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.

Abstract: At least one of a DX geothermal refrigeration system design, a reverse-cycle DX geothermal heat pump system design, a DX geothermal cooling mode only system design, and a DX geothermal heating mode only system design, which utilize the sub-surface geology with a grouted well as a heat sink in the cooling/refrigeration mode, and as a heat source in the heating mode; with an optional air-source high level heat sink for use in the refrigeration mode; with optional multiple sub-surface larger sized vapor refrigerant lines, as well as with a super-efficient vacuum insulation design for relevant sub-surface refrigerant transport tubing, and with an optional specially designed electronic expansion valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ground probe heat pump system including a direct exchange heat exchanger installed in the earth at a nearly horizontal angle. The ground probe includes separate flow paths for a working fluid allowing the working fluid to directly exchange heat energy with the ground. Also disclosed are methods of installing multiple probes and heat pump systems in various arrangements separately or in conjunction with existing heating and cooling systems. Included are embodiments of the ground probe which are predominantly iron configured to be inserted through a below-ground level structure such as a basement wall by pounding or otherwise applying pressure to the ground probe.

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.

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.

Abstract: A Geothermal Rail Cooling and Heating System is a reversible system process that accelerates heat transfer between the steel rail used in railway track and the adjacent earth. It is comprised of the Rail Heat Exchangers specially shaped to fit tightly inside the rail web, a refrigerant cycling on its physical condensing and evaporative characteristics, a mechanical and power supply system, and an underground tubing loop system for heat dissipation or absorption. When the railroad track undergoes a range of temperature changes that results in rapid rail expansion, it may cause track buckling or sun kink. Upon detection of such occurrence, the system responds with cooling effect to slow down expansion, and simultaneously reduce the risk of track failure. By switching the direction of refrigerant flow utilizing the system built-in reversing valve, the function is alternated for the evaporator and condenser to enable heating instead of cooling.

Abstract: A sorption cooling apparatus for cooling a region in a downhole tool deployed on a wellbore conveyance device includes a container having an interior chamber in which a first region is formed, a liquid refrigerant residing in the interior chamber, a chamber located in a second region of the downhole tool, a compact desiccant body in the chamber, and a refrigerant passage between a first region containing the liquid refrigerant and the second region containing the compact desiccant body. The vapor generated during evaporation of the liquid refrigerant passes through the vapor passage to the compact desiccant in the second region.

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.

Abstract: 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 line (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).

Abstract: The invention utilizes concentrated solar energy in a novel air conditioning system which includes storage capabilities. The refrigerant circuit “high” pressure side is comprised of multiple solar concentrators placed between two positive rotary valves. The “low” pressure side is compromised of the evaporator coil with expansion valve. The refrigerant is confined between the two rotary valves. As solar energy is absorbed into the refrigerant, the pressure and temperature rise. The two rotary valves are then caused to rotate. With rotation, the refrigerant is moved through the circuit. The circuit also includes a condenser to give up heat and an evaporator/expansion valve in which temperature drops with the expanding gas. In addition, this system places the evaporator in a water tank. The water is made cold by conduction with the evaporator and serves as a storage medium. All energy absorbed is converted to cold and stored and utilized as required.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cooling an indoor environment in a house with the aid of a cooling plant, and to a cooling plant for cooling an indoor environment. The cooling plant comprises a cold store in the form of a rock store, a cooling system for cooling the indoor environment and a cooling medium for transport of cold. The cooling plant has only one cooling mode and only one charging mode. In cooling mode, the cooling medium is cooled with cold from the rock store and the cooling system is fed only with cooling medium cooled only with cold from the rock store. In charging mode, the cooling medium is cooled only with outside air and/or ground cold and the rock store is cooled only with the cooling medium cooled only by outside air and/or ground cold.

Abstract: A hybrid multi-source system that is used to heat or cool a building. The system utilizes a heat pump or similar HVAC unit. A solar/air heat exchanger is provided. At least one ground heat exchanger is utilized. A plumbing network interconnects the heat pump, the solar/air heat exchanger, and the ground heat exchanger. A heat transfer fluid circulates through the plumbing network. Temperature sensors are used to monitor temperatures of the heat transfer fluid at multiple points in the system. At least one pump circulates the heat transfer fluid through the plumbing network. Valves are disposed within the plumbing network that can selectively isolate the heat pump, the solar/air heat exchanger, and the ground heat exchanger. A systems controller is coupled to the temperature sensors, the valves, and pump. The system operates in multiple modes which allow for higher efficiency and long term underground thermal storage.

Abstract: An ice rink cooling facility 100 in which a cooling-pipe bank 1 having a plurality of cooling pipes 11 is arranged at the bottom part of the ice rink 10 and CO2 brine streams through the cooling pipe bank 1 so as to cool the ice rink 10, the ice rink cooling facility 100 including, but not limited to: at least one planar heat conduction member that is arranged on and over the cooling pipes 11; a CO2 circulation circuit 3 that is connected to the cooling pipes 11 so that the CO2 brine circulates in the CO2 circulation circuit 3; an ammonia refrigerating cycle in which an ammonia refrigerant circulates; and, a cascade condenser 211 in which the heat exchange is performed between the CO2 brine and the ammonia refrigerant so that the CO2 brine is cooled and re-liquefied by use of the ammonia refrigerant.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a downhole device is provided that in one embodiment includes a refrigerant having a saturation vapor pressure and stored in a chamber, an outlet configured to allow the refrigerant to discharge from the chamber and vaporize to cool the downhole device, and a force application device configured to apply pressure on the refrigerant in the chamber to maintain the refrigerant in the chamber at or above the saturation vapor pressure of the refrigerant. In another aspect, a method of cooling a device is provided that in one embodiment includes providing a chamber containing a refrigerant therein, the refrigerant having a saturation vapor pressure, discharging the refrigerant from the chamber to cause the refrigerant to evaporate to cause a cooling effect proximate the device to be cooled, and maintaining the refrigerant at or above the saturation vapor pressure of the refrigerant.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing and storing ice on the sea using sub-zero cold air of the winter season, to achieve an earlier freezing period, and increasing the area and thickness of the ice layer, to suppress the melting of ice sheets and glaciers and suppress and overcome global warming as well as its side effects. The apparatus and method involve compressing cold air; injecting the compressed cold air into a storage tank; supercooling water using the injected cold air; forming an ice layer by misting the supercooled water into the sea; and increasing a thickness of the ice layer by additionally misting water onto the ice layer formed at water level.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling structures by pulling air underground through corrugated pipe is disclosed. The system allows the air to cool down prior to being pulled back into the structure. The system comprises: a trench located outside the structure; an elongated pipe resting in the trench, having a first end and a second end; a first manifold connected to the first end of the elongated pipe, and a second manifold connected to the second end of the elongated pipe; a first airtight duct connecting the first manifold to the structure, and a second airtight duct connecting the second manifold to the structure; a duct fan coupled to the second set of ducting such that the duct fan causes air to flow through the first airtight duct to the first manifold, then to the elongated pipe, then through the second manifold, then through the second airtight duct back into the structure, thereby cooling the structure due to a naturally cooler temperature of the elongated pipe located in the trench.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a mine that operates in a mine environment. A condenser. A refuge system for protecting users from a toxic environment. The system comprises a refuge shelter. An evaporator. A method for cooling a refuge shelter. An inflatable chamber having an airlock, the airlock includes a tube that extends from the chamber's outer surface into the chamber's interior.

Abstract: An improved heat transfer column for geothermal heating and cooling in which refrigerant lines are wound in a spiral fashion about a vertically oriented support. The spiral tubing is surrounded by a flexible, semi-flexible, or rigid liner which is filled with water, the liner being positioned within a cavity in an earth mass. During operation, water within the tube rises and/or by convection and transfers heat evenly to the water within the liner for subsequent transfer to the earth mass. This heat is subsequently extracted from or rejected into the earth mass during a heat transfer cycle, and means is provided for transfer of a portion of the heat in the water to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for installing a geothermal system, comprising boring at least one hole in an earth mass to accept a geothermal column; inserting a geothermal column into each of said at least one hole; excavating trench lines to accommodate connections between said geothermal column in each of said at least one hole and a Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC) system; filling said hollow tube with a non-antifreeze fluid; connecting said geothermal column to said HVAC system; and backfilling said at least one hole and said trench lines.

Abstract: The outdoor display apparatus has a display unit, a blowing unit which generates air along the display unit, and a channel part which emits the air passed the display unit, wherein the channel part is extended to the lower part of the displaying unit from its side part, and at least a portion of the channel part is laid underground.

Abstract: An integrated cooling and climate control system for an offshore wind turbine featuring a reservoir having first and second chambers located in an upper region of the tower. Upper and lower cooling circuits distribute coolant fluid through heat generating structures in the nacelle to a lower portion of the wind turbine where the heated coolant fluid is thermally connected to a sea water heat sink. The cooled coolant fluid is then distributed back to the reservoir. The reservoir has a hollow center and is positioned on a platform having a hollow center. The inlet and outlet pipes of the upper cooling circuit freely hang inside the reservoir chambers so that they may be displaced as the nacelle yaws in order to maintain sufficient circulation of the coolant fluid in the upper cooling circuit. In jacket foundation configurations, the tubular support structures may serve as the lower cooling circuit pipes.

Abstract: A structure and method of controlling building temperature are provided utilizing both solar and geo-exchange means.

Abstract: A self-contained water generation system is disclosed. The present system allows for the generation of water using only wind power and standard air conditioning components. A wind turbine drives, directly or indirectly, a compressor that compresses refrigerant and provides the refrigerant to a condenser and evaporator. During the evaporation of the refrigerant, water is condensed and collected for use. The components of the water generation system may be configured in a housing and movably mounted atop a column so that the housing can rotate about the column, allowing the wind turbine maximize the use of wind forces.

Abstract: A container data center includes a container and an air collecting device. The air collecting device includes a collecting member, a first duct connected to the collecting member, and a second duct connected to the container. One end of the first duct opposite to the collecting member is pivotably connected to the second duct. The collecting member is rotatable to collect the airflow. The airflow flows through the first duct and the second duct to go into the container.

Abstract: A geothermal system, comprising at least one geothermal column, comprising at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil configured to communicate with a heat pump compressor; a hollow tube having an outer wall of diameter substantially greater than that of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil and positioned so as to surround said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil, said outer wall having a substantially rigid configuration such that said hollow tube maintains its shape; and a support member configured to retain a shape of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil and maintain a centrally located position of said at least one spirally wound refrigeration coil within said hollow tube; and a compressor section in communication with the at least one geothermal column and a climate system.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for tropical and sub-tropical island sea coast environments having access to deep ocean sea water. Sea water from depths of at least about 1200 feet, at a temperature of 47° F. or lower, is utilized as a source for circulating chilled water loops providing district wide air conditioning, in some instances with assistance from electrically driven chillers. The sea water is then further used to condense working fluid in a low temperature Organic Rankine Cycle or Kalina Cycle turbine generator, the heat source for which is the cooling jacket of a diesel engine generator, and also to condense working fluid in a steam driven Rankine Cycle turbine generator, the heat source for which is exhaust heat from the diesel engine. Alternate heat sources, if available, can be utilized. Additional electrical generation from these sources far exceeds the costs of pumping the sea water.

Abstract: Heating and cooling system that uses basement air as a thermal supply for efficient operation of a single-package heat pump, providing means to: (a) channel heat pump exhaust as to promote thermal transfer between said exhaust and the basement slab, using the slab as a geothermal source for sustained heat pump operation, and, (b) enable reconfiguration between heating and air-conditioning modes by modification of air ducting or air routing, with no alteration of the refrigerant cycle internal to the heat pump. The system also provides means allowing the heat pump function to be provided by a low-cost, mass-produced, window air conditioner. The window air conditioner technology leveraged by this invention has, in recent decades, become more efficient and reliable, with more convenient controls, but otherwise, has not substantially changed in form, function, or basic operating technology.

Abstract: A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump.

Abstract: A pipe for use in a geothermal heat exchange system is disclosed that is insertable into a bore hole having a proximal end and a distal end. The pipe has a proximal end, a distal end and an outer wall member. The outer wall member includes an external surface, and an interior surface defining an interior passageway through which a heat exchange fluid can flow. The pipe also includes a divider extending between opposed points of the interior surface for dividing the interior passageway into an inflow passageway for conducting water from the proximal end to the distal end of the pipe, and an outflow passageway for conducting water from the distal end to the proximal end of the pipe. The divider segregates the water in the outflow passageway from the water in the inflow passageway.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Alternative means of inhibiting frosting in the interior heat exchanger of a DX system when switching from the heating mode to the cooling mode, plus an improved insulation and heat transfer means for vertically oriented sub-surface geothermal heat transfer tubing, as well as a means to protectively coat the sub-surface metal tubing of a DX system in a corrosive environment.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing refrigerant into a wellbore, for freeze-fracturing a selected region of a subsurface formation, uses refrigerant diffuser pipe having multiple orifices in a selected pattern along a designated section of its length. The orificed supply tubing is disposed within a refrigerant return conduit, thereby forming a tubing annulus. A flow of liquid refrigerant is introduced into the diffuser pipe and flows through the orifices into the tubing annulus, with the orifices acting as expander means creating a pressure drop and causing vaporization of the refrigerant as it passes into the annulus. To facilitate use of the same diffuser pipe in different wells having different requirements, a helical orifice-isolation wrap may be disposed around the diffuser pipe, with the orifice-isolation wrap having orifice-plugging elements arrayed to effectively block fluid flow through selected orifices, while leaving other orifices open as required.

Abstract: A dry cooling assembly is provided comprising a supporting body of liquid having a temperature higher than ambient temperature, and an inflatable elongated tube at least partially submerged in the supporting body of liquid. The inflatable elongated tube has an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. The lower ballast portion defines a reservoir containing liquid facilitating ballast. The liquid facilitating ballast is warmed by heat from the supporting body of liquid such that the temperature of the support body of liquid is reduced.

Abstract: A heating/cooling system design enabling one to maintain a superheat level of more than 1 degree F. and up to 10 degrees F., incorporating a specially designed accumulator, optional special oil return means, a specially designed receiver, and, when utilized in a DX geothermal system application, a preferable sub-surface liquid refrigerant transport line insulation design, as well as a design enabling the utilization of at least two compressors to increase heat transfer temperature differentials together with special oil separators.

Abstract: According to a heat pump hot water apparatus of the invention, the hot water tank 7 is disposed on one side of the casing 50, the antifreeze liquid circulating means 41 and the heat pump circuit are disposed on the other side of the casing 50, and the water/refrigerant heat exchanger 2 is disposed at a location higher than the compressor 1. According to this configuration, the heat pump circuit and the hot water tank circuit are accommodated in one casing 50, stability and noise-reduction effect can be realized when the heat pump hot water apparatus is installed, and the casing 50 can be made smaller in size by enhancing layout balance of functional parts in the casing 50.

Abstract: A cooling system includes an area heat extraction hardware, a cooling device including an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser, a grounded-coupled heat exchanger connecting to the condenser and a cooling medium circularly flowing in the area heat extraction hardware, the cooling device and the grounded-coupled heat exchanger. The area heat extraction hardware extracts heat from the air and heats the cooling medium. The heated cooling medium passes through the evaporator and the evaporator extracts the heat of the heated cooling medium. The compressor transfers the heat extracted by the evaporator to the condenser. The condenser transfers the heat from the compressor to the grounded-coupled heat exchanger. The grounded-coupled heat exchanger transfers the heat of the cooling medium to the ground so the cooling medium is cooled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground circuit in a low-energy system, said ground circuit comprising a connection pipeline (3), collection pipe system (2) and a return pipeline (4) for circulating a transfer fluid. The ground circuit is utilized for transferring thermal energy recovered from its surroundings, for instance, to a heat pump (5) or the like. The present ground circuit collection pipe system (2) is characterized by consisting of a hollow profile (6) arranged to be a coil, whereby the hollow profile is connected at its first end to a connection pipeline (3) for conveying the transfer fluid along the hollow profile from the first coil end to the second, and at the second end of the coil the second end of the hollow profile is connected to the return pipeline (4) for conveying the transfer fluid from the hollow profile towards the place where used. At the opposite ends of this hollow profile there are advantageously arranged means for controlling the fluid flow provided therein.

Abstract: A geosolar temperature control construction for buildings and method of controlling building temperature by using both geo-exchange and solar means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial freezing apparatus and a freezing method therefor. The present invention includes a supporter for vertically moving a water ice maker over and under the surface of water; and the water ice maker for producing an ice while being vertically moved by the supporter and to fall down thus-produced ice into the surface of water. In accordance with the present invention as described above, the present invention can separate some from the water and expose it to the atmosphere to naturally freeze the separated water and return thus-produced ice to the surface of water to thereby accelerate the freezing process on the surface and thus make some ice on the surface when it is difficult to ice, and creating various additional effects such as preventing global warming, preserving ecosystems and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that includes a chamber rotor with a chamber and an extension rotor with an extension. The rotors are housed in a rotor case. A pressure cavity is at least transiently formed by the extension rotor and the chamber rotor. The present invention also includes a compressor that includes a chamber rotor with a chamber and an extension rotor with an extension where the extension is adapted to be received in the chamber when the rotors are synchronously rotated. The compressor also includes a power input shaft attached to the extension rotor and a gear assembly attached to the rotors that is adapted to insure the synchronous rotation of the rotors. A rotor case houses the rotors and has an intake port and an exhaust port. The present invention also includes an engine that is similar to the compressor and includes a spark plug. Methods of compressing, pumping and generating electricity and mechanical power are also part of the present invention.

Abstract: A modular water source geothermal heat pump unit is provided. The water source geothermal heat pump unit comprises separate fan, compressor and coil modules. In one embodiment, the compressor module may be located between the fan and coil modules. In another embodiment the water source geothermal heat pump unit may be a monolithic unit that includes a fan that directs air through a chute located adjacent a compressor. The chute may also be located between the fan and a coil.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for transferring heat energy between a heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth, and material beneath the surface of the Earth, by installing one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures in the material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure has inner and out flow channels along which aqueous-based heat transfer fluid is circulated. Turbulence is generated in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, to increase the rate of heat energy transfer between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth along the length of the outer flow channel. This in turn increases the rate of heat energy transfer between the heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth and material beneath the surface of the Earth.

Abstract: A modular water source geothermal heat pump unit is provided. The water source geothermal heat pump unit comprises separate fan, compressor and coil modules. In one embodiment, the compressor module may be located between the fan and coil modules. In another embodiment the water source geothermal heat pump unit may be a monolithic unit that includes a fan that directs air through a chute located adjacent a compressor. The chute may also be located between the fan and a coil.

Abstract: A direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system has a self-adjusting expansion valve and a bypass flow path to improve efficiency when the system operates in a heating mode. The expansion valve may operate based solely on pressure from the vapor refrigerant transport line. The system may alternatively include an accumulator, a compressor, and an oil separator, wherein an oil return line returns oil from the oil separator to the accumulator. Additionally, a direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system may include a hot-gas bypass valve for diverting heated vapor refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant line. Finally, a direct exchange geothermal heating/cooling system having a sub-surface heat exchanger extending to a depth of at least 300 feet may use a refrigerant particularly suited for such an application.

Abstract: A temperature equalization system comprised of heat equalizer 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 installation to regulate for temperature equalization, and flows back to the installation disposed in the natural carrier of heat for the installation providing good heat conduction with the natural heat carrier to provide the function of temperature equalization regulating on the backflow.