Abstract: A heat pump system utilizing water for heat transfer purposes from a well having a continuous supply rate capability which is less than that required by the heat pump of the system is arranged to provide for the continuous return to the well of a portion of pump discharged water as required to stabilize the level of water in the well.

Abstract: The Annual Cycle Energy System (ACES) is a system that provides domestic hot water heating, space heating and space cooling for buildings. This system uses a unidirectional heat pump and a large water/ice storage tank to make ice during the heating season that is used to cool the building during the summer. The ACES uses a concrete water/ice storage tank for thermal storage and glazed solar collectors to provide supplemental heating to the water/ice tank. The use of these concrete tanks and glazed solar collectors result in an initial cost that is too high to be recovered by fuel savings over a reasonable payback period. The improvements of this invention provide for low cost water/ice storage tanks and an adjustable geothermal heat pipe that provides supplemental heating to the water/ice storage tank replacing the solar collectors. The heat is provided by the deep earth and the water table.

Abstract: A method and equipment for increasing the efficiency of a heat pump is the subject of the present invention. The method comprises providing an underground pathway for air travel, forcing a quantity of air through the pathway for operation of the heat pump, and directing air emanating from the underground pathway to the heat pump inlet. The equipment of the invention comprises a heat pump, an underground conduit presenting an elongated path for accommodating the flow of air therethrough for heat exchange purposes with the earth, with the outlet of the underground conduit being disposed for directing air toward the heat pump.

Abstract: A method and means for using ground water in an aquifer as a heat source and heat sink are disclosed wherein heat is exchanged between the uniform temperature ground water and heat-exchanging apparatus at the earth's surface through a single well bore. The ground water is exchanged between an upper and lower portion of the aquifer, alternatively depending on the operating mode, in such a manner that a stratified lateral flow of the water after heat exchange is produced following natural convective paths in the top or bottom of the aquifer and resulting in wide laminar dissipation of the altered temperature water while avoiding thermal mixing between that water and the remaining uniform temperature water in the aquifer. This manner of exchange provides a continuous flow of heating or cooling water at or near the ambient aquifer temperature without any depletion of the aquifer.

Abstract: In a system and process for heating and cooling a house, circulated and/or intake air is passed through a system which utilizes low intensity and readily available geothermal heat capacity to heat or cool such air. The ducts of the system have an internal configuration and size that provides for relatively low velocity and correspondingly low pressure drop through such ducts yet provides air flow patterns that have sufficiently high air velocities adjacent the interior surface of the duct to provide extremely good heat exchange between such air and the interior surfaces of the ducts to utilize the low intensity temperature differentials provided by the earth mantle at only moderate depths adjacent a house in any of a great variety of areas.

Abstract: A three-way heat pipe configured in a generally Y-shape having a condenser-evaporator or heat-sink end, an evaporator arm and a condenser arm. In addition to conventional internal pumping the heat pipe is mechanically pumped externally from the heat-sink end to the evaporator arm. Heat transfer can take place between any two of the three elements by thermostatically controlling the external pump. Heat or cold may be stored in a suitable medium surrounding the condenser-evaporator end of the pipe for later transfer through the condenser or evaporator ends used as heat exchangers without a secondary circulation system. Heat transfer may also take place directly between the evaporator and condenser arms without storage. In the preferred embodiment of the heat storage configuration, a valve is placed in the condenser arm to prevent unwanted heat transfer.

Abstract: A section of a cement block building, usually a dwelling place, is illustrated with six versions of the means to carry out the basic concept.At some distance below the earth's surface, the temperature of the earth structure is substantially constant. This statement is in the context of normal building structure erected by man. The known increase in temperature at great depths is excluded from the operation of this invention.The depth to which one must go to experience constant year around temperatures will vary with location and this invention is more useful in those areas which do not experience extreme temperature variations, but which do require heat and cooling for best dwelling comfort.The earth below the surface is a huge heat sink, capable of absorbing unlimited heat energy from a higher source, or giving energy to a lower energy level area.

Abstract: An ice island is constructed in a marine area having a sheet of natural ice whereby, in a basic embodiment, a lower layer of fresh water ice is made by continually adding fresh water to the ice sheet and letting it freeze until the sheet is on bottom. An impervious insulating layer is put on top of the fresh ice and an upper layer is constructed thereon from sea water or mined ice blocks.

Abstract: Missiles located in the deeper (hard rock) portion of a shaft or tunnel are protected from damage during a nuclear attack by a mass of ice, preferably trumpet-shaped, located in the outermost portion (e.g., 600-900 meters). When missile egress is required, an ice-supported passageway is bored through the ice, preferably by melting. The trumpet shape assures a straight path for missile egress even if the shaft or tunnel should become transversely displaced by a cratering explosion against the surface.

Abstract: A forced air heating and cooling system employs a water source heat pump as the primary heating source and as a back-up or supplementary source of cooling. Supplementary heating is supplied by an electrical heater such as resistance heater, while primary cooling is provided by a water coil heat exchanger. Separate thermostats control the heat pump on the one hand, and the resistance heater and water coil heat exchanger on the other hand; the two thermostats can be combined in a simple unit. The thermostats automatically control two valves which control system water flow. For cooling, a first valve opens to permit water flow in series through first the water coil and then the heat pump. For heating, only the second valve is opened to bypass the water coil and deliver water directly to the heat pump. The water is ground water derived from a well, spring or lake. The thermostats automatically switch on the heat pump, heater and/or heat exchanger to effect the necessary heating or cooling.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extracting potable water are disclosed in preferred form as extracting drinking water from moisture-laden air at atmospheric temperature through the use of a heat exchanger at or near subsurface temperature which is in air communication with the atmosphere for allowing atmospheric moisture-laden air to enter, pass through, cool, arrive at its dew point, allow the moisture in the air to precipitate out, and allow the air to pass outward to the atmosphere again. Suitable apparatus may be provided to restrict air flow and allow sufficient residence time of the air in the heat exchanger to allow sufficient precipitation. Further, filtration may be provided on the air input and a means for creating a movement pressure, in the preferred form of a turbine, may be provided on the output. The water from the system of the present invention may then be collected and provided for human consumption in conventional manner.

Abstract: A system for transmitting, storing and utilizing cold which includes the use of mechanical refrigeration equipment for tramsmitting cold to cool anti-freezing liquid in a cold storage chamber which in turn freezes water in bags installed in the cold storage chamber. When an air-conditioning system in a cooling environment is in operation, coolant in the cold storage chamber will be circulated through a bank of tubes situated inside the air-conditioning duct for cooling air as required. The system provides for long-duration storage of coolant which can be effectively used during warm seasons for space cooling and cold storage.

Abstract: A system for transmitting, storing and utilizing cold which includes the use of either natural cold ambient air or mechanical refrigeration equipment for transmitting cold air to freeze water in containers installed in the cold storage chamber. When an air-conditioning system in a cooling environment is in operation, air in the air-conditioning duct will be circulated through the cold storage chamber and then returned to the duct for cooling requirements. The system provides for seasonal cold storage which can be effectively and efficiently used during the warm seasons for space cooling and cold storage.

Abstract: In order to prevent a conduit for heat absorption from a sea bottom or the like to float up in wintertime from the bottom due to icing, it is proposed according to the invention that the flow cross-section of the conduit is heat insulated from the surrounding water. Such insulation is obtained according to one embodiment of the invention, in that a work fluid is imparted with a laminar flow in the upper cross-section (15) of the conduit by means of a constricting inner pipe (12) located upwardly in the conduit, while the work fluid in the remaining cross-section (16) is permitted to have a turbulent flow.

Abstract: A horizontal in-ground heat exchanger is disclosed which comprises an input line, a return line and a plurality of heat exchanger pipes connected between the input and return lines. The heat exchanger pipes are divided into a plurality of groups, each including several pipes. An input manifold is connected to at least some pipes in each group and a return manifold is also connected to at least some pipes in each group. The cross-sectional dimension of each manifold is selected to be substantially smaller than a crosswise dimension of each pipe group lying in a horizontal plane. Each pipe has a curved end portion connected to its respective input and return manifold.

Abstract: A heating system employing a heat pump, which is provided with a source of heat created by a second system employing refrigerant as a heat transfer medium, is provided. In the second system the refrigerant passes through a structure wherein the refrigerant is boiled. The refrigerant is then passed by vapor pressure to a heat exchange structure where it gives off heat. The heat energy for boiling such refrigerant may be a readily available source of heat such as the ground, or a water storage system such as a pond, lake, swimming pool, river, well, or creek.

Abstract: An assembly that harnesses solar power for diverse applications. The principal application utilizes three closed loop elements for operating an air conditioning system. The first loop is a brine-carrying conduit, said brine being heated in a solar collector. The heat of said brine is exchanged, in a boiler means, to a refrigerant fluid carried by a second loop element. The vaporized refrigerant fluid drives a first double acting air cylinder which in turn drives a second air cylinder that can be single acting for some pumping application and which is double acting in the air conditioning application.In such air conditioning application, the second air cylinder serves as the refrigerant fluid compressor means for the assembly.

Abstract: An indoor space environment heating and cooling system in which a massive thermal storage unit is interposed between a geothermal heat energy storage capacity--the earth--and a heat pump heating and/or cooling apparatus for controlling and maintaining the environment in an indoor living space. A fluid circulation apparatus is provided to circulate a working fluid from the massive thermal storage unit directly to a heat exchanger in the indoor space environment conditioning apparatus, to provide cooling when the temperature of the thermal storage unit is less than the temperature in the living space.

Abstract: Cooling of electronic components, positioned downhole in a high temperature environment in a deep well, is achieved by a thermoelectric cooling system within a long vacuum insulated dewar flask which encompasses the electronic components and the cooling system. The electronic components are directly mounted on the cold plate of the cooling system and will be cooled down to a temperature well below the downhole ambient temperature. A long vapor phase heat transfer pipe and a heat exchanger, which is connected to the pipe's upper end and is immersed in the well fluid, convey heat from the hot plate of the cooling system to the fluid and to the downhole environment which will function as a heat sink, the hot plate temperature being greater than the ambient temperature.

Abstract: An ice island is constructed in a marine area having a sheet of natural ice by mining ice blocks from the ice sheet, curing the blocks and placing the cured blocks directly on the ice sheet until the natural sheet touches bottom and the desired weight of the ice island is obtained. Methods are disclosed for special placement of the blocks to prevent overstressing the natural ice sheet.

Abstract: The cold decompressed gas flowing into the compression station is preheated by the compressed warmer gas discharged by the station's compressor, thereby raising the temperature of the compressed gas at the discharge outlet of the compressor. The warm compressed gas discharged by the compressor is cooled with ambient air and with the cold decompressed gas stream flowing into the station. If required, to still further reduce its temperature, the cold compressed gas stream is expanded until its temperature approaches the temperature of the gas within the pipeline.The apparatus of the invention includes a gas-to-gas heat exchanger wherein the decompressed cold gas is first preheated by the counterflowing warm compressed gas. The preheated gas is allowed into the inlet of the compressor. The temperature of the warm compressed gas from the discharge outlet of the compressor is first reduced by a gas-to-air heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and equipment for increasing the efficiency of a heat pump is the subject of the present invention. The method comprises providing an underground pathway for air travel, forcing a quantity of air through the pathway for operation of the heat pump, and directing air emanating from the underground pathway to the heat pump inlet. The equipment of the invention comprises a heat pump, an underground conduit presenting an elongated path for accommodating the flow of air therethrough for heat exchange purposes with the earth, with the outlet of the underground conduit being disposed for directing air toward the heat pump.

Abstract: An underground duct is connected to other ductwork and controls associated with a building for automatically selectively passing outdoor air through the underground duct to the normally outdoor coils of a heat pump, recirculating air through the underground duct to the heat pump outdoor coils and back through the underground duct, and passing outdoor air directly to the heat pump outdoor coils and also passing outdoor air through the underground duct to recondition it, in order to achieve optimum heat pump efficiency for selectively heating and cooling the building. Alternatively, air from the underground duct or from outdoors is selectively passed directly into the building for optimum cooling thereof while a dehumidifier is used to remove latent heat from the air; and other heat sources may be used with direct recirculation of air through the building and addition of a portion of tempered air from the underground duct for slightly pressurizing the building interior with heated air.

Abstract: The support has a filling of insulating concrete which fills the space between the foundation slab and sand support layer. A cold sink formed of horizontal pipes laid in the main wind direction is encased in a middle region of the support. An impermeable film is placed over the cold sink and about the filing to prevent entry of moisture into the filling.

Abstract: A cooperative heat transfer and ground coupled storage system wherein collected solar heat energy is ground stored and permitted to radiate into the adjacent ground for storage therein over an extended period of time when such heat energy is seasonally maximally available. Thereafter, when said heat energy is seasonally minimally available and has propagated through the adjacent ground a substantial distance, the stored heat energy may be retrieved by a circumferentially arranged heat transfer means having a high rate of heat transfer.

Abstract: An energy conversion system employing a heat transducer and a set of heat exchange earth fields. The connection of the fields to the heat transducer is controllably variable. The fields are used to extract or dissipate heat according to whether a heating or cooling effect is desired. The heat gain, or heat loss in the case of cooling, is a function of the geothermal energy of the earth, as modulated by solar radiation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extracting potable water are disclosed in preferred form as extracting drinking water from moisture-laden air at atmospheric temperature through the use of a heat exchanger at or near subsurface temperature which is in air communication with the atmosphere for allowing atmospheric moisture-laden air to enter, pass through, cool, arrive at its dew point, allow the moisture in the air to precipitate out, and allow the air to pass outward to the atmosphere again. Suitable apparatus may be provided to restrict air flow and allow sufficient residence time of the air in the heat exchanger to allow sufficient precipitation. Further, filtration may be provided on the air input and a means for creating a movement pressure, in the preferred form of a turbine, may be provided on the output. The water from the system of the present invention may then be collected and provided for human consumption in conventional manner.

Abstract: A system for transmitting, storing and utilizing cold which includes the use of heat pipes for transmitting the winter cold to cool the anti-freezing liquid in the ground cold storage which in turn freeze the water bags installed in the cold storage. When the complete air-conditioning system in a cooling environment is in operation, the coolant in the cold storage will be circulated through a bank of tubes situated inside the air-conditioning duct for cooling air as required. The system provides for long-duration earth storage of winter cold which can be effectively used during warm seasons for space cooling and cold storage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for utilizing the earth as a heat source and heat sink for heating and cooling buildings are disclosed. Flexible material such as hollow plastic or metal foil bags which can be buried in deep, narrow trenches are draped over and clamped to heat transfer fluid conduits or conventional heat pipes vastly increasing the heat transfer surface area serving the conduits or heat pipes. The heat pipe bags contain a heat transfer fluid and can contain wicks which are in heat transfer communication with the heat transfer fluid conduits or other heat pipes. The plastic or metal of the heat pipe bag similarly enclosed the wick forming a closed, sealed system which can also include the conduit or heat pipe. Such conduit-heat pipe bag combination can be used in combination with conventional heat pumps to both heat and cool buildings.

Abstract: In order to guarantee that the floor space be kept to a minimum and nevertheless render a closed circuit system possible with a device for absorbing the heat of the earth, particularly for operating a heat pump which at the same time affords high, steady final temperatures of the medium to be heated, a probe with a tube body extending into the ground like a column is used. The end of the probe pointing to the ground is sealed, and in the interior thereof an inner tube is arranged, the diameter of which is smaller than the inside diameter of the tube body, so as to form a circulation jacket. The inner tube is provided at its bottom end with an overflow opening into the circulation jacket. It is advantageous to seal the tube body at its end that points to the ground by means of a removable piston. This enables the tube body to be inserted into the ground as a permanently implanted boring rod during a wash boring operation.

Abstract: An absorption type air conditioning system in which a solar collector is used integrally to heat and strip refrigerant from the mixture of absorbent and refrigerant to eliminate a separated hot water or other heat transfer medium cycle as normally employed between the solar collector and the stripper generator.Also, the present invention includes an absorber which is integrally located within the confines of a deep water well used to extract heat from the entire system, together with a condenser coil or tube also located within the deep water well. The integral location of absorber and condenser within the confines of the heat sinking medium, such as a deep water well raises the overall cooling efficiency since a separated cooling cycle and heat exchanger are eliminated.The invention is particularly suited to brine type absorption systems, such as lithium bromide and water solutions where stripper generator action may take place at temperatures easily obtainable with the solar collector process included.

Abstract: A combination earth heat exchanger and heat storage device for a heat pump system in which the earth is the heat source/sink. The device includes an elongated, hermetically-sealed enclosure containing a phase change material which is in thermal contact with both the primary heat transfer fluid and the surrounding soil. The heat transfer fluid, a mixture of water and of antifreeze, is circulated in a closed loop through pipes, sections of which are jacketted by at least one enclosure containing a phase change material. For heat addition to the fluid stream, a phase change material is used which has a transition temperature which is approximately 10.degree. F. below the mean seasonal ground temperature in the winter and slightly below the minimun undisturbed soil temperature at the depth at which the earth heat exchanger and heat storage device is embedded.

Abstract: The geothermal system for conditioning air includes a heat pump (10) of the liquid-to-air type and an improved heat sink (40) in heat exchange relationship with the subterranean water system of the earth and connected to the heat pump through a liquid circulating system. The heat sink includes an elongate metallic liquid container (41) providing a large amount of surface contact with the earth and of a sufficient length and buried at a sufficient depth to provide a good heat transfer relationship with the subterranean water system of the earth. A liquid inlet conduit (44) communicates with the interior of the upper end of the liquid container (41) and an outlet conduit (insulator tube 45 and return pipe 54) extends longitudinally within the container and thermally insulates the outlet liquid from the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an off-shore ice island structure in waters which normally freeze in the winter. The ice island is useful as a base for oil field operations, for oil and gas storage, for docking ships during thaw periods, and the like. The structure comprises a plurality of elongated hollow wall elements adapted to be vertically oriented and assembled in open water to form a bounded area. The elements become frozen in place during the winter and the bounded area is intermittently flooded at intervals to permit accumulation of ice sufficient to sink the ice island to the marine bottom. Additional wall elements are added to the first wall elements to form upward continuations to contain the flooding water and accumulated ice. Pumps are provided to convey water to the upper surface of the island for freezing, and to carry off brine during the freezing process. Refrigeration equipment can be utilized to keep the ice island in a frozen condition during seasonal thaws.

Abstract: Flexible pipes unwound from a supply drum are placed adjacent a wall to be supported, and water is applied to the outside of the pipes while passing through them a cooling medium at a temperature below the melting point of ice, thereby freezing a first ice layer against the wall. Cooling medium at a temperature above the ice melting point is then passed through the pipes to loosen them from the ice; and at least some of the pipes are rewound on the drum to remove them from the first ice layer and are then replaced outside but adjacent thereto, after which the procedure is repeated until enough ice layers are formed to provide a block of desired thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact heating assembly of the heat pump type, comprising a heat pump circuit having a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser, wherein the evaporator and condenser parts, together with means for heat exchanging heat carrying fluids against the same, are arranged in a housing. The evaporator and its heat exchanger means and the condenser and its heat exchanger means substantially form an essentially vertical helical conduit system which encloses an inner space, wherein the compressor, possible circulation pumps, etc. are arranged. The device can be burrowed in the ground, and the inner space is accessible via an inspection cover arranged at the top.

Abstract: An improvement in an environment heating and cooling system in which air is circulated in heat exchange relationship with a first heat exchanger and the enclosed space to be air conditioned characterized by hot and cold heat exchangers at the surface connected in respective heating and cooling fluid circuits with, respectively, remote buried heat and cold storage areas; with respective pump means for pumping in both directions through the respective heat and cold storage areas for putting either heat or cold into the storage areas and removing therefrom, heat or cooling capacity. Also disclosed are preferred embodiments, piping interconnections and the like, including an embodiment in which a supplemental mechanical refrigeration unit is employed for use during time of bargain electrical rates to store excess cooling capacity in the cold storage area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal inverter arrangement and method for controlling air temperatures and currents within a building utilizing an underground plenum chamber having a plurality of transverse screens with thermal conducting poles attached thereto. Through the use of thermal differentials and an exhaust duct cooperatively aligned to receive favorable outside winds, natural air movements create a continuous draft from outside the building, through the plenum chamber, then through the building, and back outside again through the exhaust duct.

Abstract: An underground conduit extends through the soil in two parallel stretches and connects at one end with a return duct and at the opposite end to the air intake of a heating and cooling unit. The return air duct may be closed off by a damper so that the return air is diverted through the underground conduit. The underground conduit may also be coupled with a forced air unit which is independent of any heating and cooling system. An air diverter in one stretch of the conduit recycles air through the conduit while a portion of the air is utilized. The constant temperature of the subterranean region results in the circulating air in the underground conduit being heated in winter and cooled in summer. To increase the air turbulence and the effectiveness of the heat transfer, the conduit may be corrugated. Sand may be packed around the conduit to retain moisture for more effective cooling.

Abstract: An earth type heat pump having a heat exchanger including an evaporator coil and a compressor, condenser, receiver and expansion valve in series with the evaporator coil for delivering heat picked up at the heat exchanger from the condenser, and heat pickup tubes positioned vertically in the earth and connected with the heat exchange structure for passively supplying heat from the earth to the heat exchanger by means of a refrigerant passing between the heat pickup tubes and heat exchange structure, and the corresponding method of supplying heat from an earth type heat pump. In one modification the heat of the earth is supplemented by a solar heating system including a collector and heater tubes connected to the collector positioned vertically and interspersed with the heat pickup tubes of the heat pump.

Abstract: A device is providing for cooling a stored material and then for later use of the cold thus stored. The device includes a tank containing a liquid such as water which is frozen by means of a reflux condenser heat pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the earth or other heat source/heat sink for heating and cooling buildings are disclosed. The system comprises at least one heat transfer fluid conduit and at least one heat pipe in heat transfer communication. When two conduits are employed a dual cycle system for heating and cooling is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, upper and lower heat transfer fluid conduits containing a first heat transfer fluid are connected by heat pipes containing a second heat transfer fluid, the two fluids being isolated from one another. The heat pipes are preferably sealed plastic tubes with hollow metal end caps at each end. The metal end caps on the heat pipes are positioned in the circulation pipes so as to have sufficient contact with the recirculatory fluid in the respective heat transfer fluid conduits to transfer heat to and from such fluid.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system having a refrigerant heat pump employing first and second evaporator-condensers with a reversing valve, a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger embodying the first evaporator-condenser, an elongated conduit buried in the earth and connected with the heat exchanger, and means positioned in the earth to maintain the earth in wet condition adjacent the conduit so that heat is efficiently transferred between the conduit and the earth.

Abstract: The heating system of the present invention includes a compressor for compressing and heating refrigerant. The pressurized, heated refrigerant is passed through a first heat exchanger which is coupled to a container of water. A pump circulates water from the container through the first heat exchanger to transfer heat from the refrigerant through the heat exchanger to the water. This heat exchange process cools and condenses the refrigerent from a gas to a liquid as the water is heated. The liquified refrigerant is transferred to a coaxial earth tap which includes an inner passageway for transferring the refrigerant from the upper end to the lower end of the earth tap and a restrictor positioned at the lower end of the tap for vaporizing the refrigerant.

Abstract: A system for transmitting, storing and utilizing cold which includes the use of heat pipes for transmitting the winter cold to freeze the ground water storage, and two-phase flow pipes to effectively cool the warm air passing through the flow pipes in the air conditioning duct. The system provides for long-duration earth storage of the winter cold which can be effectively used during summer seasons for cooling homes, buildings and other structures.The two-phase flow pipes, characterized by having irreversible vapor flow, include a pump arrangement for transferring working fluid from the condenser section to the evaporator section of the flow pipes where phase-change is taken place by absorbing heat from the passing warm air.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for control of the climatic environment of an underground enclosure having at least one source tending to emit a quantity of extraneous heat and associated with premises presenting a potential need for heating. Utilization is made directly of the regulating characteristics of the ground at a depth taking account of thermal inertia in order to enable the ground to operate as a heat source or thermal absorbent. For this purpose, apparatus is provided which is arranged entirely under the level of the ground at a mean depth which should not exceed 10 m, at latitudes in France, but this depth is variable according to the particular geological nature of the terrain. To take advantage of the thermal buffer the temperature of which is generally about 12.degree. C. in the Parisian region, the apparatus includes a wall structure with some of the walls formed of a material with a high coefficient of thermal exchange.

Abstract: A method for the formation of a safe storage area to hold materials, where the storage area is in the form of an underground storage cavern in a preferably rock formation maintained at a different temperature from the natural temperature of the environs surrounding the walls, floor, and the ceiling of said storage cavern. The inside of the storage cavern is with or without insulation and an inner first circulation system surrounds the cavern. The circulation system has a plurality of channels regularly distributed around the cavern and near its surface parallel to the axis of the storage space. The system of tunnels formed of the channels together encloses and surrounds the cavern.

Abstract: Heat exchanger apparatus for use with refrigeration cycle heating and cooling equipment is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, it cooperates with and modifies refrigeration equipment including a compressor, an expansion valve, an evaporator coil and a closed loop for cycling refrigerant. This apparatus is a sealed container adapted to be placed in a well extending into artesian (relatively heated or chilled) formations whereby the water of the formation stabilizes the temperature around the unit and enables heating and cooling. The sealed unit receives refrigerant from the top which flows along the sidewall at a reduced temperature, thereby condensing on the sidewall and trickling down the sidewall to collect in a sump at the bottom where the compressor pump picks up condensed refrigerant as a liquid and pumps it out of the artesian well to the connected refrigeration equipment.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system comprises a first reservoir containing liquid at an elevated temperature, solar collecting means exposed to solar radiation for collecting solar energy and means disposed in thermal exchange relationship with said first reservoir for transmitting heat energy from said solar collecting means to said first reservoir, a second reservoir containing a liquid disposed in thermal exchange relationship with a portion of the earth, means for blending liquids derived respectively from thermal exchange relationship with said first and second reservoirs, a heat engine having first and second refrigerant coils, one of said refrigerant coils disposed in thermal exchange relationship with an atmosphere to be heated or cooled, and valve means responsive to the refrigerant pressure in said other coil for delivering blended liquor from said blending valve to thermal exchange relationship with said other refrigerant coil, whereby heat energy to be extracted from or delivered to said other refrigeran

Abstract: An improvement in storage systems for liquefied natural gas or the like to provide increased security in cases of tank rupture. The safety system comprises a dike, impounding wall or drainage channel constructed of compacted earth, concrete, metal and/or other suitable substance surrounding an aboveground steel insulated tank used to store the liquefied gas. A drop shaft is used to communicate the diked area with an underground tunnel for temporary accumulation and subsequent safe disposal of liquid which has escaped from the storage tank.