Geographical Patents (Class 165/45)
  • Publication number: 20140367067
    Abstract: A subsea heat exchanger comprising a bundle of tubes comprising at least one tube winding arranged to operate submerged in water and effective for guiding a fluid to be cooled by surrounding water in contact with the tube, the bundle of tubes defining a longitudinal extension and a perimeter. A plurality of nozzles are distributed in spatial relation to said perimeter, wherein the nozzles are effective for discharging jets of water impinging on the tubes, the nozzles oriented to induce, in the ambient water volume, a displacement that passes the perimeter at a plurality of locations and directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ashish JAIN, Espen HAUGE, Claudia MARTINS DA SILVA
  • Publication number: 20140367068
    Abstract: A ground source cooling apparatus applied to a solar power generation system. The apparatus includes a circulating medium (2) and an underground circulation cooling system (1), the underground circulation cooling system (1) is arranged below the ground surface, through the soil below the ground surface absorbing heat caused by the circulating medium, and through the ground surface releasing heat to the environment, so that to achieve the purpose of decreasing the temperature of the circulating medium. The apparatus can take the maximum advantage of land area occupied by the solar power generation system, which has features of low construction cost, simple and reliable operation, thus overcoming the limitations that a steam turbine cooling system in solar thermal power generation technology can only adopt the air-cooling technology in a specific area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: YANG LIU
  • Publication number: 20140352916
    Abstract: A geothermal system having a heat pump with a heat exchange, first and second conduits connected to and in fluid communication with the heat pump, a compressor connected to and in fluid communication with the first and second conduit, a plurality of valves on the first and second conduit that are connected to and in fluid communication with other valves wherein one valve is a thermo expansion valve, and a sensor on the first conduit and electrically connected to the thermo expansion valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Kapaun
  • Patent number: 8888408
    Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and processing permafrost gases and for cooling permafrost are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment for processing gas in a permafrost region includes obtaining a gas from a sacrificial area of a thawing permafrost region, dissociating the gas in a non-combustive chemical process, and circulating a constituent of the gas through a savable area of the thawing permafrost region to cool the savable area. In particular embodiments, this process can be used to cool selected areas of permafrost and/or create clean-burning fuels and/or other products from permafrost gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8875778
    Abstract: The present invention is a geothermal heat exchanger with a first exchanger, being a return loop inside a geothermal well. The first exchanger is provided for circulating a refrigerant for harvesting heat from the ground surrounding the geothermal well by conduction and convection. A second exchanger, also placed within the geothermal well, is formed from material with high heat transfer coefficient, and also adapted to harvest heat from the ground surrounding the geothermal well by conduction and convection. The first exchanger is completely encased within the second exchanger, and the second exchanger is placed in direct contact with ground surrounding the geothermal well. The outer walls of the first exchanger abut inner walls of the second exchanger along an entire length of the second exchanger. The first exchanger is a copper pipe, and the second exchanger is a housing made of non-ferrous metal with a high thermal diffusivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Thermodynamique Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Marois
  • Publication number: 20140318732
    Abstract: A method of slowing melting of the polar ice shelves is provided. The method comprises conveying air underneath the ice shelf, at least temporarily, forming an insulating layer between the ice of the ice shelf and the sea water below. The method may be carried out by drilling a hole through the ice shelf and conveying air through the hole until it reaches the water. The buoyancy of the air will position it between the sea water and ice, thereby insulating the ice from the melting sea water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Duke, Margaret Hoban, Cari Schroeder, Matthew Duke
  • Publication number: 20140318737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-phase distribution system, a sub sea heat exchanger provided with such a multi-phase distribution system, the use of such a multi-phase distribution system and a method of temperature control for hydrocarbons. The invention provides an improved control over multi-phase mixtures comprising hydrocarbons and improvements in the controlling of heat exchanging processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Baard Kaasa, Bernt Henning Rusten, Knut Arild Maråk, Arne Olav Fredheim
  • Publication number: 20140299291
    Abstract: A casing support of a geothermal borehole heat exchanger having an outer casing, the casing support comprising a base support element incorporating an aperture therethrough, the base support element being arranged to be supported by a ground surface around a borehole, an annular orientation guide element at an upper surface of the base support element and having a central conduit communicating with the aperture, the orientation guide element having an upper surface at a selected angle relative to a lower support surface of the base support element, and a casing support ring fitted around an outer casing of a geothermal borehole heat exchanger, the casing support ring being coupled to the orientation guide element to support the casing in the borehole, the outer casing extending through the ring, the conduit and the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Greenfield Master IPCO Ltd.
    Inventors: James Jonathan Stewart, Michael Lewis Ardis
  • Patent number: 8851153
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waste heat management system of an electric vehicle. In particular, a pump for controlling the flow of cooling fluid, an OBC cooling fluid line and a motor cooling fluid line which diverge in parallel from an outlet of a cooling fluid line of the fluid pump, and a heater core cooling fluid line and a radiator cooling fluid line which are respectively connected in parallel with a junction of an inlet of the fluid pump cooling fluid line and a junction of outlets of the heater core cooling fluid line and the radiator cooling fluid line, are interconnected to provide both heating and air-conditioning to the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, the present invention, also allows the motor to be preheated when the vehicle is not running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Doowon Climate Control Co., Ltd., Halla Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Hee Sang Park, Hyun Kim, June Kyu Park, Jun Mo Ku, Moo Yong Kim, Soon Jong Lee, Tae Wan Kim
  • Patent number: 8839848
    Abstract: A cabinet temperature control system comprises a cabinet and an underground temperature control unit. The cabinet comprises an air discharging chamber and an air introducing chamber which are in communication with each other inside the cabinet. The underground temperature control unit comprises an air discharging chamber and an air introducing chamber which are in communication with each other inside the underground temperature control unit. The air discharging chamber of the cabinet and the air introducing chamber of the underground temperature control unit, and the air discharging chamber of the underground temperature control unit and the air introducing chamber of the cabinet, are in communication with each other respectively, so that the cabinet and the underground temperature control unit form an air circulating circuit. The underground temperature control unit further comprises a radiator arranged in the air circulating circuit. The system also has fans controlled by a control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Weixing Wu, Yuping Hong, Liqian Zhai, Xiaoming Kong
  • Publication number: 20140262138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the utilization of deep ocean seawater in cooling water for offshore process applications. The present invention contemplates extracting deep seawater from regions of the ocean having minimal biological productivity for use as cooling water in offshore operations. In one embodiment, a sea water extraction system according to the invention may include a submersible pump, a pipe and riser, a floating vessel, a transfer pipe, and a cooling water heat exchanger system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen K. Oney
  • Publication number: 20140262136
    Abstract: A geothermal heat exchange apparatus is disclosed that comprises a flexible assembly of a plurality of pipes twisted on a central conduit. The central conduit has a tubular structure. The plurality of pipes is twisted around the central conduit. The plurality of pipes is adapted to connect to an external environmental control system that supplies a heat exchange liquid for the transfer of heat through the plurality of pipes. The geothermal heat exchange apparatus is adapted for positioning in a hole in the earth for the exchange of heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140262137
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, comprising providing salt into a well shaft that ends in a chamber in the Earth surrounded by a source of geothermal energy. The salt melts and heats up to the temperature within the chamber. The hot molten salt is then extracted, and the heat from the molten salt is used as a source of energy to generate electricity or drive an industrial process. The salt can be re-used once the heat is extracted in a closed-loop system. In some embodiments of the invention, the salt is conveyed down the well by a pneumatic conveyer system, or in other cases by using a mechanical system, such as a screw drive. Once returned to the surface, the molten salt can be used to heat graphite blocks for energy storage, or be stored and transported to remote locations to extract the heat energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: David Alan McBay
  • Patent number: 8833098
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Earth to Air Systems, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 8826903
    Abstract: In the heat utilization installation (1) according to the invention several heat sources (2) are included which are provided each with a jet pump (16), (17), (18), (19). The heat sources (2) are connected to a heat carrier circuit system (7) which includes a single, central circulating pump or circulating pump unit (20). The individual jet pumps (16) to (19) are so controlled for the respective heat sources (2), the required operating temperatures with respect to temperature difference between the outlet and inlet and the flow volume are maintained or achieved. With the possibility of independent control of the flow volumes at the various heat sources (2), uniform fluid temperatures as required for a buffer store (22) or heat consumers can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Helmut Bälz GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Günther Thoma
  • Publication number: 20140246168
    Abstract: To provide an air-conditioning apparatus and an air-conditioning method with which air can be highly sterilized and cleaned not only in houses, but also in various facilities such as offices and factories, and, safe, pleasant, and healthy living space can be obtained, in a functional air-conditioning apparatus utilizing ground heat provided with a flow piping P which sucks air A in a room R or outside S from a suction opening Pa, sends the air A into ground G to make the air A heat-exchanged with the ground G, and blows the heat-exchanged air A into the room R through a blow opening Pb; the flow piping P is provided with a reciprocating pipe 10 for heat exchange having a going portion 11 to send the air A into the ground G and a returning portion 12 to return the air A heat-exchanged with ground heat under the ground, and a sterilizer 2. In which disinfectant liquid W is reserved, is disposed between the blow opening Pb and a ground exhaust opening 10b of the reciprocating pipe 10 for heat exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: PANACEA DISINFECTANT CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Tadayo Hata, Masuko Hata, Tomoyo Hata, Yukiko Toshimori, Toshiyuki Maruoka
  • Publication number: 20140246167
    Abstract: Regasification systems and processes for converting liquid natural gas (LNG) from a liquid into a gaseous state are described. The process includes a closed-loop system that uses geothermal wells as a heat source. A warming fluid circulates through the closed-loop system coupled with a geothermal well and a LNG heat exchanger. The warming fluid is heated as it passes through the geothermal well and cooled as it passes through the LNG heat exchanger, thus heating and gasifying the LNG. The cooled warming fluid then returns to the geothermal well. The closed-loop system minimizing environmental impact by eliminating the need to discharge the warming fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clifford Neal Prescott, Jeff (Jianfeng) Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140246166
    Abstract: The invention concerns a subsea heat exchanger for cooling or heating a hydrocarbon-containing fluid, said heat exchanger comprising: a convection section enclosed by a shell or enclosure comprising: one or more heat exchanging fluid inlet(s) and outlet(s); one or more hydrocarbon-containing fluid inlet(s) and outlet(s); and one or more fluid carrying convection tube(s) adapted for heat transfer between the hydrocarbon-containing fluid on the inside of the tube(s) and a surrounding heat exchanging fluid on the opposite side of the tube(s), wherein the heat exchanger is provided with one or more flow regulating device(s) for controlling the hydrocarbon-containing fluid outlet temperature, wherein the heat exchanging fluid circulates in a closed circuit for heat transfer both with said hydrocarbon-containing fluid and with surrounding sea water on the outside of the enclosure. The invention also concerns a method for subsea cooling or heating of a hydrocarbon containing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Statoil Petroleum AS
    Inventors: Baard Kaasa, Bernt Henning Rusten, Arne Olav Fredheim, Knut Arild Marak, Gunleiv Skofteland
  • Patent number: 8820394
    Abstract: An energy transfer system for transferring energy between the earth and a facility comprising a well bore at least partially filled with groundwater, a center pipe having a top end and a bottom end disposed in the well bore and having a plurality of apertures for allowing the ingress and egress of groundwater, a pump disposed within the center pipe for facilitating a flow of groundwater through the apertures, and a closed source loop disposed in the well bore, the source loop including at least one source loop pipe extending adjacent the center pipe in said well bore and containing a working fluid for absorbing or transmitting thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Aztech Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean H. Azzam
  • Publication number: 20140231041
    Abstract: This invention relates to treated geothermal brine compositions containing reduced concentrations of iron and silica compared to the untreated brines. Exemplary compositions of the treated brine contain concentration of silica ranging from 0 to 80 mg/kg and concentration of iron ranging from 0 to 300 mg/kg. Exemplary compositions of the reduced silica and iron brines also contain reduced concentrations of elements like arsenic, barium, lead, and lithium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Simbol Inc
    Inventors: Stephen Harrison, John Burba, III
  • Publication number: 20140219904
    Abstract: Systems and methods for heating a non-combustion chemical reactor with thermal energy from a geothermal heat source are described. A working fluid is directed from the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor to transfer heat. The working fluid can be circulated in a closed system so that it does not contact material at the geothermal heat source, or in an open system that allows the working fluid to intermix with material at the geothermal heat source. When intermixing with material at the geothermal heat source, the working fluid can transport donor substances at the geothermal heat source to the chemical reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MCALISTER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20140202655
    Abstract: The method and equipment having an intermediate thermal storage between the temperature equalizer and the natural thermal matrix to provide equalized temperature by utilization of natural thermal energy, wherein the intermediate thermal storage is installed between the targeting subject for temperature adjustment and the natural thermal matrix to promote the advantage of thermal energy utilization effect of the natural thermal matrix thereby reducing the required installing capacity and operating power of the conventional temperature adjusting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8776867
    Abstract: A modular, stackable, geothermal block system for use as a subterranean or submarine heat exchanger in a geothermal energy system which provides a heating/cooling means to an external load. The stackable blocks, which can be filled with a fluid and/or material of generally high heat retention characteristics or precast in such material, contain one or more continuous passageways that extend from the top face of each block through the opposing face, through which a rigid structural heat exchange tube, fabricated from material of high thermal conductivity, is placed. The blocks are stacked one upon another and slidably mounted on the tube(s). Each tube contains a helically wound, thermal transfer tubing comprising one leg of a U-shape configured loop. Each stackable block can contain multiple paired passageways permitting more than one U-shape loop within the system. The system can interface with a solar thermal collector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: John Stojanowski
  • Patent number: 8769951
    Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To achieve a reduction in facility costs in a geothermal power-generation system. [Solution] To provide a compressor 11 that compresses air, a heating device 14 that heats compressed air compressed by the compressor 11 by geothermal heat, a turbine 12 that obtains a rotational force by heated compressed air heated by the heating device 14, and a generator 13 that generates power by the rotational force inputted from the turbine 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromi Nakatani, Jin Kato
  • Publication number: 20140178131
    Abstract: Provided herein are apparatus, systems and methods for use in ground construction. New ground improvement methods have been developed using pervious concrete piles, the piles having material properties of the pervious concrete, as well as positive response to different vertical loads. The methods produce piles that are superior to aggregate piles in most aspects, and that can be utilized in construction in a wider variety of soils and applications, including in geothermal heat exchange (energy pile) systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Lehigh University
    Inventor: Muhannad Suleiman
  • Patent number: 8757504
    Abstract: The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat equalizer and the fluid transmission duct disposed in a heat carrier existing in solid state in the nature where presents comparatively larger and more stable heat carrying capacity for passing through the fluid. The fluid passes through the solid or gas state semiconductor application installation to regulate temperature equalization of the semiconductor application installation and flows back to the heat equalization installation disposed in the natural heat carrier 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, and through the heat equalizer to transfer thermal energy to the heat storing block constituted by the surrounding natural heat carrier so as to store heat for releasing thermal energy to the specified heat releasing target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8752614
    Abstract: Heat exchanger element for installation in sewage pipelines, the top side of which heat exchanger element has a heat-conducting exchange surface with heat exchanger chambers arranged on it, the heat exchanger element has in cross section a run-in gutter and run-off surfaces contiguous to the latter on both sides, and, in the region of the run-in gutter and the run-off surfaces, lines for the forward run, return run and distribution of a heat exchanger medium are arranged, the floor point of the run-in gutter, the lower region of the lines and/or the free margins of the run-off surfaces being designed as bearings for arranging the heat exchanger element in the sewage pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Uhrig Kanaltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Uhrig
  • Publication number: 20140158320
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a cooling apparatus for subsea applications with a shell and tube heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a longitudinal shell. The shell forms a cavity with a fluid inlet port and fluid outlet port. A bundle of tubes extends from an inlet plenum chamber with an inlet port and into the shell on the same side of the shell as a bundle of tubes extending from an outlet plenum chamber with an outlet port. At least one tube sheet seals against the shell cavity and the inlet and outlet plenum chambers. The bundle of tubes extending from the inlet plenum chamber is in fluid connection with the bundle of tubes extending from the outlet plenum chamber. A retrievable pump module with a sealed pump module housing is placed adjacent the heat exchanger and includes a motor driving an ambient sea water pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Eirik Archer, Marius Bjørn
  • Publication number: 20140158321
    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: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Nazli Yesiller, James L. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8746235
    Abstract: This application discloses a heat driven liquid self-circulating device, system and method, means the liquid system formed by said devices according to said method can be circulated automatically to transfer the heat without external pump power. The heat driven self-circulating device for heated liquid which used with a liquid heat collector, comprises an airtight container for containing heated liquid, having a wall to separate its outer and inner spaces; said inner space is filled with heated liquid partially and having a upper air/vapor space above liquid level surface and lower liquid space under liquid level surface; a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet and a second outlet arranged on said wall of the container that both first inlet and first outlet are under the liquid level surface in said container, and said first inlet not lower than said first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Huazi Lin
  • Patent number: 8749976
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a telecom utility cabinet including a heat load chamber. The telecom utility cabinet also includes an air introducing duct configured to conduct air from the heat load chamber to a geothermal cooling system. The telecom utility cabinet also includes an air discharging duct configured to conduct air from the geothermal cooling system to the heat load chamber. In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a method for managing temperature in a telecom utility cabinet. The method includes introducing air from a heat load chamber to a geothermal cooling system and discharging air from the geothermal cooling system to the heat load chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Pedro Fernandez, Shanjiu Chi, Amit Kulkarni, Liqian Zhai, Kelly C. Johnson, Yong Lu, Mahmoud Elkenaney
  • Patent number: 8733429
    Abstract: A hybrid heating and/or cooling system may combine different energy sources (e.g., solar and geothermal) into a single system. The hybrid heating and/or cooling system may include one or more heat pumps, a heat exchanger system, a solar and/or waste energy system, and a delivery system for delivering heat (and/or cool air) to a space such as a building. These systems may be interconnected and controlled using various conduits, pumps, valves and controls. The solar energy system may provide heat (e.g., low grade heat) to the working fluid at the input to the source side of the heat pump and/or may provide heat (e.g., high grade heat) to the delivery system for direct solar and/or waste energy heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: The H.L. Turner Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J Harrison, William A Turner
  • Publication number: 20140138046
    Abstract: An offshore hydrocarbon cooling system for an offshore platform is provided. The system includes one or more hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers arranged in heat exchange communication between a hydrocarbon process fluid and a cooling medium fluid, a cooling medium fluid distribution pipe system connected to the hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers, and a subsea cooling unit for cooling the cooling medium fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: RICHARD JOHN MOORE
  • Publication number: 20140133965
    Abstract: An energy recovery apparatus includes a fixed frame, a shaft, an impeller vane, and an energy transfer unit. A fluid stream exits the host device along a flow axis. The fixed frame defining a longitudinal axis mounts the host device. The shaft is rotatably mounted to the fixed frame parallel to the longitudinal axis. The impeller vane is connected to the shaft to cause rotation when the fluid stream of the host device strikes the impeller vane. The energy transfer unit is linked to the shaft to transfer energy from the energy recovery apparatus when the shaft rotates thereby recovering energy from the fluid stream. A geologic heat exchange system includes at least one conduit in thermal contact with the geologic environment. A coolant distribution system is in fluid communication with the conduit such that heat exchange with the geologic environment occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: MARGIN CONSULTING, LLC
    Inventor: Martin A. Ginsburg
  • Publication number: 20140124162
    Abstract: A mobile heat dispersion system for preventing liquid conduits from freezing in cold environments, such as on frac pads, including a self-contained heating system formed of a forced air heater operatively connected to a fabric heat duct system and a heat entrapment cage enclosing both the liquid conduit to be protected and the fabric heat duct system, and a process for use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew B. Leavitt
  • Publication number: 20140124163
    Abstract: Cooling systems and methods are provided which include 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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20140124164
    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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140124355
    Abstract: A method of harnessing geothermal energy to produce electricity by lowering a geothermal generator deep into a pre-drilled well bore below the Earth's surface. The Self Contained In-Ground Geothermal Generator (SCI-GGG) includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and produces electricity down at the heat sources and transmits it up to the ground surface by cable. The Self Contained Heat Exchanger (SCHE) is integral part of (SCI-GGG) system and can function independently. It consists of a closed loop system with two heat exchangers. No pollution is emitted during production process. There is no need for hydro-thermal reservoirs although not limited to hot rocks. It can be implemented in many different applications. The SCHE also includes an in-line water pump operatively coupled to the closed loop system and can be used in many different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Nikola Lakic
  • Patent number: 8714237
    Abstract: A method is described for installing a geothermal heat loop in the ground so that the heat loop extends downwardly and outwardly into the ground from a pit dug in the ground. The method also includes the utilization of means for extending the heat loop through a drilled bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Marshall T. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20140116643
    Abstract: An underground heat transferring method and system is disclosed. The system includes a water-blocking heat-exchanging outer wall defining an enclosure and an insulated tube located inside the enclosure. The insulated tube defines a perforated portion at the bottom. Multiple heat exchanging particles are disposed between the outer wall and the insulated tube. The system also includes an inlet that is configured for receiving a working fluid and directing the working fluid to flow through the heat exchanging particles towards the bottom of the enclosure. A pump located inside the insulated tube is configured for pumping the working fluid collected at the bottom of the insulated tube. An exhalant siphon fluidly connected to the pump inside the insulated tube is configured for delivering the working fluid out of the underground heat transferring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Heng Sheng Investment Holdings Limited, LLC
    Inventor: Sheng Heng Xu
  • Publication number: 20140110082
    Abstract: A geoexchange system is provided which includes a ground source heat exchanger positioned in the ground and a distribution system coupled to the ground source heat exchanger to circulate water through the ground source heat exchanger during operation. The distribution system may include a supply line, a return line and a circulation pump to circulate water through the internal fluid cavity of the ground source heat exchanger via the supply and return lines. The distribution system may further include a purge valve to release gas from the distribution system and a fill circuit that is configured to automatically replenish the internal fluid cavity of the ground source heat exchanger with water upon leakage of water from the ground source heat exchanger or conversion of water from the ground source heat exchanger to gas. Other geoexchange systems and related methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Paul W. Suver
  • Patent number: 8701432
    Abstract: A heat pump system having a heat pump unit that operates upon a heat exchange fluid. A ground heat exchanger and an ambient heat exchanger are provided. A first valve set is coupled to the heat pump unit, the ground heat exchanger and the ambient heat exchanger. The first valve set can interconnect the input of the heat pump to the ground heat exchanger or to the ambient heat exchanger. The first valve set can also interconnect the ground heat exchanger to the ambient heat exchanger. A second valve set is provided that interconnects the output of the heat pump unit to the ground heat exchanger or to the ambient heat exchanger. The second valve set can also interconnect the ground heat exchanger to the ambient heat exchanger. The multiple modes are offered by the first valve set and the second valve set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Gaylord Olson
  • Patent number: 8662147
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a geothermal air-conditioner device utilising the earth's temperature and electrical field for processing—preheating, cooling and purifying—room intake air. This air-conditioner device includes at least one first pressure reducing chamber (1) with air intake opening (8) and second pressure reducing chamber (2) with processed air outlet (9), whereas these chambers are connected to each other by air conduits (3) located in the ground for conveying air from the first pressure reducing chamber (1) to the second pressure reducing chamber (2). The earth layer (4) on the air channels (3) is covered by a coarse material layer (5), under which at least one first ventilation conduit (6) is extending, through which coarse material layer is connected to air in chamber (1). Likewise there is exhaust ventilation piping (7) to provide exhaust from the coarse material layer (5) located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Airmaker GTR Ltd
    Inventor: Heiki Juris
  • Publication number: 20140041709
    Abstract: The invention is a liquid cooled photovoltaic power converter with a liquid-to-earth heat exchanger. With the invention, removal of heat from primary power converter heat sources is accomplished without cooling fans or ambient air exchange in order to eliminate associated particulate contamination and maintenance issues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: RENEWABLE POWER CONVERSION, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Travis West
  • Patent number: 8648249
    Abstract: A geo-cooled photovoltaic power conversion apparatus including a cooling system having liquid-to-earth sub-grade heat exchanger, multiple cooling loops, and a coolant reservoir which provides thermal storage for the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Renewable Power Conversion, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Travis West
  • Patent number: 8640765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conduit for use in a geothermal heating and cooling system wherein said conduit comprises 2 or more pipes, wherein said 2 or more pipes are twisted together, wherein further that said 2 or more twisted pipes are twisted around a central pipe, further provided that the functions of said central pipe include, but are not limited to, serving as a conduit for a tremie pipe, serving as a support pipe, serving as an insulating pipe or serving as a tremie pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140020861
    Abstract: A cooling system for a subterranean power line may include a cooling tube configured to house a fluid. Heat generated by the subterranean power line may be radiated and/or conducted to the cooling tube and absorbed by the fluid within the cooling tube. As the fluid heats up, it may change phase from a liquid to a gas. The hot gas may rise to a heat-exchanging condenser configured to dissipate the heat and condense the fluid back into a liquid. The cool, condensed liquid my return from the heat-exchanging condenser to the cooling tube. Risers, gas transport tubes, pressure regulation systems, fluid storage tanks, and other components described herein may increase the efficiency of the cooling system and/or otherwise improve the viability of the cooling system for subterranean power lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, David B. Tuckerman, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140000838
    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: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. PARRELLA
  • Patent number: 8616000
    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 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Michael J. Parrella
  • Publication number: 20130333860
    Abstract: Structural element (3;13) for a civil engineering structure, arranged for transitorily storing and using in a deferred manner thermal energy. The structural element is provided with: a first set (1;11) of at least one heat exchanger extending between a heat or coolness source (S) and the structural element so as to transfer thermal energy from the heat or coolness source to the structural element where it is transitorily stored; and a second set (2a;2b;12a;12b) of at least one heat exchanger extending between the structural element and at least one entity (5;15;17) external to the structural element, the second set of at least one heat exchanger being arranged for, when activated, transferring at least part of the thermal energy transitorily stored in the structural element to said entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET
    Inventor: Jerome Maurice Stubler