System to enable geothermal field interaction with existing HVAC systems, method to enable geothermal field interaction with existing HVAC system

Abstract

A system for adapting an HVAC system in an existing building for utilizing geothermal energy is described. The system uses an incoming flux of geothermal energy, along with a plurality of heat exchange surfaces adapted to receive the incoming flux of geothermal energy. The system also includes an interface between the HVAC system and the heat exchange surfaces. The interface is adapted to transfer the geothermal energy to the system. A multiplier sub for a drill rig and several drilling assemblies are also described, along with a system to reduce vibration.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application claims the benefits of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 12 / 645,741 filed on Dec. 23, 2009, presently pending, which in turn claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61 / 270,851, filed on Jul. 14, 2009, presently expired, both applications hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to a system and a method to enable widespread adoption of geothermal energy and more particularly this invention relates to a system and a method for facilitating energy transfer from a geothermal field to an existing HVAC system of a building with minimal retrofit, thereby enhancing or retro fitting existing conventional HVAC systems with minimal interference of daily activity within the building.[0004]2. Background of the Invention[0005]Geothermal energy is an alternative energy source existing under ground. The goal for geothermal energy use is to utilize the typical midrange constant...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028]Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for establishing 4 to 5 tons of geothermal energy from one well, making a 30-60 ton geothermal field on 2000 square feet of real estate a possibility. A feature of the invention is enabling the drilling of a plurality of wells in close spatial relationship to each other, each well of which is approximately 300 to 700 feet deep. An advantage of the invention is that the increased depth, and therefore capacity, of each well results in a geothermal well field with a smaller foot print. This provides a means for harvesting geothermal energy from within densely packed, urban areas.

[0029]Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system for producing geothermal well fields in any formation. A feature of the invention is the primary use of rotary drilling to backfill and minimize fractures in the walls of the well bores. An advantage of the system is the minimization of environmental impact on ground surfaces, and a concomitant tight packing of geothermal wells within smaller ground footprints.

[0030]Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a tightly packed well field in any geologic formation. A feature of the method is manipulation of a reverse auger in wells to repair fractures along bore walls, whereby the manipulation includes rotation of the auger, and lifting of the auger, all at speeds ultimately detrimental to above-hole equipment. An advantage of the invented method is that it allows for the establishment of working wells within a few feet of each other.

[0031]Briefly, the invention provides a system for charging an HVAC system of an existing building with geothermal energy, the system comprising an incoming flux of geothermal energy; a plurality of heat exchange surfaces adapted to receive the incoming flux of geothermal energy; and an interface between the HVAC system and the heat exchange surfaces, said interface adapted to transfer the geothermal energy to the system.

[0032]Also provided is a method for repairing aberrations along a drill bore wall, such aberrations including lost circulation zones (LCZ) in geothermal well bores, the method comprising u

Problems solved by technology

Washout of the well bore caliper, or an unnecessary increase in the diameter of the well bore, results in a loss of the loop's ability to transfer a considerable percentage of energy.

This results in a loss of thermal conductance from the earth to the loop at that point.

Environmental containment of the drill site with air rotary drilling is very challenging.

Fuel consumption of equipment utilizing this method is extremely high due to massive amounts of horse power spent producing huge amounts of air at extremely high pressures.

Other drawbacks to air rotary drilling include disruption of adjacent structures such as aquifers and nearby wells.

Mud rotary drilling is less disruptive to nearby geologic structures, but also less effective in penetrating dense structures even when expensive diamond bits (such as those featuring polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) inserts) are used.

Also, mud rotary drilling stops working when large cavities develop or are encountered during drilling, inasmuch as mud pressure drops significantly in these scenarios.

A subsequent drop in the return mud volume through the annulus (i.e., the space between the drill string and the sides of the well bore) results in cuttings not being carried to the surface of the hole for evacuation.

This in turn can result in another zone flowing into the wellbore and a

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