Ground source heat recovery extraction device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to the field of geothermal energy harvesting technology. It provides a ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device, comprising a ground layer having a heat exchange space and an opening communicating with the heat exchange space. The ground layer is used to transfer heat, exchanging underground heat with low-temperature water within the heat exchange space. A flow pipe is located within the heat exchange space, and the flow pipe has a flow space within it. The sidewall of the flow pipe has a first flow port and a second flow port, both of which are communicating with the heat exchange space. A partition plate is disposed within the flow space, dividing the flow space into a first cavity and a second cavity. This technical solution solves the technical problem in related technologies where geothermal energy harvesting easily leads to groundwater pollution and damage to the original groundwater resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the field of geothermal energy utilization technology, and more specifically, to a ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device. Background Technology

[0002] With rapid global economic development and continuous growth in energy demand, the reserves of traditional fossil fuels are constantly decreasing, and their use is causing increasingly serious environmental pollution problems, such as greenhouse gas emissions and acid rain. Therefore, developing and utilizing clean energy has become a key approach to solving the energy crisis and environmental problems.

[0003] In actual production and daily life, the sun continuously transmits heat energy to the ground, which is stored deep underground. When the surface temperature changes, the heat energy located deep underground is minimally affected.

[0004] Existing geothermal energy utilization devices can cause groundwater layer cross-contamination, polluting groundwater, disrupting the normal groundwater system, and hindering sustainable resource development. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a ground source circulating thermal recovery and storage device, which solves the technical problem in the related art that groundwater pollution and damage to the original groundwater resources are easily caused when collecting geothermal energy.

[0006] According to one aspect, at least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a ground-source circulating thermal energy recovery and storage device for collecting heat located in an underground subgrade, the subgrade having a heat exchange space and an opening communicating with the heat exchange space, the subgrade being used to transfer heat, geothermal energy exchanging high-temperature underground heat with low-temperature water in the heat exchange space, and further comprising: A flow tube is located within the heat exchange space. The flow tube has a flow space inside, and the side wall of the flow tube has a first flow port and a second flow port. Both the first flow port and the second flow port are connected to the heat exchange space. A partition plate is disposed within the flow space, dividing the flow space into a first cavity and a second cavity. The first flow port is connected to the first cavity, and the second flow port is connected to the second cavity. The first cavity has an inlet, and the second cavity has an outlet.

[0007] For example, in at least one embodiment of the ground source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in this disclosure, the first flow port and the second flow port have different heights.

[0008] For example, the ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure further includes: A gravel layer is located within the heat exchange space. The gravel particles in the gravel layer are larger than the first and second flow ports. The gravel layer is used to disperse the water flow into the heat exchange space.

[0009] For example, in at least one embodiment of the ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in this disclosure, the heat exchange space has a converging section and two branching sections, the diameter of the converging section is smaller than that of the branching sections, and the converging section separates the two branching sections. For example, the ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure further includes: A plurality of heat exchange tubes are located on the converging section. The plurality of heat exchange tubes are located outside the heat exchange space and connect the two branch sections. The heat exchange tubes are used to exchange heat between high-temperature groundwater and low-temperature water inside the heat exchange tubes.

[0010] For example, the ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure further includes: A hot water pipe is connected to the water outlet, and the hot water pipe is used to send the water that has completed heat exchange out of the ground layer.

[0011] For example, the ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure further includes: A submersible pump, located inside the hot water pipe, is used to provide power for the circulation of the heat-exchanged water within the storage and extraction device.

[0012] For example, in at least one embodiment of the ground source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in this disclosure, the hot water pipe is located within the heat exchange space and one end of the hot water pipe passes through the heat exchange space.

[0013] For example, the ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in at least one embodiment of this disclosure further includes: A heat-insulating sealing layer is disposed on the opening, the heat-insulating sealing layer is used to seal the opening, and the flow pipe passes through the heat-insulating sealing layer to communicate with the outside.

[0014] For example, in at least one embodiment of the ground source circulating thermal recovery and storage device provided in this disclosure, there are a plurality of first flow ports and second flow ports, and a plurality of first flow ports and second flow ports are arranged in a circumferential array.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein are as follows: In this disclosure, the ground layer is located in the Quaternary system underground, and groundwater flows directly into the heat exchange space for heat exchange. The ground layer itself possesses a large amount of thermal energy. During heat exchange, groundwater does not directly participate in the heat exchange process; instead, it exchanges heat directly with the outer wall of the heat exchange space. This effectively avoids groundwater layer cross-contamination and pollution problems, protects the groundwater system, and meets the requirements of sustainable development. The flow pipes and partition plates optimize the heat exchange process, enabling more efficient collection and utilization of geothermal energy and improving energy efficiency. The appropriate materials and structural designs of each component allow it to adapt to complex underground environmental conditions, ensuring the stability and reliability of the device during long-term operation and reducing maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device disclosed herein; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram showing other components indicated in this disclosure.

[0018] In the diagram: 100, base layer; 110, heat exchange space; 120, opening; 130, flow pipe; 131, flow space; 132, first flow port; 133, second flow port; 140, partition plate; 121, first cavity; 122, second cavity; 123, inlet; 124, outlet; 150, gravel layer; 111, converging section; 112, branching section; 160, heat exchange pipe; 170, hot water pipe; 180, submersible pump; 190, thermal insulation sealing layer. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to the disclosure; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0021] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0024] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this is a ground-source circulating thermal recovery and storage device according to one embodiment of this disclosure. The ground layer 100 is located in the Quaternary system underground. Groundwater flows directly into the heat exchange space 110 for heat exchange. The ground layer 100 itself has a large amount of thermal energy. During heat exchange, no groundwater directly participates in the heat exchange; instead, it directly exchanges heat with the outer wall of the heat exchange space 110. This effectively avoids groundwater layer cross-contamination and pollution problems, protects the groundwater system, and meets the requirements of sustainable development. The flow pipe 130 and the partition plate 140 optimize the heat exchange process, enabling geothermal energy to be collected and utilized more efficiently, thus improving energy utilization efficiency. The components adopt appropriate materials and structural designs to adapt to complex underground environmental conditions, ensuring the stability and reliability of the device during long-term operation and reducing maintenance costs.

[0026] The flow pipe 130 is located within the heat exchange space 110, and its internal flow space 131 provides a channel for water flow. The first flow port 132 and the second flow port 133 connect the heat exchange space 110 and the flow space 131, enabling water exchange between them. The flow pipe rationally guides the water flow path, optimizes the heat exchange process, and allows geothermal energy to be collected and utilized more effectively, improving the overall efficiency of the geothermal collection device. A partition plate 140 is installed within the flow space 131, dividing it into a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 122. The partition plate 140 clearly defines the flow paths of cold and hot water, preventing mixing and ensuring orderly heat exchange. The partition plate 140 must possess sufficient strength and sealing to withstand water pressure and prevent leakage between cold and hot water, which could affect the heat exchange effect.

[0027] In some examples, the first outlet 132 and the second outlet 133 are at different heights, which guides cold and hot water to form a more orderly flow path within the heat exchange space 110. By optimizing the heat exchange path and reducing hot and cold mixing, the cold water can more fully absorb the heat from the high-temperature groundwater, increasing the temperature of the hot water when it flows out, thereby improving the efficiency of geothermal energy collection and providing higher quality hot water for subsequent energy utilization. The orderly water flow reduces pressure fluctuations and water flow turbulence within the device, lowers the probability of component wear and failure, and improves the stability and reliability of the entire geothermal collection device. This not only extends the service life of the device but also reduces maintenance workload and costs, providing a guarantee for long-term stable geothermal energy collection.

[0028] In some examples, the gravel particles in the gravel layer 150 are larger than those in the first and second flow ports 132 and 133. When water flows into the heat exchange space 110 from the flow ports, it impacts the gravel layer 150. The presence of the gravel layer 150 alters the flow direction and velocity of the water, dispersing it among the gravel and preventing water concentration in localized areas. This allows the water to be distributed more evenly within the heat exchange space 110. The gravel layer 150 effectively disperses the water flow, ensuring that water at all locations within the heat exchange space 110 participates in heat exchange effectively, preventing localized overheating or undercooling, resulting in more uniform hot water temperature and improved geothermal energy harvesting quality. The gravel is typically selected from hard, chemically stable natural gravel, such as quartz or granite gravel. The gravel layer 150 is evenly distributed within the heat exchange space 110.

[0029] In practical use, when low-temperature water flows into the heat exchange space 110 from the first outlet 132, it directly impacts the gravel layer 150. Due to the obstruction and dispersion effect of the gravel particles, the water flow changes direction between the gravel particles, spreading outwards and evenly distributing within the heat exchange space 110. The dispersed water flows in the space between the gravel layer 150 and the ground layer 100, making full contact with the ground layer 100 and absorbing the heat from the high-temperature groundwater transferred through the ground layer 100. The gravel layer 150 increases the contact time and area between the water flow and the ground layer 100, making heat exchange more complete and the water temperature continuously rises.

[0030] In some examples, the diameter of the converging section 111 of the ground layer 100 is smaller than that of the branching section 112. Multiple heat exchange tubes 160 are arranged on the converging section 111 and located outside the heat exchange space 110, connecting the two branching sections 112. The main function of the heat exchange tubes 160 is to further enhance the heat exchange process. High-temperature groundwater exchanges heat with the low-temperature water inside the heat exchange tubes 160 as it flows through the converging section 111 and the branching section 112. The heat exchange tubes 160 increase the heat exchange area and pathway, allowing more heat to be transferred from the high-temperature groundwater to the low-temperature water, thus improving the efficiency of geothermal energy harvesting. The heat exchange tubes 160 significantly improve heat exchange efficiency; by increasing the heat exchange area and pathway, more geothermal energy can be harvested, providing higher temperatures and more abundant hot water for subsequent energy utilization. Simultaneously, the heat exchange tubes 160 help balance the water flow and heat in the branching section 112, enhancing the stability and reliability of the device operation and ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the geothermal energy harvesting process.

[0031] The converging section 111, the diversion section 112, and the heat exchange tube 160 significantly improve the heat exchange efficiency of the geothermal energy harvesting device, enabling more efficient utilization of underground thermal energy and providing higher-quality hot water for subsequent energy use, thus enhancing the competitiveness of geothermal energy in the energy sector. The optimized water flow path and heat exchange process make the device more stable and reliable in operation. By balancing the water flow and heat in the diversion section 112, internal pressure fluctuations and thermal stress concentration caused by uneven water flow and heat distribution are reduced, extending the service life of each component and lowering maintenance costs.

[0032] In some examples, the hot water pipe 170 is connected to the outlet 124 of the second chamber 122, serving as a channel for transporting hot water from inside the geothermal extraction device to the outside. Its design must consider factors such as the temperature, pressure, and transport distance of the hot water to ensure that the hot water maintains a high temperature during transport, reducing heat loss, while also ensuring the pipe's sealing and pressure resistance to prevent leakage. The diameter and material selection of the hot water pipe 170 must be determined based on the actual hot water flow rate and transport requirements to achieve efficient and stable hot water transport. A submersible pump 180 is installed inside the hot water pipe 170. Its main function is to provide power for the hot water, after heat exchange, to leave the second chamber 122 and flow within the hot water pipe 170. The submersible pump 180 drives an impeller to rotate via a motor, creating a negative pressure at the center of the impeller. This draws hot water into the impeller, and under centrifugal force, the hot water is thrown out tangentially along the impeller, achieving the lifting and transport of the hot water. The power and head of the submersible pump 180 need to be determined based on the length and height of the hot water pipe 170, as well as the flow rate and pressure required for hot water delivery, to ensure that the actual hot water delivery needs can be met.

[0033] In some examples, the hot water pipe 170 is placed within the heat exchange space 110, allowing full utilization of the waste heat within the space during hot water delivery. One end of the hot water pipe 170 passes through the heat exchange space 110, ensuring that the hot water can be smoothly discharged from the device after absorbing additional heat, thus optimizing space utilization. The arrangement of the hot water pipe 170 within the heat exchange space 110 significantly improves the efficiency of geothermal energy collection and utilization. By absorbing waste heat, the hot water temperature is increased, providing a higher quality heat source for energy utilization and enhancing the competitiveness of geothermal energy in the energy sector.

[0034] In some examples, the thermal insulation sealing layer 190 covers the opening 120 of the ground layer 100. Its main purpose is to form a sealed barrier to prevent groundwater from flowing directly into the heat exchange space 110. This protects the groundwater system, prevents cross-contamination, and maintains the stability of the internal heat exchange environment. The sealing principle is based on the tight fit and good flexibility of the material, which fills the gap between the opening 120 and the flow pipe 130, ensuring no leakage. At the same time, the thermal insulation sealing layer 190 has thermal insulation properties, which can reduce the heat loss from the heat exchange space 110 to the surrounding environment through the opening 120. During geothermal extraction, maintaining a high-temperature environment within the heat exchange space 110 is crucial for improving heat exchange efficiency. By blocking heat transfer, the thermal insulation sealing layer 190 helps maintain the internal temperature of the device, allowing more heat to be used to heat the water in the flow pipe 130.

[0035] The thermal insulation sealing layer 190 effectively protects the groundwater system, preventing groundwater contamination and cross-contamination, reducing heat loss, and improving heat exchange efficiency. This allows the geothermal energy harvesting device to utilize underground thermal energy more effectively, providing higher-temperature hot water for subsequent energy use. The tight fit between the thermal insulation sealing layer 190 and the flow pipe 130, along with its excellent sealing and insulation performance, ensures the stability of the internal environment of the device, reduces the risk of component damage caused by external factors, extends the service life of the device, reduces maintenance costs, and improves the overall reliability of the device.

[0036] In some examples, multiple first flow ports 132 and second flow ports 133 are provided and distributed in a circumferential array on the sidewall of the flow pipe 130, greatly increasing the contact area between the flow pipe 130 and the water in the heat exchange space 110. This allows the cold water flowing out of the first cavity 121 to enter the heat exchange space 110 more evenly and exchange heat with the high-temperature groundwater. Simultaneously, the hot water after heat exchange can flow back to the second cavity 122 more evenly from the heat exchange space 110. The circumferential array layout ensures that the water flow is evenly distributed around the flow pipe 130, avoiding localized concentrations or sparse flows, and ensuring uniform heat exchange throughout the entire heat exchange space 110. The multiple flow ports provide more flow paths for the water, allowing for better mixing and dispersion of cold and hot water within the heat exchange space 110. After flowing out from the first flow ports 132 at different locations, the cold water intertwines and mixes within the heat exchange space 110, more fully absorbing the heat from the high-temperature groundwater. Similarly, when hot water flows back to the second cavity 122 from multiple second outlets 133, it can be further mixed evenly, improving the overall temperature uniformity of the hot water.

[0037] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A ground-source circulating thermal energy recovery and storage device for collecting thermal energy located in an underground subgrade (100), wherein the subgrade (100) has a heat exchange space (110) and an opening (120) communicating with the heat exchange space (110), characterized in that, Also includes: A flow pipe (130) is located within the heat exchange space (110). The flow pipe (130) has a flow space (131). The flow space (131) has a first flow port (132) and a second flow port (133). Both the first flow port (132) and the second flow port (133) are connected to the heat exchange space (110). A partition plate (140) is disposed in the flow space (131). The partition plate (140) divides the flow space (131) into a first cavity (121) and a second cavity (122). The first flow port (132) is connected to the first cavity (121), and the second flow port (133) is connected to the second cavity (122). The first cavity (121) has an inlet (123), and the second cavity (122) has an outlet (124).

2. The geothermal recovery system of claim 1, wherein, The first flow port (132) and the second flow port (133) are misaligned in height.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A gravel layer (150) is located within the heat exchange space (110). The gravel particles in the gravel layer (150) are larger than the first flow port (132) and the second flow port (133). The gravel layer (150) is used to disperse the water flow into the heat exchange space (110).

4. The geothermal recovery system of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange space (110) has a converging section (111) and two branch sections (112), the diameter of the converging section (111) being smaller than that of the branch sections (112), and the converging section (111) separating the two branch sections (112).

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, Also includes: A plurality of heat exchange tubes (160) are located on the converging section (111). The plurality of heat exchange tubes (160) are located outside the heat exchange space (110) and connect the two branch sections (112). The heat exchange tubes (160) are used to absorb geothermal energy.

6. The geothermal recovery system of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A hot water pipe (170) is connected to the water outlet (124), and the hot water pipe (170) is used to send the water that has completed heat exchange out of the subgrade (100).

7. The geothermal recovery system of claim 6, wherein, Also includes: A submersible pump (180) is located inside the hot water pipe (170) and is used to provide power for the circulation of the heat-exchanged water within the storage device.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The hot water pipe (170) is located within the heat exchange space (110) and one end of the hot water pipe (170) passes through the heat exchange space (110).

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A heat-insulating sealing layer (190) is disposed on the opening (120). The heat-insulating sealing layer (190) is used to seal the opening (120). The flow pipe (130) passes through the heat-insulating sealing layer (190) and communicates with the outside.

10. The geothermal recovery system of claim 1, wherein, The first flow port (132) and the second flow port (133) each have a plurality of them, and the plurality of the first flow ports (132) and the second flow ports (133) are arranged in a circular array.

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