Geographic, E.g., Subterranean Feature Patents (Class 62/260)
  • Patent number: 8099972
    Abstract: A heating device includes a low-temperature heat store thermally coupled to a heat pump. The heat store is a buried pocket containing a permeable material and water. A high heat exchange capacity is thus achieved by exploiting both the high specific heat of the water and the high latent heat of liquefaction of the water contained in the heat store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Dupraz Energies
    Inventor: Michel Louis Dupraz
  • Publication number: 20120006042
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: GEO-FLO PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Wyer, Demitri Gula
  • Publication number: 20110308268
    Abstract: The present invention is a geothermal exchange process to deliver water, in a closed loop ground to water system, at temperatures approaching that of ground water. Such water temperatures were heretofore only achievable with ground water systems. Optimum energy saving and performance of ground coupled heat pumps are directly linked to heat exchange between a circulating water loop and ground temperature. This invention allows for the optimization of energy and performance. The efficiency of heat pumps diminishes with descending outside air temperatures. This invention allows for the manipulation of entry water temperatures to stem the problem of diminishing efficiencies. The water system makes use of a uniquely designed geothermal exchange module with increased conductivity to maximize heat transfer into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Leonard C. KRIMSKY
  • Patent number: 8047905
    Abstract: A building structure includes means to utilize solar radiation to heat the building structure during relatively cold ambient environmental conditions and to cool the building structure during relatively hot ambient environmental conditions. The building structure includes chambered wall and floor constructions having integral heat sink masses. These integral heat sink masses provide for radiation of heat when air temperature in an interior space of the building structure is below a temperature of the heat sink masses and for absorption of heat when the air temperature in the interior space of the building structure is above a temperature of the heat sink masses. A flow of thermally treated air to the heat sink masses serves to regulate the temperature of the heat sink masses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Steve Eugene Everett, Jay Dean Everett
  • Patent number: 8047275
    Abstract: A pipe well; a ground water outlet pipe inserted into the pipe well; a submerged pump installed at the ground water outlet pipe; a heat exchanger in which the ground water is circulated and terrestrial heat of the ground water is heat-exchanged; a collection pipe collects the ground water circulated through the heat exchanger into the pipe well; a connection pipe which connects the submerged pump and the heat exchanger; an auto temperature bypass apparatus which is installed at the connection pipe to automatically bypass the ground water from the connection pipe when a temperature of the ground water arrives at a predetermined value; a discharge pipe through which the ground water bypassed is discharged; and a ground water restoration hole adjacent to the pipe well in which the discharge pipe is inserted to fill up the ground water nearby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Byoung Ohan Shim, Tae Jong Lee
  • Patent number: 8042352
    Abstract: In an air conditioning economizer system outdoor air intake is reduced automatically by a control device based on a shut-off control setting for a measured outdoor air quality. A geographical location associated with the air conditioning economizer system is received (S2) in the control device. The control device defines automatically (S3) the shut-off control setting based on the geographical location. Thus, the air conditioning economizer system is adapted specifically for a geographic location and its climate zone, without the requirement for installing or operating personnel to determine a shut-off control setting for a specific climate zone and/or select a corresponding operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: BELIMO Holding AG
    Inventor: Darryl W. Deangelis
  • Patent number: 8033128
    Abstract: Heat pump assembly for seasonal balancing of temperatures in buildings, includes a heat pump (1) having a cold side and a warm side, respectively. The heat exchangers (2, 3) are connected to the cold and the warm side, respectively, in that one of the heat exchangers (3) is connected to a heating/cooling element (4), in that the other heat exchanger (2) is connected to a heat/cold buffer (6), in that the heat pump (1) is of the type liquid-liquid, and in that a valve assembly (7) is arranged in the heat pump (1) to optionally connect the warm or cold side of the heat pump (1) to the heating/cooling element (4), whereby the heating/cooling element (4) optionally may heat or cool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Scandinavian Energy Efficiency Company SEEC AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Giertz, Thomas Wildig
  • Patent number: 8033127
    Abstract: An R-410A DX heating/cooling system with: an electrical generating expansion device; with a protective means for refrigerant transport tubing containing dissimilar metals and/or in corrosive environments; with an automatic heating mode expansion device; with a TXV by-pass design; with retractable sub-surface tubing designs; with sub-surface line set sizing at varying depths and lengths; with reciprocal compressor sizing; with a DX Hydronic system design; with an improved oil separator float design; with a mobile DX system design; and with a resting module DX system design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Publication number: 20110197599
    Abstract: A thermal energy system comprising a first thermal system, the first thermal system in use having a heating and/or cooling demand, a closed loop geothermal energy system comprising a plurality of borehole heat exchangers, each borehole heat exchanger containing a working fluid, and an intermediate heat pump thermally connected between the first thermal system and the geothermal energy system. Each borehole heat exchanger may comprise an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate conduits interconnected at the bottom end. In particular, the first thermal system is a refrigeration system and the ‘closed loop geothermal energy system provides cooling of the condenser(s) of the refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: James J. Stewart, Dmitriy I. Zaynulin, Grahame Newton
  • Patent number: 7992403
    Abstract: Provided is an air conditioning system using ground heat. The system includes one or more indoor units, at least one outdoor unit, a ground heat exchanger, and a plurality of auxiliary heat sources. The one or more indoor units condition indoor air. The at least one outdoor unit communicates with the indoor units via a plurality of pipes, and includes an outdoor heat exchanger where heat exchange occurs. The ground heat exchanger is connected with the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and laid under the ground to allow heat to be exchanged between ground heat and a circulating medium circulating through the ground heat exchanger. The plurality of auxiliary heat sources are installed on one side of the outdoor unit to assist heat exchange of the outdoor heat exchanger. Two or more auxiliary heat sources are simultaneously used, or one of them is selectively used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Kyu Kim, Jung Hoon Kim, Jae Yoon Koh
  • Patent number: 7966780
    Abstract: There is described a wall structure for absorbing or transferring heat from or to the ground, the wall structure comprising a footing for the wall structure disposed in the ground below grade extending in the longitudinal direction of the wall structure, a vertical wall supported on and extending longitudinally in the direction of the footing, the vertical wall extending upwardly from the footing above grade to a predetermined height, and having upper, lower, interior, exterior and end surfaces, a sheath of insulation for enveloping the vertical wall's upper, end, interior and exterior surfaces and thermal conductors disposed in the wall structure to be in thermal communication with one another, at least some of the conductors extending outwardly from the footing into the ground, the thermal conductors facilitating heat transfer between the ground and the vertical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Encon Environmental Construction Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Marshall, Carlo Galasso
  • Publication number: 20110146317
    Abstract: A multi-mode, bi-directional cascade heat pump system, according to some examples, includes at least two chillers each being part of a unidirectional refrigerant circuit. The system includes heat exchangers each of which are dedicated to operate as just a condenser or as just an evaporator, regardless of the system's operating mode. In some modes, a secondary fluid transfers heat between the condenser of one chiller and the evaporator of another chiller before the fluid returns to a secondary fluid source such as, for example, a geothermal borefield or a conventional water source. In some embodiments, fluid is withdrawn from a borefield by way of a pump having a speed that varies to maintain a desired fluid temperature and/or a desired heat transfer rate at the borefield. The heat pump system includes means for minimizing flow through the borefield and for minimizing unnecessary mixing of relatively high and low temperature fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Lee R. Cline, Michael C. A. Schwedler, Susanna S. Hanson, Brian J. Fiegen
  • Publication number: 20110126563
    Abstract: A device, such as an absorption chiller sub-system, is provided. The absorption chiller sub-system can include an evaporator and an absorber. The evaporator can be configured to receive a liquid first working fluid and to produce first working fluid vapor. The absorber can be configured to receive and combine first working fluid vapor and a second working fluid, for example, so as to release thermal energy. A divider having opposing first and second sides in respective fluid communication with the evaporator and the absorber can also be included. The divider can be configured to allow first working fluid vapor to pass therethrough between the first and second sides and to inhibit movement of liquid first working fluid therethrough between the first and second sides. Associated systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ching-Jen Tang, William Dwight Gerstler, AliciA Jillian Jackson Hardy, Helge Klockow, Sherif Hatem Abdulla Mohamed, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Yogen Vishwas Utturkar, Todd Garrett Wetzel, Paul Brian Wickersham
  • Patent number: 7942015
    Abstract: A water sump structure (1) is provided. A channel, trough, trench or the like is formed as or provided with an impermeable member (7) for trapping water. One or more heat exchange pipes (6) for carrying a heat exchange fluid are located, in use, so as to pass through water trapped by the impermeable member thereby forming a heat exchange water sump structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Formpave Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Leslie Hart
  • Patent number: 7913498
    Abstract: A submersible pumping system includes a submersible pump; a gauge disposed proximate the submersible pump; a Stirling cooler disposed proximate the gauge, wherein the Stirling cooler has a cold end configured to remove heat from the gauge and a hot end configured to dissipate heat; and an energy source configured to power the submersible pumping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John David Rowatt
  • Patent number: 7905104
    Abstract: A climatisation system for wind turbines which comprise: a first heat exchanger (10) in the nacelle (1) for exchanging heat with an element of the nacelle for which the temperature needs to be controlled; a second heat exchanger (20) outside the nacelle (1) for exchanging heat with a first exchange unit (21); a first section (12) of a climatisation circuit for: connecting the first heat exchanger (10) with the second heat exchanger (20); circulating a liquid coolant between the first heat exchanger (10) and the second heat exchanger (20); impulsion units (100) for circulating the liquid coolant on the first section (12) of the climatisation circuit; a shut off valve (200); and expansion tank (400); an expansion valve (300) between the first heat exchanger (10) and the second heat exchanger (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.
    Inventors: Álvaro Matesanz Gil, Juan Jose Bonilla Andrino
  • Publication number: 20110048037
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jonas Gräslund, Gunnar Nordberg
  • Publication number: 20110048049
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Hideaki Asai, Katsuhiro Kawabata, Keisuke Tanimoto, Yoonmyung Kang
  • Publication number: 20110036112
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: AMERICAN ECOTHERMAL, INC.
    Inventors: Andy Livingston, Stephen R. Lafaille
  • Publication number: 20110005257
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Terry K. Crow
  • Publication number: 20110000639
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
  • Publication number: 20110000638
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Gene S. FEIN, Edward Merritt
  • Patent number: 7856839
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 7841200
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Earth to Air Systems, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 7841383
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 7841201
    Abstract: A heat pump including an evaporator for evaporating water as a working liquid so as to produce a working vapor, the evaporation taking place at an evaporation pressure of less than 20 hPa. The working vapor is compressed to a working pressure of at least 25 hPa by a dynamic-type compressor so as to then be liquefied within a liquefier by direct contact with liquefier water. The heat pump is preferably an open system, where water present in the environment in the form of ground water, sea water, river water, lake water or brine is evaporated, and where water which has been liquefied again is fed to the evaporator, to the soil or to a water treatment plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Efficient Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Sedlak, Oliver Kniffler
  • Publication number: 20100294456
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: THERMAPAN INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Taraba, Emil M. Taraba
  • Patent number: 7832220
    Abstract: A direct expansion geothermal heat exchange system including certain requisite heating/cooling load calculations, certain operational refrigerant pressures, refrigerant tubing design lengths in varying soils, refrigerant tubing sizing per ton of system design capacity, refrigerant tubing sizing at varying sub-surface installation depths, lowering refrigerant tubing into a borehole via rope, encasing the lower segment of refrigerant tubing within a solid encasement, providing a bar for rope attachment, using a winch to raise and lower refrigerant tubing, certain sizing of the compressor, certain air handler sizing, certain accumulator sizing, certain sizing of metering devices in the heating mode and in the cooling mode, parameters for charging the system, certain sizing of the receiver, utilizing certain grout for corrosion protection and for enhanced heat transfer, providing a fluid filled pipe within a borehole to contain accessible refrigerant tubing, providing a certain fluid fill for the pipe, one of pro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Earth To Air Systems, LLC
    Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
  • Patent number: 7827814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a geothermal water heater system, and methods of heating water for domestic uses utilizing geothermal energy. More specifically, the present invention provides a geothermal heat pump water heater system includes a hot water tank, a cold water tank and at least one water-to-water heat pump. As contemplated, the water-to-water heat pump includes one or more heat exchangers which control heat transfer from water drawn from an outside water source. The outside water source water is supplied to both the hot water tank and the cold water tanks whereupon heat exchangers which comprise a cold water side heat exchanger and a hot water side heat exchanger, allow water entering the cold water tank to be cooled and returned to the cold water tank while water entering the hot water tank is heated and returned to the hot water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Hal Slater
  • Publication number: 20100242517
    Abstract: A closed fluid loop HVAC system includes an air conditioner or heat pump, an evaporative cooling tower, and fluid input and output lines coupled between the cooling tower and the air conditioner/heat pump. The cooling tower has a solar-powered fluid pump and a solar-powered fan for moving an air stream to cool the fluid in the tower. The closed fluid loop can include a geothermal reservoir with a solar-powered fluid pump for pumping the fluid from the geothermal reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Bryce Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100236266
    Abstract: A closed loop geothermal heat exchange system for providing energy efficient cooling during the warmer seasons and baseline heating during the colder season that in one preferred embodiment is comprised of a heat exchanger unit, a circulating pump and a connection to a community water supply by means of upstream and down stream piping. The up stream supply pipe is connected to the community water supply on the system side of the water metering device. Water would flow from the supply side connection by means of water main system pressure to the input side of a heat exchanger through a turbulence-inducing fixture or fixtures that would increase the thermal transfer between the heat exchanger and the water. The output side of the exchanger is connected to the input side of a small booster pump, which supplies additional pressure to the return pipe which may also be configured into a venturi to assist the return water flow and is connected to community water system downstream from the supply connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Skidmore, Thomas W. Ferguson, Gregory Veith, Kacey Cahill
  • Publication number: 20100230071
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a geothermal water heater system, and methods of heating water for domestic uses utilizing geothermal energy. More specifically, the present invention provides a geothermal heat pump water heater system includes a hot water tank, a cold water tank and at least one water-to-water heat pump. As contemplated, the water-to-water heat pump includes one or more heat exchangers which control heat transfer from water drawn from an outside water source. The outside water source water is supplied to both the hot water tank and the cold water tanks whereupon heat exchangers which comprise a cold water side heat exchanger and a hot water side heat exchanger, allow water entering the cold water tank to be cooled and returned to the cold water tank while water entering the hot water tank is heated and returned to the hot water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Hal Slater
  • Publication number: 20100212858
    Abstract: An improved electrical-utility steam-turbine power-plant cooling system including a condenser with heat-exchange surfaces and cooling means. The cooling means has a closed-loop system with an intake, a discharge and a cooling portion. Substantially all of the cooling portion is tunneling beneath the surface of the Earth. Water substantially fills the closed-loop system and a pump facilitates flow through the closed-loop system whereby water flows through the tunneling and is geothermally cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: David Guth
  • Publication number: 20100200210
    Abstract: An electrical equipment cabinet coupled to a closed loop in turn coupled to a groundwater source for exchanging heat energy with the closed loop for air-conditioning the interior of the electrical equipment cabinet. In the absence of a groundwater source a slinky loop is used as a substitute. The slinky loop is buried in the ground or located in a body of water located on or below ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Gian
  • Patent number: 7757508
    Abstract: A heat pump has a refrigerant loop, a compressor in fluid communication with the refrigerant loop, at least one indoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the refrigerant loop, and at least one outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the refrigerant loop. The at least one outdoor heat exchanger has a phase change material in thermal communication with the refrigerant loop and in fluid communication with an outdoor environment. Other systems, devices, and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Moonis Raza Ally, John Jager Tomlinson, Clifford Keith Rice
  • Publication number: 20100170272
    Abstract: In an air conditioning economizer system outdoor air intake is reduced automatically by a control device based on a shut-off control setting for a measured outdoor air quality. A geographical location associated with the air conditioning economizer system is received (S2) in the control device. The control device defines automatically (S3) the shut-off control setting based on the geographical location. Thus, the air conditioning economizer system is adapted specifically for a geographic location and its climate zone, without the requirement for installing or operating personnel to determine a shut-off control setting for a specific climate zone and/or select a corresponding operating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: BELIMO Holding AG
    Inventor: Darryl W. DEANGELIS
  • Patent number: 7733654
    Abstract: A heat dissipation module is used to cool a microprocessor. The heat dissipation module includes a base, a diversion pipeline, a plurality of heat conductive pieces and a fan. The base is assembled on the microprocessor. The diversion pipeline is connected to the base, provides a diversion direction, and has a heat insulated pipe-wall which partitions the diversion pipeline into an inside and an outside portions and reduces the heat conduction in the diversion direction of the diversion pipeline. The heat conductive pieces are fixed on the diversion pipeline, and have a heat dissipation direction from the inside portion to the outside portion of the diversion pipeline which crosses the diversion direction. Each two neighboring heat conductive pieces are separated with the heat insulated pipe-wall. The fan is assembled on the outside of the diversion pipeline and provides a cool air for the heat conductive pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng Wang, Shang-Hsuang Wu
  • Publication number: 20100115978
    Abstract: A heating system with a heat pump uses as a source of heat energy of a water, which consists of at least one integral and/or connected tubing (23, 22, 26) leading from the source drill hole (1) and/or well into the disposal drill hole (2) and/or well, during which the tubing is connected via a heat exchanger and/or an evaporator to heat pump generator and at least one suction and pumping chamber (27) of such construction is offering a flexible change of its volume, where the movement and flow of water through tubing from the collecting site is achieved by a suction effect and vacuum in chamber (27), and at least one outlet opening (30) is in the bottom part of the chamber (27) and/or exchanger (29), which can be realized as a controllable-type valve, and/or sliding door, and/or flap through which the cooled water flows out preferentially into the drain parts (33) of the drill hole (2) and/or well, and the heat energy of the water which flows out and/or flows through the exchanger of the heat pump evaporator i
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Pavel Simka
  • Patent number: 7712326
    Abstract: An energy transfer system includes an energy transfer device, a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe. The water inlet pipe may be connected to a water inlet of the transfer device to extract water from a water source. The water outlet pipe may be connected to a water outlet on the energy transfer device to discharge water to the water source. The water inlet pipe may extract water from a predetermined extraction depth, and the water outlet pipe may discharge water into the water source at a predetermined discharge depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Cotherm of America Corporation
    Inventors: Tadeusz Frank Jagusztyn, Donald James Hay, Don Franklin Murphy
  • Patent number: 7698903
    Abstract: The energy efficient ventilation system provides tempered air to an air to air heat exchanger, such as a heat pump. The system includes independent air intake sources from a tunnel, a structure, and the exterior of the structure that direct air to a control module. Regulators control the amount of air that enters the control module from the air intake sources. The control module mixes the intake air and distributes the tempered air to the structure and to the air to air heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Global Green Building, LLC
    Inventor: George E. Van Hoesen
  • Publication number: 20100078160
    Abstract: A system and method for liquid-liquid free-cooling that may include a modular coolant distribution unit (CDU) is provided. CDUs can incorporate integral free-cooling or bolt on free-cooling switch modules. The free-cooling flow can be either direct or indirect. Units can interface with each other to provide scalable cooling for computer data centers. Embodiments of the system can integrate with electronics rack passive rear door liquid heat exchangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: VETTE CORP.
    Inventors: Shlomo D. Novotny, John P. Menoche, David W. Roden
  • Patent number: 7685832
    Abstract: An energy picking-up system by using water of river, lake and sea as low-grade energy source, includes energy collecting device, energy exalting device and radiator in series. The energy collecting device includes a circuit, which is comprised of a heat collector, a low-grade heat exchanger and a diving pump. The heat collector includes a siphon tube, a drain tube and a vacuum equipment. One end of the siphon tube is placed in the heat collecting well that is located near river, lake or sea, and the other end is placed into the water of river, lake or sea. The vacuum equipment is connected with the siphon tube. One end of the drain tube is connected with the outlet of the low-grade heat exchanger, the other end is placed into or onto the water of river, lake or sea. The diving pump is positioned in the heat collecting well, and is connected with the inlet of the low-grade heat exchanger coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Shengheng Xu
  • Publication number: 20100064697
    Abstract: A heat pump having a cooling mode includes a cooling evaporator coupled to an advance flow and a backflow. The cooling evaporator is brought to a pressure such that a vaporization temperature of the working liquid in the backflow is below a temperature of an object to be cooled to which the backflow may be thermally coupled. In this manner, an area having vapor at high pressure is generated. This vapor is fed into a dynamic-type compressor which outputs the vapor at a low pressure and provides electrical energy in the process. The vapor at low pressure is fed to a cooling liquefier which provides vapor liquefaction at a low temperature, this temperature being lower than the temperature of the object to be cooled. The working liquid removed from the cooling evaporator due to the vaporization is refilled by a filling pump. The heat pump having a cooling mode also results when a specific heat pump is operated in the reverse direction, and provides cooling without any net use of electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Holger Sedlak, Oliver Kniffler
  • Publication number: 20100043461
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a variable temperature air-conditioning method using underground reservoir and water-source heat pump with energy-storage and its specialized equipment, which includes a geothermal heat exchanging cycling loop and an air-conditioning heat exchanging cycling loop, wherein the air-conditioning heat exchanging cycling loop includes a variable temperature air-conditioning heat exchanging cycling loop. In the geothermal heat exchanging cycling loop, the water-source heat pump exchanges energy with energy-storage tanks, and in the air-conditioning heat exchanging cycling loop, the energy-storage tanks exchanges energy with an air-conditioning load loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Ge Pan
  • Publication number: 20100031655
    Abstract: A power generation system for generating electricity using a steam turbine engine that yields high-pressure steam has been developed using a preferably non-toxic coolant circulating in a closed loop that passes through a rock and earth aquifer, for directly and/or indirectly condensing the low-pressure steam from the low-pressure side of the steam turbine into a liquid phase for re-circulation to the steam turbine, whereby the coolant acts to dissipate the heat from the low-pressure steam through the aquifer to the rock and earth encasing the aquifer. In one embodiment a containment shroud is employed to recycle condensing water utilized to condense the condensing vapor emitted from a steam condenser. In a second embodiment a sealed steam condenser is utilized through which the low-pressure steam passes, and water (or other suitable fluid) from an enclosed condensing water reservoir, through which the coolant is circulated, is employed to condense the low-pressure steam in the steam condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: HORIZON ENERGY ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. BROWN
  • Patent number: 7654101
    Abstract: A geothermal desiccant cycle cools and dehumidifies the air in an indoor conditioned space. The return air is split into two streams. One of the streams passes through a desiccant wheel to remove water vapor and then through a cooling coil for sensible cooling from geothermal water. The other stream is heated to increase its capacity to absorb moisture, and then is passed through the desiccant wheel to pick up the moisture transferred from the first stream and regenerate the desiccant. The second air stream, which now has a higher dewpoint temperature, flows through a geothermal cooling coil, for sensible cooling as well as condensation of the moisture. The two air streams are mixed and supplied back to the conditioned space. A regenerative air-air heat exchanger can be used to recover some of the heat used in heating the second air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ian M. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 7647971
    Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., comprising oil shale, includes injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore. The wellbore is completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation, and the wellbore includes a bore formed through the subsurface formation defining a diameter. The cooling fluid comprises a slurry having particles of frozen material. The cooling fluid is circulated across the formation in order to lower the temperature of at least a portion of the formation to a point that is at or below the freezing point of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Publication number: 20100005823
    Abstract: A water reclamation system performs condensation of water vapor and its reclamation. Using a glass house and induction of its effect the hot air rises and is displaced by colder air moving through a pipe system passing in the cool underground allowing for water condensation and collection through a system of pipes and water reservoirs. Bigger glass houses induce bigger air displacement and can direct dense cold air currents and subsequent cloud water reclamation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Magd Ahmed Kotb Abdalla
  • Publication number: 20090321041
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: GEOTHERMAL DESIGN ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Jay Allen Hammond
  • Patent number: RE43053
    Abstract: An ice maker for creating a layer of ice on a cooled surface, is disclosed. The ice maker has a source of de-gassed water, which may be de-gassed by being heated. A pump to pressurize the de-gassed water is provided and the water is passed to a sprayer hydraulically connected to the pump. The sprayer has nozzles sized and shaped to convert the pressurized water into a fine de-gassing droplet spray directed at the cooled surface. The droplets are sized to substantially freeze on contact with the cooled surface. In one embodiment a microprocessor is provided to change the volume sprayed according to the speed of the ice maker to ensure an even coat of ice is layed down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ice Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Dawe, Michael Horodenka, Alex Makarenko