Geographical Patents (Class 165/45)
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Publication number: 20110100588Abstract: A DX heating/cooling system includes an automatic hot gas by-pass valve (1) for preventing frosting of an interior heat exchanger/air handler (6) when the system is switched from the heating mode to the cooling mode, and a specially sized TXV (7) by-pass refrigerant flow means (12), where the automatic hot gas by-pass valve (1) is positioned to provide hot gas at two optional locations, with one location before the cool liquid enters the air handler (6), and with the other location after the warmed vapor refrigerant exits the air handler (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Earth to Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Publication number: 20110100587Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical relay fluid storage barrel installed with fluid inlet and fluid outlet for whole or in part placement into natural thermal energy body in vertical or downward oblique manner, wherein a thermal energy exchanger is installed inside the relay fluid storage barrel temporarily storing thermal conductive fluid for external flow, the thermal energy exchanger is installed with fluid piping for the thermal conductive fluid passing through, to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the relay fluid storage barrel, and the fluid in the relay fluid storage barrel performs heat exchange with the natural thermal energy body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Tai-Her YANG
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Publication number: 20110100589Abstract: Subsea convection heat exchanger (1) for cooling or heating a hydrocarbon-containing fluid in subsea environment. The heat exchanger (1) comprises a convection section with a fluid carrying pipe (7) adapted for heat transfer between the carried fluid on one side of the pipe wall and the surrounding water on the opposite side of the pipe wall. The convection section is enclosed by an enclosure (9) with sea water inlet (11) and a sea water outlet (13). The heat exchanger (1) is furthermore provided with means (15) for controlled through-flow of surrounding sea water from the sea water inlet (11) to the sea water outlet (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Bastiaen Van Der Rest
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Publication number: 20110073275Abstract: A geothermal heat pump has a pump. A tubing conveys a fluid from the pump and adapted to transfer energy between the fluid and the ambient environment as the fluid travels through the tubing. The tubing has a high thermal conductivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: IPL, Inc.Inventors: Alexandre Leger, Eric Magni
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Publication number: 20110073274Abstract: A heat transfer system having a flexible surface member having a first side and a second side, forming a heat transfer surface, and two or more thermal conduits, spaced apart and extending across a portion of the heat transfer surface, the two or more thermal conduits adapted to receive a thermal media to form a heat source (heating) or heat sink (cooling) across the heat transfer surface. The flexible surface member may have a plurality of edge regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between edge regions, such as adjacent edge regions or opposing edge regions. The flexible surface member may have a plurality of corner regions, the two or more thermal conduits extending between corner regions, such as adjacent corner regions or opposing corner regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: ICS GROUP INC.Inventors: Dale Brummitt, Ken Kachur, Rick Gamracy, William Dan Henderson, Steve Loeppky, Duane Nagy
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Publication number: 20110061832Abstract: A ground to air heat pump unit operable to receive a first working fluid and transfer heat between the first working fluid and a second working fluid. The ground to air heat pump unit is operable to return the first working fluid to a channel and further operable to return the second working fluid to a living space.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Luther D. Albertson
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Publication number: 20110048005Abstract: One embodiment of a system of geothermal energy production containing a production fluid circulated entirely within a continuous subterranean pipeline (13 and 16) while below the earth's surface (11) so that the production fluid is heated, via the encasing pipe, by surrounding subterranean hot rock (12). By directing the heated production fluid through said continuous subterranean pipeline up to the earth's surface and through a power plant (19), energy can be produced from the hot production fluid. This system enables energy production from subterranean rock formations of moderate temperature at moderate depths because any production fluid, such as water, hydrocarbon, or refrigerant, can be used to optimize energy production. Furthermore, natural porosity and permeability of the subterranean rock formations at moderate depths may provide sufficient natural circulation of interstitial water to assist in heat transfer from large volumes of hot rock without the need of inducing artificial fractures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Timothy Reed McHargue
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Publication number: 20110048049Abstract: A heat exchanger installed under the ground or water includes an outer pipe installed vertically or installed inclinedly under the ground or water; and a heating heat-transfer pipe inserted into the outer pipe, and evaporating refrigerant injected thereto. A heat medium is sealed in the outer pipe. A heat exchange is performed by using a change in phase of the heat medium and a heat medium guiding section for guiding the heat medium condensed on an outer surface of the heating heat-transfer pipe to an inner wall surface of the outer pipe by using surface tension of the heat medium or by reducing an angle of contact on the inner surface is formed in an upper section of the outer pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Hideaki Asai, Katsuhiro Kawabata, Keisuke Tanimoto, Yoonmyung Kang
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Publication number: 20110042057Abstract: A cooling system includes a buried heat exchange unit (301), a first air-liquid heat exchanger (302), a second air-liquid heat exchanger (303), a control device (304), a fluid conveying device (305), and connecting pipes (307). A control method applicable to the cooling system includes: acquiring environment information, where the environment information includes at least one of the following temperatures: an outdoor temperature of the equipment room and a temperature of the soil surrounding buried pipes; and controlling at least one of the at least two circulation pipelines to be in an open state according to a control policy and the acquired environment information, where a circulation fluid is driven by the fluid conveying device to flow in the open circulation pipeline. An equipment room using the cooling system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Yuening Li, Yuping Hong
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Publication number: 20110036112Abstract: A heat exchanger includes an elastically flexible liner formed as an elongated hose having an open end and a closed end. The elongated hose defines an inner surface. The heat exchanger also includes a plurality of longitudinal sleeves substantially disposed within the elongated hose. Each of the plurality of longitudinal sleeves has a proximate end defining an inlet opening and a distal end defining an outlet opening. When a fluid is pumped from the inlet openings of the plurality of longitudinal sleeves to the outlet openings of the plurality of longitudinal sleeves, the fluid passes from the outlet openings into the closed end of the elongated hose, along the inner surface of the elongated hose, and out through the open end of the elongated hose.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: AMERICAN ECOTHERMAL, INC.Inventors: Andy Livingston, Stephen R. Lafaille
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Publication number: 20110024077Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat under the ground or water includes an outer pipe (51) to be installed under the ground or water; and a cooling heat-transfer pipe (52) which is inserted into the outer pipe (51), and which dissipates heat from refrigerant injected thereto. A heat medium is sealed in the outer pipe (51). The outer pipe (51) and the cooling heat-transfer pipe (52) are arranged so that the liquid heat medium is held between an inner wall surface of the outer pipe (51) and an outer wall surface of the cooling heat-transfer pipe (52).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Hideaki Asai, Katsuhiro Kawabata, Keisuke Tanimoto, Yoonmyung Kang
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Publication number: 20110017422Abstract: This invention uses an innovative closed-loop steam cycle with a primary geothermal boiler and a recirculating arrangement to deliver a portion of the enthalpy of that produced steam as a higher temperature and pressure steam to the surface. The geothermal boiler operates at as low a pressure as needed to boil water using heat from relatively low-temperature geologic formations typically found in abandoned oil wells. This system can be deployed in such well bores to extract geothermal energy either as a stand-alone enterprise or in conjunction with tertiary oil recovery efforts. The geothermally-boiled steam provides most or all of the energy to power the process. It is the ability of this system to extract useful heat from below atmospheric boiling temperature heat sources that offers its greatest potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: FOI Group, LLCInventor: David Murray Munson, JR.
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Publication number: 20110011556Abstract: A water discharge system enhances heat transfer to the atmosphere by limiting the mixing of heated discharge water with the ambient water of a receiving water body. The heated water is maintained near the top surface of the receiving water body which increases the transfer of heat to the atmosphere as compared to a system where the discharge water is mixed quickly with the ambient water.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: University of MA Medical CenterInventor: Daniel G. MacDonald
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Publication number: 20110011558Abstract: An improved geothermal system for heating and cooling a building includes a fluid loop installed in the ground with opposite ends connected to a heat pump or other heat exchanger. The fluid loop comprises a plastic pipe embedded with heat transfer particles. The pipe is a thermoplastic or thermoset elastomer modified polymer having a modulus of elasticity less than 200,000 psi.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: DON DORRIAN, SCOTT M. MUMM
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Publication number: 20110011557Abstract: The invention provides a system for adapting an HVAC system in an existing building for utilizing geothermal energy, the system comprising an incoming flux of geothermal energy; a plurality of heat exchange surfaces adapted to receive the incoming flux of geothermal energy; and an interface between the HVAC system and the heat exchange surfaces, said interface adapted to transfer the geothermal energy to the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventor: Tommie Shelton, JR.
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Publication number: 20110005151Abstract: A building is disclosed, with which the air may be guided from a heat reservoir into an interspace, and/or from the interspace into the heat reservoir through conduits.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventor: Edmond D. Krecke
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Publication number: 20110005257Abstract: A compact, down-flow appliance cabinet for indirect-exchange heat pump systems has a bottom panel that incorporates a mounting plate for the compressor and a lower rectangular aperture for the exit of conditioned air. A center shelf parallel to the bottom platform divides the cabinet into upper and lower chambers and provides a mounting location for a blower assembly within the upper chamber on top of a middle aperture. An air duct interconnects the middle and lower rectangular apertures. A top cover incorporates an air filter mount and an upper rectangular aperture that couples to the return air duct. Diagonally-positioned radiator mounts, which are secured to the cabinet frame, provide a mounting location for the evaporator coil. A desuperheater heat exchanger mounts within the lower chamber adjacent the heat pump; a refrigerant/ground loop heat exchanger mounts within the upper chamber beneath the radiator mounts.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventor: Terry K. Crow
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Publication number: 20110000639Abstract: 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: December 17, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
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Publication number: 20110000206Abstract: The invention refers to a thermo dynamic system able to capture heat from the surrounding environment and transform it in mechanical energy which is to be used partially for self functioning while the rest is saved for a consumer. The system can work with any heat source, but is also designed for very small temperature differences between the warm and the cold source, which makes it fit for working with non-conventional energy, especially solar energy. The system can be used to provide heat, mechanical energy or electrical energy to both small and large consumers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: Torok Aprad
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Publication number: 20110000638Abstract: A system and method for generating and distributing a closed loop riparian geothermal energy infrastructure. This system fills the need for the average home to tie into an existing geothermal “grid” constructed along, adjacent to or underneath a riparian body. The user may not need to invest in the geothermal infrastructure necessary outside the home to enable a geothermal system inside a home. The user, instead, is responsible for creating the section of the geothermal system that exists in the interior home 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 circulatory second phase. The distribution flow line is coupled to any point along a main flow line. The main line flow line is buried to a sufficient depth within a riparian body for converting the first and second phases.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventors: Gene S. FEIN, Edward Merritt
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Publication number: 20100327069Abstract: A method, a system and a device for providing a geothermal HVAC system that is assembled and installed in a modular section prior to transport to a building site location. The system includes a modular section that is configured to be transported to a building site location and combined with other modules (or modular sections) to create a modular building.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: STALWART BUILT HOMESInventor: Julius Poston
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Publication number: 20100326622Abstract: As discussed herein, a first aspect of the present invention provides a round energy transfer component. The ground energy transfer component can include an outer tube having an upper end and a lower end. The outer tube can be constructed out of generally thermally conductive material. The ground energy transfer component can include an inner tube. The inner tube can be constructed out of generally thermally insulative material. The inner tube can be coupled to the outer tube and positioned generally coaxially with the outer tube to define a generally thermally insulated interior of the inner tube and a channel between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube can have an upper end and a lower end, with the inner tube's lower end defining one or more openings to permit fluid communication between the channel and the interior of the inner tube. The ground energy transfer component can include a base connected to the lower end of the outer tube to substantially seal the lower end of the outer tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: TRAK INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventor: Jeffrey H. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20100326623Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: AZTECH ENGINEERS, INC.Inventor: DEAN H. AZZAM
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Publication number: 20100327605Abstract: Power generation systems are provided that include a circular loop of conduit, a dehumidifier coupled to the conduit, a power turbine coupled to the turbine and a pump coupled to the conduit. Processes for generating energy at an industrial mine site are also provided. Water heating systems are provided that can include a dehumidifier associated with a conduit containing water, a holding tank coupled to the conduit and water heaters coupled to the holding tank. Processes of heating water are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Larry Andrews
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Patent number: 7856839Abstract: A sub-surface tubing arrangement for use in a direct exchange (DX) geothermal heating/cooling system includes a primary sub-surface liquid refrigerant transport line, a primary sub-surface vapor refrigerant transport line, at least one sub-surface heat exchange refrigerant transport line functionally connecting the primary sub-surface liquid refrigerant transport line to the primary sub-surface vapor refrigerant transport line, and either vertical or horizontal supplemental sub-surface refrigerant line connected to one of the primary sub-surface liquid or vapor refrigerant transport lines.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Publication number: 20100319347Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the exploitation of geothermal heat and for conveying and decontaminating ground water. Said system comprises a main pipe (20), arranged in a pit (10) of well and being subdivided into an upper and a lower part by a transverse seal (21), said transverse seal having an opening in which a pump (22) is arranged which delivers water from the lower part of the main pipe. The pump is connected to a delivery pipe (30) which is connected to an overground closed circuit, said closed circuit at its other end leading to the upper part of the main pipe and the main pipe having through openings (23) towards the surroundings upstream and downstream of the transverse seal. The main pipe is surrounded by a porous bed which surrounds the hollow space of the pit around the main pipe. The porous bed is interrupted by a sealing material (12) at the level of the transverse seal so that the porous bed is hydraulically interrupted. The invention also relates to the use of said system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: GEO-EN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES GMBHInventor: Michael Viernickel
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Publication number: 20100314070Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Publication number: 20100314458Abstract: A system and method to control environmental parameters of pre-defined zones within an environment using an electronic controller. An electronic controller monitors a loop temperature of a loop field of a geo-thermal heat pump as detected by a temperature sensor connected to the loop field. The electronic controller selects a staging combination of the geo-thermal heat pump and an auxiliary HVAC equipment based on at least the loop temperature. The electronic controller activates the selected staging combination, to modify at least a portion of the environmental parameters, using non-proprietary activating signals provided by the electronic controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: ARZEL ZONING TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Mark Votaw, Dennis Laughlin, Joseph Ramunni, Bill Molica, Ken Barton
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Publication number: 20100307734Abstract: Method and device for storing thermal energy in, and recapturing thermal energy from, respectively, an underground energy storage (1), having at least four holes (2), through which a heat carrier is transported and therewith heating or cooling the ground (3), respectively. The holes (2) are arranged essentially along at least two concentric circles (10, 11, 12). A control gear is arranged to control a valve system, which is arranged to direct the heat carrier to holes that are arranged along one circle and thereby heating or cooling, respectively, the ground along the circle. When the temperature of the heat carrier is higher than that of the surrounding ground (3), inner circles are heated before outer circles, and when the temperature of the heat carrier is lower than that of the surrounding ground (3), outer circles are cooled before inner circles.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2007Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Thomas Wildig, Björn Giertz
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Publication number: 20100305918Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for cooling and/or heating a structure. Generally, a system for heating or cooling a structure can include at least one thermosiphon in thermal communication with a thermal storage material such as a volume of earth. The thermosiphon can be partially filled with a heat transfer fluid and a heat exchanger operatively connected to the thermosiphon which is in thermal communication with the structure. Thermal energy can be transferred between the thermal storage material and the structure in either a passive or assisted mode, depending on whether the system is charging or in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventor: Kent Stewart Udell
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Publication number: 20100300430Abstract: An active thermoregulation system without motivity and the method thereof are provided. The system includes a gas source, a regular closed space (1A), and an exhaust device without motivity (1B), a first connecting device (1G) and a second connecting device (1F). In the process of use, the regular closed space (1A) is separated from the external environment. The exhaust device without motivity (1B) includes a blade and a corresponding suction opening, which makes the exhaust device without motivity (1B) connect with the regular closed space (1A). During working process, by utilizing the temperature difference between the natural wind of the external environment and the regular closed space (1A), the blades of the exhaust device without motivity (1B) is driven to rotate. A low pressure is formed at the suction opening, and thus the air of the suction opening is extracted.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: Jianning Peng
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Patent number: 7841200Abstract: A direct expansion geothermal heat exchange system with spacer fins attached to at least one of a sub-surface refrigerant transport tubing containment pipe and to sub-surface refrigerant transport tubing, so as to ensure the sub-surface pipe/tubing does not come into direct contact with the ground and is surrounded/encased by a thermally conductive grout that is resistant to corrosive sub-surface elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Earth to Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Patent number: 7841383Abstract: An encasement assembly for installing sub-surface refrigerant tubing in a direct exchange heating/cooling system includes a weighted and protective encasement tube for lowering the bottom distal U-bend portion of the refrigerant tubing into a well/borehole. The encasement tube has a main body portion and a rounded or cone-shaped nose. The U-bend portion of the distal end of the refrigerant transport lines is encased within a cementitious grout inside the tube. The grout inside the encasement tube has a flat top portion to prevent upward flotation and at least one eyebolt for securing a trimmie tube with an expendable wire during installation. An optional nose ring is attached to the lower distal end of the tube for marker float attachment in water.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLCInventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Publication number: 20100295429Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Weixing Wu, Yuping Hong, Liqian Zhai, Xiaoming Kong
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Publication number: 20100294456Abstract: A geothermal heat pump system comprises at least one heat exchange unit and a ground loop in fluid communication with the at least one heat exchange unit. The ground loop has a feed into which heat exchange fluid is delivered by the at least one heat exchange unit and has a discharge via which circulated heat exchange fluid is returned to the at least one heat exchange unit. The ground loop comprises at least one fluid circuit formed of tubing arranged to define a plurality of laterally spaced, vertical coils buried in earth beneath a foundation slab of a building structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: THERMAPAN INDUSTRIES INC.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Taraba, Emil M. Taraba
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Publication number: 20100288465Abstract: A geothermal energy system comprising a plurality of borehole heat exchangers, each borehole heat exchanger containing a working fluid and comprising an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate conduits interconnected at the bottom end, a manifold for the working fluid to which the plurality of borehole heat exchangers is connected, and a plurality of valves connected between the plurality of borehole heat exchangers and the manifold, whereby the first and second conduits of the plurality of borehole heat exchangers are selectively connectable to the manifold by operation of the valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: James J. Stewart
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Publication number: 20100288466Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for extracting geothermal energy from a geologic formation. According to an embodiment of the method, coolant fluid is introduced into a first fracture system. The first fracture system is at a first height in the formation. The coolant fluid is collected from a second fracture system. The second fracture system is at a second height in the fracture system. The second height is lower than the first height. Coolant fluid introduced into the first fracture system percolates through the geologic formation from the first fracture system to the second fracture system, collecting heat from the geologic formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20100276115Abstract: A system and method of maximizing heat transfer at the bottom of a well using heat conductive components and a predictive model are used to design and implement a closed-loop solid state heat extraction system to conduct geothermal heat from rock within the well. A heat conductive material inserted into the well conducts heat to the fluid heat exchanging element. The closed-loop solid state heat extraction system extracts geothermal heat from the well without exposing the rock surrounding the heat nest to a liquid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Michael J. Parrella
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Publication number: 20100275596Abstract: An apparatus for exploiting the thermal energy at the bottom of the ocean. The apparatus comprises a thermal energy harnessing assembly and a drilling assembly mounted thereto. The thermal energy harnessing assembly includes in-feed tube and out-feed tubes. The drilling assembly has openings in fluid communication with the in-feed tube and a thermal energy capturing conduit in fluid communication with the out-feed tube. When the drilling assembly engages a bottom surface of the ocean and fluid is introduced into the in-feed tube, fluid flows towards the drilling assembly and out of the openings at such a pressure as to drill into the bottom surface of the ocean allowing thermal energy to escape therefrom and to flow into the out-feed tube via the thermal energy capturing conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: Stéphane Labelle
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Publication number: 20100270002Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Michael J. Parrella
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Publication number: 20100270001Abstract: A method of transferring heat using a grout that has been optimized for heat transfer includes a heat conductive particulate mixed with the grout. The grout and particulate mixture includes enough particulate to form connections to create heat conductive paths. A method of treating grout so that it is resistant to the caustic environment existing at the bottom of a well, mixing an aggregate with the grout to form a mixture having a PH opposite to the caustic environment at the bottom of the well.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Michael J. Parrella
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Publication number: 20100270003Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fluids using the Earth's inner heat to generate power and desalinate water. Fluids include fresh water and sea water to be desalinized. The method involves passing a filtered fluid down a channel formed by two concentric tubes in a deep well defining inner and outer channels, to a depth at which the fluid reaches the needed temperature. Hot fluids pass into an inner channel and flow to surface with small heat loss, through an insulated pipe. The hot fluid may be vaporized to produce power, and returned to the system when condensed, forming a closed system, or it may be desalinize seawater in an integrated process that also produces electrical power.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Alberto Sarria
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Publication number: 20100263824Abstract: Geothermal transfer systems and methods of transferring geothermal heat to residences are described herein. The geothermal transfer system generally includes an HVAC system in operable communication with a structure, the HVAC system adapted for circulating a heat transfer fluid therein, a housing adapted to contact the heat transfer fluid with water disposed therein, wherein the housing is disposed at a depth sufficient for geothermal transfer of heat between the water and the heat transfer fluid and adapted to refresh the water at a rate sufficient to maintain the geothermal transfer and a pump in fluid communication with the housing and adapted to transfer water from a water source to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventor: Thomas Krueger
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Publication number: 20100258266Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: John Stojanowski
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Publication number: 20100258265Abstract: A method of recovering energy from a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes introducing an oxidizing fluid in a wellbore positioned in at least a first portion of the formation. At least a portion of the first portion of the formation has been subjected to an in situ heat treatment process. The portion includes a treatment area having elevated levels of coke substantially adjacent the wellbore. The pressure in the wellbore is increased by introducing the oxidizing fluid under pressure such that the oxidizing fluid substantially permeates a majority of the treatment area and initiates a combustion process. Heat from the combustion process is allowed to transfer to fluids in the treatment area. Pressure decreases in the wellbore such that heated fluids from the portion of the formation are conveyed into the wellbore. The heated fluids are transferred to a heat exchanger configured to collect thermal energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: John Michael Karanikas, Robert Irving McNeil, III, Richard Pollard
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Publication number: 20100252229Abstract: A geothermal energy system with reverse thermodynamic flow scheme that employs a pump or a compressor in series with a ground heat rejection or a ground heat absorber. The pumped geothermal energy system evaporates and condenses the working fluid at substantially the same pressure in the ground loop. The working fluid could be carbon dioxide, Freon, water or any other suitable refrigerant. The compressive geothermal system condenses the working from a vapor to a liquid above, below, and substantially equal to critical pressure using carbon dioxide as the working fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Lalit Chordia, John C. Davis
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Publication number: 20100252227Abstract: The present invention regards a subsea cooling unit having an inlet for a hot fluid and an outlet for cooled fluid, the cooling unit comprising a number of coils exposed to seawater, and means for generating a flow of seawater past the coils, where the means for generating the flow of seawater comprises a propeller and a rotatable actuator and that the cooler is enclosed in a duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: FMC Kongsberg Subsea ASInventors: Vidar Sten-Halvorsen, Erik Baggerud, Terje Hollingsaeter
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Publication number: 20100251734Abstract: A plant for heat-regulating a first fluid and a second fluid for the air-conditioning of premises, including a source of primary thermal energy capable of providing a hot fluid, an absorption refrigerating machine supplied with the primary thermal energy, a first auxiliary circuit for recirculating the first fluid, which exits hot from the absorption machine and returns cold into the same machine, a second auxiliary circuit for recirculating the second fluid, which exits cold from the machine and returns hot into the same machine, there being provided a heat-exchange mass capable of supplying/absorbing heat, means capable of connecting alternately the first auxiliary circuit or the second auxiliary circuit of the absorption machine to the thermal mass or to the user appliances for the associated heat exchange, the primary thermal energy being hot water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Tarcisio Ghelfi, Alessandro Pozzi
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Publication number: 20100252228Abstract: The invention relates to a geothermal system for exchanging heat with the water of a public supply line, wherein the heat exchanger is arranged within the supply line and is used in modular form as a pipe section.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Franz-Josef Püttmann
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Publication number: 20100252230Abstract: A sealing device is disclosed for separating sections inside an elongate hole with at least one duct extending inside and along the hole. In at least one embodiment, the sealing device includes a first portion which is arranged, in use of the sealing device, to surround the duct and fit substantially tightly against the same, and a flexible cup-shaped second portion, which is arranged to surround the first portion and be resilient radially outwards to seal, in use, against the hole. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, a method is disclosed for separating sections in an elongate hole with a duct extending inside and along the hole. A sealing device is slipped onto the duct at the intended level so that the sealing device after installation forms a cup shape around the duct. The duct (and the sealing device are inserted into the hole, and the duct and the sealing device are installed at the intended level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventor: Hans Alexandersson