Abstract: A conditioner for the air in a structure which includes a gravel body beneath a building slab. The gravel is in thermal contact with the earth beneath the slab. The earth is a cold-sink which exchanges heat with the gravel body and thereby with air which is forced through the gravel.

Abstract: A sub-surface direct expansion geothermal heat exchange unit, which can be placed in sub-surface ground and/or water, consisting of at least one smaller interior diameter refrigerant liquid/fluid transport line with an optional vertically oriented U bend at the bottom, operatively connected to at least one larger interior diameter refrigerant liquid/fluid transport line, with at least one refrigerant flow metering device, designed to the system's compressor's BTU design capacity, which is optionally accessible, installed in the liquid/fluid line at one of an above-surface location and at the sub-surface point near to where the liquid/fluid line connects with the vapor/fluid line, for use when the system is operating in the heating mode, together with a refrigerant flow metering device by-pass means so as to enable additional refrigerant fluid flow at least one of around and past the refrigerant metering device when the system is operating in the cooling mode.

Abstract: A floating heat exchanger for pond liquid and a method of evaporating water from the pond liquid that utilizes a mass of pipes that are floated at or just below the surface of the pond liquid with one end of the pipes being connected to an inlet manifold and the opposite end of the pipes connected to an outlet manifold. The pipes and manifolds are part of a heated closed loop heat transfer fluid system. The pond liquid is raised in temperature which facilitates the evaporation of water and the concentration of dissolved or suspended solids within the pond liquid.

Abstract: A system including active heat balance device and fluid transmission pipelines provided inside a solid, liquid, or gaseous thermo carrier with comparatively reliable thermo reservation capacity in the nature to reclaim heat from the fluid flowing in opposite direction by releasing heat to the fluid of relatively lower temperature flowing through the pipelines, or to absorb the heat to cool the fluid of relatively higher temperature flowing through the pipelines in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A ground freezing method and system which circulates refrigerated heat transfer fluid through freeze pipes in the ground at a low temperature of at least −52° C. (−62° F.) to minimize drilling for the freeze pipe installation. The heat transfer fluid is preferably aqua ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) because of its beneficial characteristics in this application. The circulating heat transfer fluid is preferably cooled by a refrigeration system that includes low and high stage cycles arranged in a cascade relationship and using ammonia or another refrigerant in the high stage refrigeration system and carbon dioxide as the refrigerant in the low stage refrigeration system.

Abstract: A thermally exposed centrally insulated geothermal heat exchange unit, which can be placed in ground and/or in water, consisting of at least one fluid supply line and at least one fluid return line, which lines are respectively separated by a thermal insulation material, but which lines are otherwise in thermal contact with their respective adjacent sub-surface earth and/or water surroundings by means of a heat conductive fill material inserted as necessary to fill any void space in the respective fluid transport line location areas situated between the thermal insulation material and the adjacent earth and/or water. When the unit is situated within a geothermal borehole, the thermal insulation material may have an expanded central area so as to decrease the amount of necessary heat conductive fill and so as to increase insulation efficiency.

Abstract: A ground freezing method and system which circulates refrigerated heat transfer fluid through freeze pipes in the ground at a low temperature of at least −52° C. (−62° F.) to minimize drilling for the freeze pipe installation. The heat transfer fluid is preferably aqua ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) because of its beneficial characteristics in this application. The circulating heat transfer fluid is preferably cooled by a refrigeration system that includes low and high stage cycles arranged in a cascade relationship and using ammonia or another refrigerant in the high stage refrigeration system and carbon dioxide as the refrigerant in the low stage refrigeration system.

Abstract: A liquid air conditioner of the geothermal energy type, includes a heat collector of the geothermal energy type, a heat exchanger, an energy lift device, a discharging pump, a returning pump, an air conditioner; said energy lift device consisting of a heating cycle and a heat exchanging cycle, said two cycles are sequentially connected through pipelines by a compressor, a condenser, a liquid reservoir, a drying filter, a restriction choke, an evaporator and a gas-liquid separator. A discharging tube of the heat exchanging cycle connects with the air conditioner. A returning tube of the air conditioner is connected to a liquid inlet tube of the heat exchanging cycle; a discharging tube of the heat exchanging cycle is connected to a returning tube; and a discharging tube of said heat exchanger is connected to a liquid inlet tube.

Abstract: A geothermal accumulator and a air-conditioning system using the geothermal accumulator, said geothermal accumulator includes a well pipe and a heat-accumulating pipe inserted within the well pipe coaxially, the lower portion and the upper portion of the well pipe are provided with inlet holes and outlet holes for underground water respectively, said heat-accumulating pipe is provided with a water-collecting chamber, a different chamber, a heat-exchanging chamber and a water-accumulating chamber from the bottom up in sequence, the heat-exchanging chamber is provided with a plurality of axially disposed heat-exchanging pipes communicating with the different chamber and water-accumulating chamber respectively, and a plurality of baffles attached to the outside of the heat-exchanging pipes, gap exists between the baffles and the heat-exchanging pipes, the upper portion of the heat-exchanging chamber is connected with a returning pipe, and the lower portion is connected with a discharging pipe, water inlet holes

Abstract: A sub-surface direct expansion geothermal heat exchange unit, which can be placed in sub-surface ground and/or water, consisting of at least one smaller interior diameter refrigerant liquid/fluid transport line with an optional vertically oriented U bend at the bottom, operatively connected to at least one larger interior diameter refrigerant liquid/fluid transport line, with at least one refrigerant flow metering device installed at either an accessible location in the liquid/fluid line or at the sub-surface point where the liquid/fluid line connects with the vapor/fluid line, for use when the system is operating in the heating mode, together with a refrigerant flow metering device by-pass means so as to enable additional refrigerant fluid flow around the refrigerant metering device when the system is operating in the cooling mode.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a set of heat exchanging coils supported in a horizontal direction. The coils operate to exchange heat in fluids provided to the coils from a source device via a supply header tube and returned to the source device (or provided to a second device) via a return tube. A backbone supports the heat exchanging coils. Preferably, the backbone runs inside the heat exchanging coils. A bracket attached to the backbone secures a set of exchange tube supports to which the exchanging coils are attached. The heat exchanger provides a strong structure that is able to withstand currents and tidal action when mounted under a pier or in other aquatic environments. An adjustable riser device provides for flexible installation.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprising a closed-loop piping system, a portion of which is a condensing section extending on or below ground surface, and at least another portion of which is a cool-collecting section buried under ground at a cool ground zone. The closed-loop piping holds a liquid which is propelled by a circulating system through the piping system. The liquid is chilled by heat exchanging at the cool ground zone and then flows to the condensing section where moisture from the vicinity is extracted by condensation over the condensing section. The moisture is readily available for consumption by agriculture growth.

Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus comprises a generally hollow heating and cooling tower body having a ceiling part for receiving solar heat and a columnar part for storing the solar heat received by the ceiling part. The columnar part has a lower portion adapted to be positioned in the ground for receiving a flow of cool air from the ground and a heat absorbing-and-radiating section for absorbing and radiating heat to heat the heating and cooling tower body using the stored solar heat and to cool the heating and cooling tower body using the flow cool air from the ground.

Abstract: A marine air conditioning system for installation on a boat has a compressor, a water-cooled condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor is directly driven by an engine used for propelling the boat. The condenser is installed inline in a cooling-water intake tube, through which a pump draws water from outside of the hull for cooling the engine. Water from the intake tube is drawn through a portion of the condenser in thermal communication with the refrigerant for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the water. The water then continues into and through the engine and is exhausted through a discharge tube. The refrigerant then passes through an orifice or an expansion valve, and then into the evaporator. Air is passed through the evaporator for cooling the air, and the refrigerant returns to the compressor for recirculation in the system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device wherein the coil tube (12) forming the condenser of a first heat pump assembly and the coil (13) which forms a second assembly are each fixed on vertical grids (28, 29). Said grids are arranged parallel to each other and are embedded in the concrete block (3) which forms one of the energy storage units incorporated in the system. The grids consist of concrete iron bars welded together into a network with square and rectangular meshes. The means fixing the tubes at certain intersetions of the grid are clamps of a particular type. The grids, the tubes and the clamps are embedded in the concrete block (3).

Abstract: A well-water-type liquid cooling and heating resource system of the present invention, comprises a well, an energy lift device, a discharging pump and a suction pump sequentially connected by conduits. The well is separated into an upper portion and a lower portion by a baffle plate, and can supply constant temperature water at about 15° C. using as the low level cold and heat resources. The discharging tube and returning tube of the well is connected respectively with a liquid inlet tube and returning tube of the energy lift device. The suction pump is mounted at the lower portion of the well or on the baffle plate. The discharging tube of energy lift device, which is equipped with a discharge pump, is connected to a load such as an air conditioner. The load such as the air conditioner's returning tube is connected with the liquid inlet tube of a heat-exchanging pipeline coupling with the condenser of the energy lift device. The system costs lower and has no pollution.

Abstract: A system for increasing efficiency of a closed-earth-loop heat pump system; for increasing heat pump efficiency by feeding relatively colder water to heat pumps when they operate in a cooling mode; and, in certain aspects, systems for using excess produced heat and/or waste heat generated by an air conditioning system that employs an earth loop heat exchange apparatus, the system having power production apparatus that uses the excess produced heat and/or waste heat from air conditioning apparatus to generate electricity and reduce the heat dissipation load on the earth loop heat exchange apparatus; and, in one aspect, such a system that provides cooling fluid to a fuel cell that produces water and electricity.

Abstract: An electronics cooling system in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes an electronics cabinet that is thermally connected with the ground in the vicinity of the cabinet. The cabinet may or may not sit directly on the earth, but the thermal connection is made with the earth below, and in the near vicinity of, the cabinet, thereby employing the earth as a heat sink. In an illustrative embodiment, an enclosed cabinet includes a heat pipe that makes thermal contact with the ground in the immediate vicinity of the electronics cabinet. An electronics cabinet in accordance with the principles of the present invention is particularly suited for use in uncontrolled environments, such as may be encountered by remote telecommunications switches and wireless telecommunications equipment, for example.

Abstract: An excavationless geothermal system for heating and cooling applications includes a potable water storage container that receives water from a water supply through a supply line and a reversible water meter. The water in the storage container is circulated through a heat pump, and when the temperature of the water in the container is increased or decreased by the heat pump, the water is returned to the supply through the reversible meter.

Abstract: A marine air conditioning system for installation on a boat has a compressor, a water-cooled condenser, and an evaporator. The compressor is directly driven by an engine used for propelling the boat. The condenser is installed inline in a cooling-water intake tube, through which a pump draws water from outside of the hull for cooling the engine. Water from the intake tube is drawn through a portion of the condenser in thermal communication with the refrigerant for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the water. The water then continues into and through the engine and is exhausted through a discharge tube. The refrigerant then passes through an orifice or an expansion valve, and then into the evaporator. Air is passed through the evaporator for cooling the air, and the refrigerant returns to the compressor for recirculation in the system.

Abstract: A liquid air conditioner of geothermal energy type, wherein comprises a heat collector (1) of geothermal energy type, a heat exchanger (2), an energy lift device (3), a discharging pump (4), a returning pump (5), an air conditioner (6); said energy lift device consisting of a heating cycle (30) and a heat exchanging cycle (38), said two cycles are sequentially connected through pipelines by a compressor (31), a condenser (32), a liquid reservoir (33), a drying filter (34), a restriction choke (35), an evaporator (36) and a gas-liquid separator (37); Discharging tube (32a) of the heat exchanging cycle connects with air conditioner (6). Returning tube (103) of air conditioner connecting to a liquid inlet tube (32b) of heat exchanging cycle (38); discharging tube (36a) of the heat exchanging cycle connecting to a returning tube (22b); discharging tube (22a) of said heat exchanger (2) connecting to liquid inlet tube (36b); is used for in-door cooling and heating.

Abstract: A geothermal heat collector for heat pumps and of the type having a heat conducting fin (18) which communicates at its conducting suface (18a) with the surface of the earth (14). A heat transfer fluid flows through the fin by way of a conduit (16) which carries the fluid to and from a load (10). An insulating cover (20) limits heat loss from the fin.

Abstract: Recoverable Ground Source Heat Pump system with energy storage function which uses and stores off-peak-hours electricity to maintain the ground medium temperature to ensure the efficient operation of the system during on-peak electricity hours. The release and receiving of energy is accomplished through the ground heat exchanger by flowing the fluid through different routings of the circulation loop using reversing vales. Space heating and cooling is assured while the underground medium temperature is recovered. The heat pump system of the invention has less initial investment compared to conventional ground source heat pump and ice energy storage cooling systems; requires less ground space; provide operating energy cost savings; assures performance of operation; and avoids using antifreeze solution in the ground circulation fluid that may cause environmental, safety and erosion problems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stadium with an arena (1) such as an ice rink, and surrounding stand (2) for spectators, and to a channel element for a channel system in the arena (1) and the surrounding stand (2). The arena (1) and the stands (2) comprise a channel system each, arranged so that air may be supplied and/or extracted for cooling or heating the arena (1) when the arena (1) is to be iced or de-iced, or so that the stands (2) may be used for heating and/or cooling of the stadium, respectively. Each channel system is made up of a number of channel elements consisting of at least three interconnected layers (3, 4, 5) of corrugated sheet material. The layers (3, 4, 5) are placed at angles in proportion to each other in such a way that corrugations of layers placed one above the other are preferably mutually perpendicular.

Abstract: A sealed well direct expansion geothermal heat exchange unit, whose sealed well can be placed in ground and/or in water, consisting of a conventional direct expansion, or other heat pump, system wherein the exterior refrigerant heat exchange lines are placed within an insulated and sealed container, which container is supplied with a circulating heat conductive liquid from and to a sub-surface sealed well encasement, which container liquid may be supplemented with heat from a solar heating system, and which unit's hot refrigerant vapor line may be supplementary cooled by means of condensate water evaporative cooling.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor thermal expansion valve. The heat pump further includes an auxiliary heat exchanger. An auxiliary fluid line and an auxiliary fluid pump circulate an auxiliary heat transfer fluid through the auxiliary fluid line. The compressor outlet, the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor thermal expansion valve, the auxiliary heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the compressor inlet can be placed in respective serial fluid communication to thereby circulate a refrigerant fluid through the heat pump. The auxiliary heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant fluid and the auxiliary heat transfer fluid. The auxiliary fluid line is in thermal energy communication with a primary source of auxiliary heat. Preferably, the primary source of auxiliary heat is a fluid contained within a septic tank.

Abstract: A natural and environmentally friendly cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system comprises an insulating enclosure, a block of ice within the insulating enclosure, a primary coil of tubing contacting the block of ice and beneath the block of ice for transferring fluid, a return coil of tubing beneath the block of ice for transferring fluid, and a grid positioned between the primary coil and the return coil.

Abstract: Studies of the variation in latent heat of fluids with temperature and the rate of heat increase with compression were applied to thermodynamic cycles represented in columns (190, 193, 199). This showed that heat may be circulated and that power output (194) can be boosted by catalysts. Practical layouts show that the present 45% efficiency of thermal power stations may be doubled. The invented layouts produce power from reject heat (185, 188) and saves the water required of cooling thermal power stations.

Abstract: A cold storage facility energy transfer system has a building which includes walls, a roof, and a floor. The building defines an enclosed space, which is to be cooled. A cooling system, which includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, is provided to cool the air within the enclosed space of the building. A ground water heat transfer mechanism reduces the operating temperature of the cooling system and raises the temperature of the building floor. A heat exchange mechanism draws heat from the compressor and the condenser to reduce operating temperature of the condenser and/or compressor. The heat exchange mechanism includes a mechanism associated with an area adjacent to the building floor for maintaining that area at a temperature so that underfloor icing is prohibited. An additional objective of the system reduces the temperature of the walls and roof of the building, reducing heat loss and improving the energy efficiency of the building.

Abstract: A wellbore method which, in certain aspects, includes providing with a primary system a fluid with microorganisms, the primary system including introduction apparatus, with the introduction apparatus introducing the fluid with microorganisms into an earth formation bearing hydrocarbons, the microorganisms for facilitating removal of the hyrdrocarbons from the earth formation bearing hydrocarbons, effecting heat exchange between the fluid with microorganisms and heat transfer fluid that has traversed an earth loop of an earth loop heat exchange system, the earth loop heat exchange system with an earth loop extending from an earth surface down into the earth with the heat transfer fluid flowable through the earth loop and heat transfer apparatus for transferring heat between the fluid with the microorganisms and the heat transfer fluid; and, in certain asepcts wherein effecting the heat exchange between said fluid with microorganisms and the heat transfer fluid prolongs life of and/or enhances activity of the m

Abstract: An earth energy transfer system with a moving energy transfer fluid, the system for transferring energy for an entity, the system, in certain aspects, having apparatus and related items for measuring an amount of energy transferred for the entity to or from the moving energy transfer fluid, and apparatus and related items for invoicing the entity for the amount of energy transferred. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for calculating a price for the amount of energy transferred, said invoicing based on said price. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for transmitting a signal indicative of a measured amount of energy transferred from the apparatus and related items for measuring to the apparatus and related items for invoicing. Methods are disclosed for using such systems to measure and calculate an amount of energy transferred and/or to invoice an entity for the transferred energy.

Abstract: A shallow depth, low pressure gas storage facility(s) and related methods of use are disclosed for purposes relating to a supply of gas in a gas pipeline and a supply of gas to a user. The shallows depth, low pressure gas storage facility(s) of the present invention have characteristics of high deliverability of injection and withdrawal over a wide pressure range.

Abstract: A total flood fire suppression system is provided for transportation tunnels and other human-occupied environments, which employs a selective gas delivery method for supplying a breathable fire-extinguishing agent to a location closest to a fire site. The agent is produced from ambient air at site and stored in high-pressure containers communicating with an addressed gas delivery hose installed throughout a tunnel. When fire is detected, the agent is released from storage containers into the gas delivery hose that simultaneously becomes penetrated or broken in a location next to the fire site, allowing releasing the agent there and extinguishing the fire by totally flooding the affected portion of a tunnel. Additionally, the direction of the agent flow can be controlled by air blocks or inflatable tunnel plugs that, via a signal from a central control station, can inflate and block a tunnel tube in order to redirect the agent flow into the opposite to a block direction.

Abstract: A dehumidifier for swimming pool enclosures includes a first circuit having a condenser, an evaporator, and refrigerant, and a second circuit including the evaporator of the first circuit, a second evaporator and a heat sink fluid movable along the circuit. The second evaporator is positioned upstream with respect to the condenser of the first circuit. A bypass directs air around the second evaporator and a second bypass selectively directs air around both the second evaporator and the condenser.

Abstract: An excavationless geothermal system for heating and cooling applications includes a potable water storage container that receives water from a water supply through a supply line and a reversible water meter. The water in the storage container is circulated through a heat pump, and when the temperature of the water in the container is increased or decreased by the heat pump, the water is returned to the supply through the reversible meter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the heat insulation of at least one underwater pipe (1) intended to be laid on the sea bed at great depth, comprising an insulating coating surrounding the latter and a protective envelope (3), characterized in that said insulating coating comprises a virtually incompressible liquid/solid phase change material (4) with a melting temperature T0 higher than that T2 of the medium surrounding the pipe in operation and less than that T1 of the effluents circulating in the pipe, and said material (4) preferably being impregnated in an absorbent matrix (2) surrounding the pipe (1), preferably nearest its outer surface, which protective envelope (3) is resistant and deformable and ensures a containment against and about said insulating coating.

Abstract: A thermodynamic cycle is disclosed that uses compression and expansion to generate refrigeration or power in which at least some of the compression is effected by hydrostatic head of the heat-exchange medium used in the cycle. In a refrigeration cycle, the head of a heat-exchange medium in the refrigeration cycle is used to compress the heat-exchange medium. A vaporous heat-exchange medium is introduced into the upper end of a down riser that extends downwardly through a heat sink. The vaporous heat-exchange medium descends through the down riser and the head of the heat-exchange medium compresses the heat-exchange medium. The heat generated by the compression is transferred to the heat sink. The heat-exchange medium is then pumped up through a return riser and passed through a pressure expansion means and evaporator. From the evaporator the heat-exchange medium is returned to the upper end of the down riser for recycling.

Abstract: A heat pump includes a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor thermal expansion valve. The heat pump further includes an auxiliary heat exchanger. An auxiliary fluid line and an auxiliary fluid pump circulate an auxiliary heat transfer fluid through the auxiliary fluid line. The compressor outlet, the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor thermal expansion valve, the auxiliary heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the compressor inlet can be placed in respective serial fluid communication to thereby circulate a refrigerant fluid through the heat pump. The auxiliary heat exchanger is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant fluid and the auxiliary heat transfer fluid. The auxiliary fluid line is in thermal energy communication with a primary source of auxiliary heat. Preferably, the primary source of auxiliary heat is a fluid contained within a septic tank.

Abstract: A heat pump system for air conditioning adaptable to cold regions, comprising a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion valve and an evaporator and forms a closed circuit. The structure features that said compressor is a scroll compressor, and a supplementary inlet is provided on the working chamber of the compressor. A subcooler is provided between the condenser and the expansion valve, thus forming a closed circuit with an electromagnetic valve and an electronic expansion valve for supplementary refrigerant vapor to the supplementary inlet of the compressor. Compared to the prior art, the present invention is simple in structure, easy to manufacture and assemble, highly effective in energy utilization and low cost, and the system can operate in low temperature environment with stability and reliability. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for popularization and application in cold regions.

Abstract: An energy transfer system is provided for a household or commercial refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a fluid passage disposed in the housing of the appliance for enabling the transfer of a fluid into, through, and out of the housing. The fluid is circulated through a heat exchanger which can be disposed outside of a home or commercial building or underground so that the fluid is cooled by the outside air or by the ground. The fluid may also be groundwater that is circulated throughout the system in a semi-open loop arrangement. The cooling fluid is also utilized to cool the compressor of an air conditioning unit. A heat exchanger is also utilized for transferring heat from the cooling fluid to an interior of a building.

Abstract: The system uses a well drilled deep into the ground and filled with water. The well is encased and sealed at its bottom to prevent the loss of water. The casing of the well is in contact with the surrounding earth for heat conduction. A pipe is placed within the well with a pump at its distal end. The pump draws cold water from within the well into the pipe, out of the well into a heat exchanger where it cools the air which, in turn, cools the house. After the water has gone through the heat exchanger, it is returned to the well. Heat pipes are used to dissipate, in winter, the heat accumulated during the summer cooling months. The heat pipes extend outwardly from near the top of the well and contain a substance that will absorb heat and evaporate at the end in the well and condense and release heat at the opposite end. An upward slant of the heat pipe ensures that this heat transfer occurs only in the direction away from the well.

Abstract: An energy transfer system is provided for a household or commercial refrigeration appliance. The energy transfer system includes a fluid passage disposed in the housing of the appliance for enabling the transfer of a fluid into, through, and out of the housing. The fluid is circulated through a heat exchanger which can be disposed outside of a home or commercial building or underground so that the fluid is cooled by the outside air or by the ground. The fluid may also be groundwater that is circulated throughout the system in a semi-open loop arrangement. The cooling fluid is also utilized to cool the compressor of an air conditioning unit. A heat exchanger is also utilized for transferring heat from the cooling fluid to an interior of a building.

Abstract: An earth energy transfer system with a moving energy transfer fluid, the system for transferring energy for an entity, the system, in certain aspects, having apparatus and related items for measuring an amount of energy transferred for the entity to or from the moving energy transfer fluid, and apparatus and related items for invoicing the entity for the amount of energy transferred. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for calculating a price for the amount of energy transferred, said invoicing based on said price. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for transmitting a signal indicative of a measured amount of energy transferred from the apparatus and related items for measuring to the apparatus and related items for invoicing. Methods are disclosed for using such systems to measure and calculate an amount of energy transferred and/or to invoice an entity for the transferred energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for preserving snow. A cooling mat device (2) is laid out on predetermined areas of a subbase (1) on which snow should be preserved. A coolant is fed to said cooling mat device via a coolant supply line (21), and the coolant is removed via a coolant return line (22).

Abstract: An irrigation system comprising an energized cooling system for cooling the fluid to a temperature below ground temperature, colosed-loop condensation piping buried under ground surface and an energized fluid circulating arrangement for circulating the fluid through the system, whereby propelling the cooled fluid through the piping extracts moisture from the ground by condensation over the piping, for consumption by agriculture growth in the vicinity of the piping.

Abstract: A system for providing heat conduction for a structure, comprising: a storm water management system located below a frost line and located near the structure, wherein a predetermined level of liquid is maintained within the storm water management system; a first heat exchanger located within the storm water management system, the first heat exchanger located such that the first heat exchanger is continuously immersed within the liquid maintained within the storm water management system; a connecting line connected to the first heat exchanger; and a second heat exchanger connected to the connecting line, wherein the second heat exchanger is associated with the structure and directly transfers heat with the structure; wherein the second heat exchanger transfers heat with the first heat exchanger via the connecting line.

Abstract: An integrated compression based heating/cooling, humidification and mid or high efficiency heat recovery ventilation system is provided. The integrated system is a centralized apparatus that offers a very efficient method for heating/cooling with more winter and summer humidity control plus offering heat recovery ventilation in a structure having a regulated indoor temperature and specific ventilation/energy recovery rate. The heating and cooling section of the apparatus would most commonly be configured as a forced air geothermal or air-to-air heat pump. The heat recovery ventilation section of the apparatus will incorporate a heat recovery chamber complete with a primary passive cross flow heat recovery core. Plus, a secondary refrigeration based high efficiency reversible energy recovery evaporator/condenser coil. The integrated system will also incorporate a humidification system designed to operate during the winter heating season.

Abstract: A thermodynamic cycle is disclosed that uses compression and expansion to generate refrigeration or power in which at least some of the compression is effected by hydrostatic head of the heat-exchange medium used in the cycle. In a refrigeration cycle, the head of a heat-exchange medium in the refrigeration cycle is used to compress the heat-exchange medium. A vaporous heat-exchange medium is introduced into the upper end of a down riser that extends downwardly through a heat sink. The vaporous heat-exchange medium descends through the down riser and the head of the heat-exchange medium compresses the heat-exchange medium. The heat generated by the compression is transferred to the heat sink. The heat-exchange medium is then pumped up through a return riser and passed through a pressure expansion means and evaporator. From the evaporator the heat-exchange medium is returned to the upper end of the down riser for recycling.

Abstract: A thermodynamic cycle is disclosed that uses compression and expansion to generate refrigeration or power in which at least some of the compression is effected by hydrostatic head of the heat-exchange medium used in the cycle. In a refrigeration cycle, the head of a heat-exchange medium in the refrigeration cycle is used to compress the heat-exchange medium. A vaporous heat-exchange medium is introduced into the upper end of a down riser that extends downwardly through a heat sink. The vaporous heat-exchange medium descends through the down riser and the head of the heat-exchange medium compresses the heat-exchange medium. The heat generated by the compression is transferred to the heat sink. The heat-exchange medium is then pumped up through a return riser and passed through a pressure expansion means and evaporator. From the evaporator the heat-exchange medium is returned to the upper end of the down riser for recycling.

Abstract: A building air conditioning system using geothermal energy comprising an underground pipe being buried underground for transmitting geothermal energy from the underground to air from the outdoors and for controlling humidity of said air and cleaning said air, a cobble stone layer constituted by filling numerous cobble stones in a space under the floor of a building for introducing air from said underground pipe to heat-exchange this introduced air with geothermal energy stored therein and to control humidity of said air and to clean said air, and air supply means for supply air from said cobble stone layer to an inside of a room of the building.