System and Distribution Tank for Low-Energy Network

Abstract

A system for a low-energy network includes a collector circuit (1a, 1b) filled with a first transfer solution, a heat transfer circuit (7) filled with a second transfer solution, and a terminal (3) adapted to transfer heat between the transfer solutions of the collector circuit (1a, 1b) and the heat transfer circuit (7). The collector circuits (1a, 1b) are connected to the terminal via two distribution reservoirs (82, 81), of which the first distribution reservoir (81) is isolated and configured to receive and transfer heated transfer liquid, and the second distribution reservoir (82) is configured to receive and transfer cooled transfer liquid, and at least one collector circuit (1a, 1b) connecting the first distribution reservoir (81) and the second distribution reservoir (82) is connected to each distribution reservoir (81, 82) terminating the low-energy network. The system may also include a distribution tank (80) for the low-energy network.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Section 371 of International Application No. PCT / FI2007 / 050140, filed Mar. 15, 2007, which was published in the English language on Sep. 27, 2007, under International Publication No. WO 2007 / 107629 A1 and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to the utilization of low energy, such as geothermal heat, and particularly to a system for transferring heat with a terminal, such as a heat pump or the like, from the earth or water via a transfer medium.[0003]In present practice, the utilization of low energy obtained from the earth, water or rock refers to heating of a building and service water by means of a pump and a heat collector circuit. The operating principle of such a geothermal heat system corresponds to that of a freezer, but is reverse: the system cools the earth and heats a water accumulator, for example. Often 2 to 3 units of heat are ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In accordance with an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the system comprises a collector circuit filled with a first transfer solution, a heat transfer circuit filled with a second transfer solution, and a terminal adapted to transfer heat between the transfer solutions of the collector circuit and the heat transfer circuit, wherein the collector circuits are connected to the terminal via two distribution reservoirs, of which the first distribution reservoir is isolated and configured to receive and transfer heated transfer liquid, and the second distribution reservoir is configured to receive and transfer cooled transfer liquid, and at least one collector circuit connecting the first distribution reservoir and the second distribution reservoir is connected to each distribution reservoir terminating the low-energy network. Herein, a terminating distribution reservoir refers to a reservoir from which the network starts or to which it ends. The network of the invention does not limit the shape and routes of the network. The network may be implemented in circuit form, whereby the network starts and ends at the same terminating distribution reservoir. Similarly, the network of the invention may be stellate, whereby there are several terminating distribution reservoirs. An advantage of the invention is that the network may be expanded without restrictions.

[0014]For example, a network extension may be connected by means of a main pipework and distribution reservoirs to any distribution reservoir of a network implemented in circuit form. In this case, the distribution reservoirs separate from the circuit serve as terminating distribution reservoirs.

[0015]In accordance with an embodiment, first distribution reservoirs and second distribution reservoirs are interconnected in the distribution tank. The distribution reservoirs are arranged in the distribution tank in such a manner that an isolation section for decreasing heat transfer between the reservoirs is arranged between the distribution reservoirs.

[0016]The distribution tanks are connected with a first main pipe for transferring transfer solution cooled with a terminal, such as a geothermal pump or the like, and with a second main pipe for transferring transfer solution heated in the ground circuit. The first main pipe can be isolated, allowing main pipes to be placed in each other's vicinity without any significant heat transfer therebetween. The thickness of the isolation of the first main pipe may be increased or decreased depending on the installation depths of the main pipes or the distance therebetween. Preferably, the main pipes may be placed in the same dug ditch on top of each other, which eliminates the need to dig separate ditches. The depth of placement of the main pipes may vary, but it may be 1 to 2 meters, for example, allowing a non-isolated main pipe to receive heat from the ground.

[0017]The second main pipe is non-isolated in a manner allowing thermal energy to transfer between the transfer liquid in the pipe and the ground outside the pipe. This being so, the main pipes also serve as part of the collector circuits that may be utilized for both heating and cooling of properties.

[0018]In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, each ground circuit connected to a distribution tank is provided with measuring means and adjusting means in a manner enabling the measurement of the heat production of each collector circuit with the measuring means and the flow rate of each collector circuit is separately adjustable with the adjusting means to conform with the requirement of the terminals. This enables of the use of a control system for electric control of the adjusting means of the distribution tank. The connection of the adjusting means and measuring means of the distribution tank to the control system may be not only a wired connection, but also a wireless data communication connection. A wireless connection to the control system may facilitate the implementation of the system, in connection with expansion of the system, for example.

Problems solved by technology

The consumption of heating energy in properties is significant under cold weather conditions.

However, such a pipework requires a wide surface area, which renders it usable only in large plots of land.

The placement of a horizontal pipe in a park, for example, is difficult without harming plants and roots of trees.

However, a significant layer of loose ground may exist on top of the rock.

The loose ground has to be provided with a protecting tube, which raises costs.

Accordingly, ground having a thick layer of loose ground, restricts the placement of a thermal well.

However, it is impossible to estimate the flow of groundwater without implementing expensive drilling.

However, a pipe filled with solution is lighter than water, and therefore tends to rise upwards.

Risen pipe sections may cause air pockets that interfere with the circulation.

A pipework placed at the bottom is also always susceptible to damage.

An anchor of a boat or the like may engage the pipework and damage the pipe.

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