Invention of an underground, modular system for decentralized energy generation and environmental monitoring

Abstract

A modular device for permanent underground installation that generates electrical energy from physical, chemical, or biological soil processes, can collect, store, or transmit environmental data, and is capable of autonomously responding to environmental changes. The device is scalable, reconfigurable, and networkable.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to modular, permanently installed devices that generate electrical energy from natural thermal, electrochemical, and microbial gradients while simultaneously collecting environmental data. Each module has a supporting body, a deep coupling element, capillary structures, and optional planar extension elements. Multiple modules can be coupled to form clusters, are hot-swappable, and transmit data to a gateway unit via directed communication paths. The system operates autonomously, is low-maintenance, and dynamically adapts to soil conditions via adaptive structural zones. 1 Technical area

[0002] The invention relates to modular devices that remain permanently in the ground for decentralized energy generation, environmental monitoring, data processing and adaptive functional coupling with the environment. 2 State of the art

[0003] In soil engineering, individual soil-microbial fuel cells and thermoelectric gradient generators are known, each of which uses only a specific energy source and does not allow for networked self-organization. Disposable soil sensor capsules provide measured values, but are severely limited in terms of power supply, maintenance, and system integration. No state-of-the-art document discloses a multi-source energy system with autonomous group intelligence and a reconfigurable structure. 3 Object of the invention

[0004] The goal is to provide a scalable, low-maintenance ground system that combines multiple natural energy sources; evaluates environmental data locally or collectively; can reconfigure itself, camouflage itself, or enter protective states; and operates entirely without above-ground utility infrastructure. 4 Presentation of the invention (solution)

[0005] The object is achieved by the device according to claim 1.

[0006] Each module (10) comprises a supporting module body with a spiral guide groove (15), an extendable deep coupling element (50), lateral (20) and axial (30) media channels, and a near-surface capillary and support network (40). Optionally, flat plate structures (130) are provided, which, after installation, unfold along a combined moisture and heat flow (80). Energy is obtained from thermal gradients, microbiological processes, electrochemical, or osmotic potentials; sensors record physical, chemical, and biological soil parameters. Several modules can be coupled to form a cluster (300) via interconnecting lines (301), with a hot-swap mechanism (303) allowing the replacement of an individual module during operation. Data and energy are transmitted as needed via a supply line (120) to an external supply unit (121) or via a directed communication path (302) to a gateway. 5 advantages of the invention

[0007] The system operates invisibly beneath the ground surface; it uses multiple energy sources in parallel; expands its functional area through adaptive structural zones; organizes itself in the event of disruptions; and requires no permanent overhead power or data cabling. 6 Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows the module in the press-fit state. Fig. 2 shows the module in its final state. Fig. 3 shows the vertically expanded layer structure. Fig. 4 shows the connection to an external supply unit. Fig. 5a shows a conical insertion tip; Fig. Figure 5b shows an adaptively widened tip. Fig. 6 shows a cluster of several modules. Fig. 7 shows the directed communication path to a gateway. Fig.Figure 8 shows plate structures and a microbiological activation zone. 7 Examples7.1 Energy generation

[0008] Thermal day / night gradients generate a thermoelectric effect along the axial channel (30); microbiological processes in the functional zone (70) provide electrochemical potentials that are tapped via the depth coupling element (50); osmotic moisture gradients cause capillary flows in the capillary network (40). 7.2 Sensors and data acquisition

[0009] Miniature sensors for temperature, humidity, pH, conductivity, and redox potential are located in the sensor and distribution zone (104). The data is buffered locally and transmitted to a gateway via interconnection lines (301) or the communication path (302). 7.3 Structural behavior

[0010] Flat disc structures (130) unfold automatically as soon as moisture flows in via the media stream (80). The unfolding can be triggered by hygroscopic expansion, capillary pressure, or spring action; it is reversible. The spiral guide groove (15) facilitates penetration, directs sediment flow, and acts as a capillary path. 7.4 System behavior and communication

[0011] Several modules form a cluster (300). If a module fails, a neighboring module takes over its role; the exchange occurs along the hot-swap arrow (303). Signals can be transmitted as electrical pulses, thermal patterns, capillary moisture waves, or symbolically structured pulses. 8 List of reference symbols 10 module bodies 15 guide groove 20 radial channel 30 axial channel 40 capillary network 50 depth coupling element 51 Conical tip 52 Flared tip 60 Press-in direction 70 functional zone 75 Microbiozone 80 Media Stream 81 Nutrient flow 90 floor level 101-105 Layer structure 120 supply line 121 supply unit 122 Contact element 130 plate structures 300 cluster shell 301 interconnected line 302 Communication path 303 Hot-swap arrow 310 Service Line Figures with descriptionFigure 1 - Basic structure of the module in the installed state

[0012] The picture shows the module immediately after reaching the final depth.

[0013] Visible are the supporting module body (10) with a spiral guide groove (15), lateral and vertical media channels 20 and 30, respectively, the extendable depth coupling element (50) and the press-in direction (60).

[0014] The functional zone (70) surrounds the coupling element; the media flow (80) characterizes the combined moisture / heat flow.

[0015] The hatched line (90) marks the ground surface and serves as a reference for the installation depth. Nr . Subject name Short function 10 Module body supporting sleeve 15 guide groove spiral groove profile for pressing aid, stabilization, moisture conduction 20 Radial canal lateral media path 30 axial channel vertical media path 50 Depth coupling element extendable spit 60 Press-in direction open arrow (insertion process) 70 Functional zone static moisture / heat transfer 80 Media stream combined moisture / heat flow 90 Ground level Reference line, hatched Figure 2 - Module in final installation state

[0016] The module is at its final depth after the pressing process is complete.

[0017] Visible are the module body (10) with guide groove (15), lateral radial channel (20) and vertical axial channel (30), the fully deployed capillary network (40) and the depth coupling element (50) in the functional zone (70).

[0018] The media flow (80) runs axially along the module; the hatched line (90) marks the floor surface. Nr . Subject name Short function 10 Module body supporting sleeve 15 guide groove spiral groove profile 20 Radial canal lateral media path 30 axial channel vertical media path 40 capillary network near-surface fiber tissue 50 Depth coupling element Anchoring spike 70 Functional zone Moisture / heat transfer 80 Media stream combined moisture / heat flow 90 Ground level Reference line Figure 3 - Exploded view of the vertical layer structure

[0019] This figure illustrates the module in axial longitudinal section; the functional layers are vertically expanded for better clarity.

[0020] From the outside in you can see: • the outer shell (101) as a site-adapted protective or conductive layer, • a thermal or compensation zone (102) for interaction with soil temperatures, • an energy zone (103) for the extraction of energy from natural gradients (humidity, microbial, electrochemical, etc.), • a sensor / distribution zone (104) for data acquisition, signal routing or internal networking, • the central support core (105) as a mechanical and functional base.

[0021] The exploded view illustrates the sequence, thickness, and interaction of the layers; in the final installed state, they lie on top of each other in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0022] An optional maintenance or communication unit (not shown) can be located below or to the side of the carrier core. Reference symbol Subject name Short function 101 Outer shell Protective or conductive layer, press-in aid 102 Thermal / equalization zone Heat storage, temperature buffer 103 Energy zone Extraction from moisture, microbial, electrochemical gradients 104 Sensor / distribution zone Data acquisition, signal routing, networking 105 Carrier core Mechanical base, power / data distribution Figure 4 - Connection to an external supply unit

[0023] The module is at final depth. - Module body (10) with guide groove (15) and depth coupling element (50) is completely installed. - A capillary and support network (40) encloses the upper area. - The module is coupled to an external supply unit (121) via the supply line (120); the transition takes place via the contact element (122). - The functional zone (70) and the media flow (80) indicate the thermal-humid exchange; the hatched floor level (90) serves as a reference for the installation depth. Nr . Subject name Short function 10 Module body supporting sleeve 15 guide groove Press-in aid, stabilization 40 capillary network Moisture distribution, support grid 50 Depth coupling element Anchoring spike 70 Functional zone Moisture / heat transfer 80 Media stream combined flow 90 Ground level Reference line (hatched) 120 supply line Power / data line 121 External supply unit Service, storage or evaluation module 122 Contact element mechanical-electrical coupling Figure 5 - Comparison of two insertion tip variants

[0024] Fig.5a shows a conical insertion tip (51) before pressing in; Fig. Figure 5b shows an adaptively expanded insertion tip (52) that expands radially after contact with ground objects.

[0025] Both partial images contain the same module body (10) and the arrow (60), which indicates the pressing direction up to the hatched floor level (90).

[0026] The comparison illustrates how the tip geometry can be adapted to different soil conditions without changing the rest of the module structure. Nr . Subject name Short function 10 Module body supporting sleeve of the module 51 Insertion tip (conical) rigid tip for normally compacted soils 52 Insertion tip (adaptive) flared tip for bypassing stones / for depth adjustment 60 Press-in direction Movement path of the insertion process (open arrow) 90 Ground level Reference line for installation depth (hatched) Figure 6 - Interconnected operation of several modules (cluster topology)

[0027] The figure illustrates three underground installed modules (10), which are combined into a cooperating system via a logical cluster shell (300). • The connecting lines (301) establish a redundant data and energy coupling between the modules. • A curved hot-swap arrow (303) indicates that an individual module can be replaced or deactivated during operation without interrupting the network. • A separate supply / back-up line (310) leads to a service access not shown. • The hatched floor level (90) serves as a reference for the common installation depth. Nr . Subject name Short function 10 Module body autonomous energy / sensor unit 300 Cluster shell logical combination of several modules 301 interconnected line Redundant data / power coupling module ↔ module 303 Hot-swap arrow Replacement / reconfiguration direction of a module 310 supply line additional energy or service connection 90 Ground level Reference line (hatched) Figure 7 - Communication path from the cluster to the external gateway

[0028] The figure shows three underground modules (10) that are grouped together via a logical cluster shell (300). • The modules are interconnected by interconnection lines (301). • A directed communication path (302) leads from the cluster to an external gateway unit (house symbol) via which data is exchanged or energy is fed in. • The curved hot-swap arrow (303) indicates that a single module can be removed or replaced from the cluster during operation. • An additional supply line (310) connects the cluster to a service or backup source. • The hatched floor level (90) marks the common installation depth of all modules. Nr . Subject name Short function 10 Module body autonomous energy / sensor unit 300 Cluster shell logical combination of several modules 301 interconnected line Redundant data / power coupling module ↔ module 302 Communication path directed connection to the external gateway 303 Hot-swap arrow Replacement / reconfiguration direction of a module 310 supply line additional energy or service connection 90 Ground level Reference line (hatched) Figure 8 - Plate structures and microbiological activation zone

[0029] The figure shows the laterally arranged extension element (130) in the fully unfolded state: • The capillary network (40) conducts moisture from the functional zone (70) to the extension element. • Moisture and temperature are transferred to the microbiozone (75) via the media flow (80), where the bio-medium is activated; the downstream nutrient flow (81) distributes the activated suspension into the surrounding soil area. • The module body (10) and the depth coupling element (50) form the structural basis. • The hatched floor level (90) serves as a reference for the installation depth. Nr . Subject name Short function 10 Module body supporting sleeve 40 capillary network Moisture distribution, support grid 50 Depth coupling element Anchoring / depth connection 70 Functional zone Moisture / heat transfer 75 Microbiozone Activation of the bio-medium 80 Media stream combined moisture / heat flow to the element 81 nutrient flow Distribution of the activated suspension 90 Ground level Reference line (hatched) 130 Plate structures enlarged capillary / osmosis area of ​​the extension element

Claims

[1] A modular device for permanent underground installation that generates electrical energy from physical, chemical, or biological soil processes, can collect, store, or transmit environmental data, and is capable of responding autonomously to environmental changes. The device is scalable, reconfigurable, and networkable. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the environmental energy used for energy conversion comes from at least one of the following sources: thermal gradients, microbiological processes, electrochemical reactions, osmotic potentials, capillary moisture dynamics or near-surface geothermal heat flows, including the combined use of several of these sources. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one planar extension element is provided which, after introduction into the substrate, unfolds automatically or in a controlled manner as a result of moisture, temperature, pressure or chemical gradients or by temporal control by means of shape memory alloy, hygroscopic expansion, capillary pressure, spring mechanism, thermal impulse or combinations of these mechanisms, thereby coming into functional contact with the soil in order to absorb energy or moisture, provide mechanical stabilisation, transmit signals or carry out biological or sensory functions, wherein the extension element can be rotationally symmetrical, segmented or asymmetrical and can act reversibly or permanently. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one vertically aligned depth element is provided which absorbs energy, moisture or data from deeper soil layers and transmits it to a central unit, wherein the depth element can be capillary active, heat-conducting, mechanically stabilising or storage-integrated and can be rigidly or flexibly embedded in the module structure. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that additional lateral, radial or near-surface functional elements are provided which improve the coupling to the environment or to neighboring modules and can be designed to transfer heat, moisture or signals, provide mechanical stabilization, act as sensor carriers or support internal network coordination. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one sensor element is provided which detects physical, chemical or biological environmental parameters, in particular temperature, humidity, pH value, conductivity, redox potential, light, vibration, gases, movement, microbiological activity, animal presence, plant cycles and cyclical, rhythmic or semantically interpretable environmental patterns, wherein the sensor element can be integrated into the module, movably mounted or positioned in separate structural zones. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that several units together form a collectively acting system without central control, whose emergent behavior is caused by feedback, environmental patterns or symbolically structured impulses, which enables task distribution, synchronous or staggered mode changes as well as collective state representation or pattern formation. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the communication between the modules or with external systems is not exclusively digital-binary, but can also be realized via structurally variable elements, rhythm patterns, resonance-based coupling or moisture or heat waves, whereby the communication can be carried out actively or passively. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that signals are transmitted via one or more of the following carrier types: electrical impulses, thermal or capillary gradients, chemical concentration differences, mechanical resonance or morphological structural modulation, whereby extension elements can act as conducting surfaces, amplifiers or reaction carriers. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the modules can detect disturbances and switch to predefined protective, resting or camouflage states, for example by returning to a basic form, developing visual or thermal camouflage, simulating inactivity or showing symbolically interpretable reactions. [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the event of a system failure or a malfunction of individual components, at least one functional unit independently adapts its operating logic, task distribution or functional role by switching to alternative energy paths, transferring tasks to neighbouring units, withdrawing or deactivating technical functional elements and / or activating semantically or visually camouflaged states, whereby the triggering takes place internally, by group signals or by symbolically interpretable patterns and also includes deliberately simulated malfunctions to fulfil protective or camouflage purposes. [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the functional unit has a spiral, segmented or groove-like outer structure which serves as a guide aid, stabilizer or grouting support during installation, can also improve anchoring in the ground, influence sediment flow or take over capillary moisture conduction and can also be designed in variants with asymmetric groove guidance, adaptive shape adaptation or combined effect. [13] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the condition of individual components can be read without external power supply via structure-related features, such as color change, shape signal or resonance profile, in order to indicate maintenance requirements or a system failure. [14] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat several modules within a network act synchronously or in a coordinated manner by simultaneously developing functional elements, forming patterns using humidity, light or temperature, reacting to common environmental parameters or executing symbolically coded group behavior. [15] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it reacts to expected, cyclical or statistically predicted environmental changes, even without direct measurement, whereby the reaction is based on stored experience, group behavior, symbolic impulses and / or collectively anticipated states. [16] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it can reconfigure itself by changing its form, function or communication behaviour, whereby the reconfiguration is triggered by external stimuli such as humidity or pressure, by internal logic based on diagnostic values ​​or by symbolic signals and also includes purely semantically motivated changes. [17] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that communication takes place via structured signals which are transmitted by means of electrical, thermal, chemical or capillary impulses, resonance-based coupling or symbolic form or activity patterns, whereby extension elements can be designed as carriers of this communication, acoustic, resonant or microvibratory impulse generators can be used for signal transmission in addition to electrical, thermal, chemical or capillary channels and the communication can be active, passive, coded or indirect. [18] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that signals are intentionally designed to be ambiguous or misleading in order to cause misinterpretation, including by imitating biological movements, employing rhythmic deceptive patterns, using visual or thermal camouflage, or creating symbolically ambiguous structural patterns, including the integration of these mechanisms into the system logic. [19] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each unit has a uniquely interpretable or symbolically coded identity, which may consist of georeferenced position data, functional patterns, thermal or sensory signatures, and structural or semantic markers. [20] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it actively influences biological processes in the soil by releasing heat, distributing moisture, providing chemical stimuli or carrying out microscale structural modulations, which also includes indirect or symbolically mediated influences. [21] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the event of failure of individual modules, backup functions are automatically activated by rerouting signals, taking over roles from neighboring modules, performing visual or structural simulation of a failed unit, and enabling collective self-organization. [22] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that their activation or control occurs via non-digital stimuli, in particular via visual patterns, sounds or vibrations, natural heat patterns or chemical or atmospheric changes. [23] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that functional units respond to culturally or symbolically influenced stimuli, including geometric or color patterns, ritual movement patterns, acoustic-atmospheric impulses or socially interpreted conditions, whereby the response can be symbolic or functional. [24] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that modules deliberately put themselves into simulated, camouflaged or strategically altered states by changing their shape, visually simulating natural structures or executing inactivity or camouflage patterns. [25] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that their operating states are tactically staggered or synchronized, even without a specific trigger signal, whereby this is brought about by group synchronization, environmental rhythms or symbolically conveyed threshold values. [26] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that its external form, surface or activity deliberately causes misclassification as a natural object, geological structure or cultural artifact, while retaining its technical function. [27] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that data or signals are transmitted in a fragmented, delayed or obfuscated manner by using superimposed patterns, offset signal carriers or capillary embedded pulses to provide protection, misdirection or resistance to detection. [28] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that modules deliberately resemble existing technical systems without taking over their function in order to enable camouflage, integration, acceptance or misleading of automated systems. [29] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat components can mask or change their function by swapping roles, visually simulating other functions, or deliberately inactivating themselves while remaining technically active. [30] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it can completely reconfigure, fragment or camouflage itself without losing its technical function, whereby this is realized through structural change, energy control or semantic masking. [31] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one flat extension element is provided which automatically unfolds after introduction in order to access further soil layers, increase stability, absorb energy or moisture or carry sensors or signals, wherein the unfolding is brought about by moisture, temperature, pressure or chemical gradients or temporal control by means of shape memory alloy, hygroscopic expansion, capillary pressure, spring mechanism, thermal impulse or combinations of these mechanisms. [32] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one locally, laterally or vertically integrated energy storage unit is provided, which can be thermal, electrochemical, capacitive or mechanical and can be segmented or grid-connected. [33] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a communication unit is provided that functions without conventional cabling via capillary, thermal or resonant signal carriers, adaptive network elements or environment-based transmission paths. [34] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an intelligent deployment logic is present which, based on physical parameters, chemical gradients, stored empirical values ​​or symbolically interpreted patterns, decides whether, when and to what extent lateral, vertical or planar expansion elements are activated, retracted or selectively reactivated, whereby the deployment takes place through humidity, temperature, pressure or chemical gradients or temporal control by means of shape memory alloy, hygroscopic expansion, capillary pressure, spring mechanism, thermal impulse or combinations of these mechanisms. [35] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat their outer structure has spiral, groove-like or segmented guide elements that enable improved introduction, sediment guidance or moisture conduction in the surrounding soil. [36] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the module has a spiral-shaped outer structure or a screw-in geometry that supports insertion by axial rotation into compacted or stony substrates, increases mechanical stability and can additionally serve for moisture conduction, sediment steering or stabilization. [37] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the outer structure consists of a functionally combined material composite comprising a polymer-based support structure, ceramic or metallic segments and shape memory-based intermediate layers that actively react to temperature or humidity in order to enable adaptive module adaptation to soil properties or operating conditions.

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