiple flowpaths, the heat gaining and releasing devices being connected by pipeline structures to form a closed-loop flowpath for a heat exchange fluid. An outwardly expanded arc-shaped structure may be included at one or more turning locations in the pipeline structures. The pipeline structures may include an operation port and sealing plug at a top corner of the closed-loop flowpath, and an auxiliary heating/cooling device or fluid pump controlled by a sensing device and an electric energy control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 9181931
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid. In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: David Alan McBay
    Inventor: David Alan McBay
  • Patent number: 9157666
    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
  • Patent number: 9121393
    Abstract: A closed-loop heat exchange system and related methods for harnessing subterranean heat energy from a subterranean zone having a passive heat transfer device with multiple operational modes for targeting hotspots within the subterranean zone and adjusting the rate of energy harnessed according to consumption demands. The system can also have at least one enhanced surface section for increasing the heat exchange efficiency and/or a variable pump for controlling the rate at which the working fluid travels through the passive heat transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Schwarck Structure, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew N. Schwarck
  • Patent number: 9115935
    Abstract: A bidirectional pumping device or two unidirectional pumping devices arranged to pump in opposite directions are connected in series with a conventional cold heat-absorbing or warm heat-dissipating energy discharge device, in order to carry out periodic positive and reverse directional pumping. By changing the flow direction of the fluid passing through the flow circuit, temperature differences and impurity accumulation in the heat absorbing/release device are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20150136354
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for exchanging heat from the degradation, decomposition, and chemical/biochemical transformation of municipal, industrial, and other types of waste. In one embodiment, a heat extraction system may include a closed-loop fluid circulation piping channeled throughout at least one heat extraction well oriented throughout a waste mass. The piping is fluidly coupled to a heat exchanger. A first circulation fluid is circulated through the closed-loop circulation piping into various depths of the waste mass to transfer thermal energy between said mass and said heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the transfer of thermal energy between the waste mass and the heat exchanger is used as alternative energy method and to control at least one of shear strength, compressibility, and hydraulic conductivity of the waste mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Nazli Yesiller, James L. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20150129162
    Abstract: An exchanger for a pool, large storage tank, or pond is described herein. In one embodiment, the exchanger includes a diffuser hub, exchanger extension arms that extend radially outward from the diffuser hub, one or more exchanger rings that intersect with the heat exchanger extension arms, and a fill tube that extends to the diffuser hub. One or both of the heat exchanger arms and/or the exchanger rings include fluid apertures that direct fluid into the pool. Fluid pumped into the fill tube may flow through into the diffuser, through the exchanger extension arms and/or the one or more exchanger rings, and out through the fluid apertures at various locations into the pool. As such, heated fluid, or fluid to be mixed, for example, may be more evenly and quickly distributed into the pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Hydra Heating Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9027634
    Abstract: ‘Underground Thermal Battery Storage System’ using a battery structure of one or more underground thermally insulated cells, where each cell comprised of a waterproof thermal insulation shell, one or more fluid storage tanks and earth matrix. The thermal storage cell's fluid storage tanks are interconnected using a thermal fluid transport system with control valves, circulating pumps, and managed by a programmable controller. The programmable controller uses the cell sensors to determine cell status, control cell interconnections, and to manage the thermal charging and discharging by exterior heating or cooling devices. A moisture injection system is provided to control the thermal conductivity within the cell's earth matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: John R. Yatchak
  • Publication number: 20150122453
    Abstract: A geothermal loop in-ground heat exchanger for energy extraction including an outer tubular casing and an inner tubular portion spaced from the outer tubular casing to define an injection space wherein a working fluid is injected into the injection space at a first temperature, T1 while the heat exchanger is located in a geothermal heat reservoir and the working fluid exits through the inner tubular portion at a second temperature, T2 which is greater than T1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: CONTROLLED THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventor: Rodney Grahame COLWELL
  • Publication number: 20150101779
    Abstract: A heat exchanger transfers heat from solid state heat conducting material to a fluid in a closed loop system. A heat harnessing component includes a closed-loop solid state heat extraction system having a heat exchanging element positioned within a heat nest in a well designed to optimize the transfer of heat from heat conductive material to a closed loop fluid flow. A piping system conveys contents heated by the heat exchanging element to a surface of the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Michael J. Parrella, SR.
  • Publication number: 20150090423
    Abstract: A method for heat exchange with a heat transfer medium including providing a ground loop circuit through which the heat transfer medium is circulatable. The circuit includes an end portion, positioned proximal to a heat exchanger, one or more pipe portions having embedded parts thereof positioned in pipe bodies. Each pipe body defines a conduit therein through which a fluid is flowable, and has an exterior surface engaged with ground material. The method also includes circulating the heat transfer medium through the ground loop circuit, to permit heat transfer between the heat transfer medium moving through the embedded part and the fluid in the conduit, and heat transfer between the heat transfer medium moving through the embedded part and the ground material engaged with the pipe body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: RENEWABLE RESOURCE RECOVERY CORP.
    Inventors: Boris P. Naneff, Robert Mancini, Leslie J. Lisk, John D. Hood
  • Patent number: 8991482
    Abstract: A temperature equalization system, including an installation, a heat equalizer disposed in a natural heat carrier and being made of a material of heat conduction to exchange heat with the natural heat carrier, a fluid transmission duct disposed between the heat equalizer and the installation and having a fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a pump connected in series with the fluid transmission duct for pumping the fluid, and a control means controlling an operation of temperature equalization system. The control means controls the pump to pump the fluid through the fluid transmission duct and an interior of the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20150083361
    Abstract: A heat transfer system including a first heat exchange assembly, a second heat exchange assembly, and a heat transfer circuit interconnecting the first and second heat exchange assemblies, the circuit incorporating a working fluid to transfer heat between the first and second heat exchange assemblies. The heat transfer circuit preferably takes the form of a closed loop heat-pipe system. The heat transfer system is operative in a first mode where the working fluid is at or below a threshold pressure and in a second mode where the working fluid is at a higher pressure than the threshold pressure. A pressure regulating device is also provided to increase the pressure of the working fluid above the threshold pressure to effect change of operation of the heat transfer system from the first mode to the second mode. Optionally the pressure regulating device is a pressure vessel having at least one heat transfer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Empire Technology Development, LLC
    Inventors: John Gal, Robert Kery
  • Publication number: 20150083362
    Abstract: A district public water supply pipe network system compatible for ground source heat pump water and reclaimed water comprises a water supply main pipe connected with a reclaimed water outlet side of a sewage treatment system and connected to a plurality of energy stations and a plurality of transmission and distribution station, and a return water main pipe arranged between the adjacent energy stations to connect them. The energy stations are provided with a plurality of shallow geothermal heat exchange system for exchanging heat with shallow geothermal energy in the region. Both the energy stations and the transmission and distribution station are connected with corresponding distribution pipe networks connected with a user terminal water supply system. The system provides the source side water and the reclaimed water to users. It is a district public geothermal pipe network and a reclaimed water pipe network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Dingguo LIU
  • Patent number: 8985199
    Abstract: A temperature equalization system, including an installation, a heat equalizer disposed in a natural heat carrier and being made of a material of heat conduction to exchange heat with the natural heat carrier, a fluid transmission duct disposed between the heat equalizer and the installation and having a fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a pump connected in series with the fluid transmission duct for pumping the fluid, and a control means controlling an operation of temperature equalization system. The control means controls the pump to pump the fluid through the fluid transmission duct and an interior of the installation with a periodical change of flowing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20150068740
    Abstract: A coaxial ground heat exchanger and installation method are disclosed where the heat exchanger has a central core tube that can be provided with a thermally insulating casing and an outer tube that delimits an annular gap which extends radially outwards from the core tube. The core tube and the annular gap can be configured such that a flowable heat transfer medium can flow through. The outer tube is formed by a tubular expandable cover that directly adjoins a wall of a ground heat exchanger borehole when the heat exchanger is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: BRODER AG
    Inventor: Mathias BRODER
  • Publication number: 20150068722
    Abstract: A circulating cooling system and a method for controlling the circulating cooling system are disclosed in this disclosure. Wherein, the circulating cooling system is divided into three parts: an internal cooling circulation device, a plate heat exchanger and an external cooling circulation device, wherein the internal cooling circulation device is adapted to perform circulating cooling on a heat-generating device; the plate heat exchanger is adapted to perform heat exchange between external cooling water in the external cooling circulation device and the internal cooling water in the internal cooling circulation device; the external cooling circulation device is adapted to cool the external cooling water. Also, the external cooling primary circulation pump, the cold accumulation water pool, the water-air plate-wing heat exchanger, the cold accumulation air cooler, the first valve and the second valve may be controlled, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Yigong Ding, Weizheng Yao, Jian Zhang, Weihua Ruan, Dawei Wang
  • Publication number: 20150068706
    Abstract: A device for processing hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a dielectric cooling liquid source, and an RF applicator in the subterranean formation and coupled to the RF source to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resources. The RF applicator may include concentric tubular conductors defining cooling passageways therebetween coupled to the dielectric cooling fluid source. At least one property of the dielectric cooling liquid, a flow rate of the dielectric cooling liquid, and a configuration of the cooling passageways may be operable together to generate a turbulent flow of the dielectric cooling liquid adjacent surfaces of the plurality of concentric tubular conductors to enhance thermal transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Murray Hann, Mark Alan Trautman, John E. White, Brian Wright
  • Publication number: 20150060010
    Abstract: A system, including: a subsea pressure vessel; and a passive heat transfer apparatus, wherein the passive heat transfer apparatus penetrates a hull or shell of the subsea pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Donald P. Bushby
  • Publication number: 20150065775
    Abstract: System and Method is described that controls the release of contaminated water by rapidly freezing the ground water, including salt water, which permeates the area underneath the a contamination source, so that the resulting ice lens mitigates the extent to which radioactive water is released into the environment. An aperture in the containment area allows the dispersal and dilution of the contaminates by allowing in ground water from outside, and/or removing water from the containment area. The variable aperture may be a physical valve or preferably an opening in the ice shield which size may be controlled by freezing or thawing portions of the ice shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Green Swan, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry V. Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20150040563
    Abstract: An offshore power generation structure comprising a submerged portion having a first deck portion comprising an integral multi-stage evaporator system, a second deck portion comprising an integral multi-stage condensing system, a third deck portion housing power generation equipment, cold water pipe; and a cold water pipe connection. The heat exchangers in the evaporator and condenser systems include a multi-stage cascading heat exchange system. Warm water conduits in the first deck portion and cold water conduits in the second deck portion are integral to the structure of the submerged portion of the offshore platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Russ Krull, Laurence Jay Shapiro, Jonathan M. Ross
  • Publication number: 20150034273
    Abstract: The present development is a building air cooling system using cool ground water, e.g. well water. Building air is cooled by coming into direct contact with cool ground water in a compact chamber using PVC packing for maximizing heat transfer efficiency, conserving space and reducing the required ground water pumping power consumption without requiring expensive compression and expansion cycles of the traditional air conditioning systems. If additional cooling is desirable, a second stage traditional air conditioning or heat pump system may also be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Clyde Wesley DeVore
  • Patent number: 8943706
    Abstract: A method for drying a material using an acoustic wave drying including an acoustic resonant chamber that imparts acoustic energy to transiting air received from an airflow source. The acoustic resonant chamber includes a primary air channel having side surfaces connecting an air inlet and an air outlet, the primary air channel having a primary air channel length between the air inlet and the air outlet. One or more secondary closed-end resonant chambers are formed into side surfaces of the primary air channel. An air impingement airstream containing acoustic energy exits the air outlet and impinges on the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Rodney Ray Bucks, Andrew Ciaschi, Michael Alan Marcus, Kam Chuen Ng
  • Patent number: 8939197
    Abstract: A temperature equalization system, including an installation, a heat equalizer disposed in a natural heat carrier and being made of a material of heat conduction, a relay heat equalizer, a first fluid transmission duct disposed between the relay heat equalizer and the installation and having a first fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a second fluid transmission duct disposed between the heat equalizer and the relay heat equalizer and having a second fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a pump and a relay pump respectively connected in series with the first and second fluid transmission ducts for pumping the first and second fluid, and a control means controlling the pump to pump the first fluid through the relay heat equalizer, the fluid transmission duct and an interior of the installation, and to pump the second fluid through the relay heat equalizer, the second fluid transmission duct and the heat equalizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20150021924
    Abstract: A system and method of operation are shown where the system includes a plurality of geothermal wells, each well having a heat exchanger therein including closed cycle system piping to and from the surface, each well having plurality of appendages drilled in multiple directions in relation to the central borehole of the well and filled with heat conductive material in order to conduct heat from the appendages to the heat exchanger. At least one upstream working fluid manifold is connected at manifold inlets to piping conveying hot working fluid pumped from the closed cycle system piping of more than one of the plurality of geothermal heat extraction borehole wells and connected by manifold outlets to piping conveying the pumped hot working fluid to at least one heat engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: GTherm Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J Parella, SR.
  • Publication number: 20150007960
    Abstract: A system for storing thermal energy includes an opening into the earth, a liner positioned within and surrounding an interior periphery of the opening, a liquid provided within the liner, a first conduit fluidly associated with an upper portion of the opening, a second conduit fluidly associated with a lower portion of the opening, a fluid movement device and a heat transfer device. The fluid movement device is fluidly connected between the first and second conduits and configured to transport liquid between the first and second conduits. The heat transfer device is fluidly connected to the first conduit and the second conduit and configured to transfer heat to or from the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Kegan Nobuyshi Kawano
  • Patent number: 8925621
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a telecom utility cabinet and an air-based geothermal cooling system for the telecom utility cabinet. The system also includes a leak detector for the air-based geothermal cooling system. In another embodiment, a method includes detecting a leak in an air-based geothermal cooling system. The method also includes activating a liquid pump for the air-based geothermal cooling system in response to the leak detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pedro Fernandez, Shanjiu Chi, Amit Kulkarni, Liqian Zhai, Kelly C. Johnson, Yong Lu, Mahmoud Elkenaney
  • Publication number: 20150000875
    Abstract: The invention is provided with a support tube (101) and an inner tube (103) installed inside thereof, the diameter differentiation between the inner diameter of the support tube (101) and the outer diameter of the inner tube (103) is formed with a partitioned space for constituting a fluid path, the upper tube of the support tube (101) is installed with an electric energy application device assembly (108), and through the fluid pump (105) serially installed on the heat transfer fluid path to pump the heat transfer fluid to form a closed recycling flow, and through passing the support tube (101) of the mentioned closed recycling heat transfer fluid path and the exposed portion at the outer surface of the relevant structure, thereby enabling to perform temperature equalizing operation with the external gaseous or solid or liquid environment and/or the soil or liquid of the shallow ground natural thermal energy body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20150000876
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with a suspended external tube (101) and an inner tube (103) installed therein, wherein the diameter differentiation between the inner diameter of the external tube and the outer diameter of the inner tube is served to constitute a partitioned space as the fluid path, the front tube of the external tube is served to be installed with an electric energy application device assembly (108), and through the fluid pump (105) serially installed to the heat transfer fluid path pumping the heat transfer fluid to form a closed recycling fluid path, and through the exposed portion of the outer surface of the suspended external tube (101), temperature equalizing operation is enabled to perform with the external gaseous environment or the liquid or solid environment manually installed but not disposed in the stratum or liquid of the shallow ground natural thermal energy body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20150000319
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling of electronic equipment, for example a computer system, in a subsurface environment including a containment vessel in at least partial contact with subsurface liquid or solid material. The containment vessel may be disposed in a variety of subsurface environments, including boreholes, man-made excavations, subterranean caves, as well as ponds, lakes, reservoirs, oceans, or other bodies of water. The containment vessel may be installed with a subsurface configuration allowing for human access for maintenance and modification. Geothermal cooling is achieved by one or more fluids circulating inside and/or outside the containment vessel, with a variety of configurations of electronic devices disposed within the containment vessel. The circulating fluid(s) may be cooled in place by thermal conduction or by active transfer of the fluid(s) out of the containment vessel to an external, possibly geothermal, heat exchange mechanism, then back into the containment vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: David SMITH
  • Publication number: 20150000877
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with a suspended external tube (101) and an inner tube (103) installed therein, wherein the diameter differentiation between the inner diameter of the external tube and the outer diameter of the inner tube is served to constitute a partitioned space as the fluid path, the front tube of the external tube is served to be installed with an electric energy application device assembly (108), and through the fluid pump (105) serially installed to the heat transfer fluid path pumping the heat transfer fluid to form a closed recycling fluid path, and through the exposed portion of the outer surface of the suspended external tube (101), temperature equalizing operation is enabled to perform with the external gaseous environment or the liquid or solid environment manually installed but not disposed in the stratum or liquid of the shallow ground natural thermal energy body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang