Geothermal Exchange Module and a Method of use with an Augmented Water Temperature System

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.

Description

[0001]The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61 / 355,734 filed on Jun. 17, 2010.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a ground / water heat exchanger with optional water temperature augmentation. More specifically, the present invention is a system that improves on geothermal heat exchange and heat pump performance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Geothermal heat exchange is the exchange of heat between the earth mass and a working fluid. There are three principal types of geothermal systems in use.[0004]In the open loop system, water can be sourced by a pond, lake or river. Most often however; the system is sourced by an underground stream as in a well. In such circumstance the underground water temperature approximates the surrounding earth temperature. Well water is pumped to the user's location where heat is extracted (or discharged when in the cooling mode) in a water / refrigerant heat exchange and then r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029]The present invention is a thermal exchange process to deliver water, in a closed loop ground / 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. The present invention allows for the optimization of energy and performance. Also provided by the present invention is an improved ground to water heat exchanger for geothermal heating and cooling. The ground to water heat exchanger is a sealed cylinder that is located substantially below the earth's surface surrounded by earth mass. Within the cylinder's thin outside wall is an annular column of saturated sand. During operation, circulating water from the user's heat pump flows from the top of the cylinder column through the saturated sand medium in a U-configuration at the desired pump rate. The slow passage of water, coaxial with the thin stainless steel cylinder wall together with the special conductivity characteristics of saturated sand assures efficient ground to water heat transfer. The improved heat transfer results in greater operating efficiencies for geothermal heating and cooling. In cooling dominant climates, the entry water is not manipulated with an augmented booster. 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. However, the augmented booster system is optional and only serves to boost the heating performance of the heat pump. In the circumstance that the present invention is used in a colder climate and anti-freeze is not being used, the augmented booster is required to prevent the freezing of the water within the piping. The secondary benefit of the present invention is the potential reduction of the size of the geothermal field.

Problems solved by technology

The efficiency of heat pumps diminishes with descending outside air temperatures.

However, the augmented booster system is optional and only serves to boost the heating performance of the heat pump.

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