Device for utilizing geothermal energy

Abstract

Device for utilizing geothermal energy, comprising an above-ground system (1) located above the earth and an underground system (2) located below the earth, characterized in that: the aboveground system (1) comprises a circulation pipeline (8) wherein an inlet pipe (10) and an outlet pipe (9) are each connected to an inlet end and an outlet end of the circulation pipeline (8); the underground system (2) comprises several groups of pipe assemblies, each group of pipe assemblies comprising an upper pipe (4) and a lower pipe (5) corresponding to each other, the upper pipe (4) being connected to the outlet pipe (9) while the lower pipe (5) is connected to the inlet pipe (10); the upper pipe (4) and the lower pipe (5) are connected to each other by a multitude of heat exchange components, so that a working substance in the circulation pipeline (8) can enter from the outlet pipe (9) into the upper pipe (4), from the upper pipe (4) through the heat exchange components into the lower pipe (5) and from the lower pipe (5) into the inlet pipe (10) to be transported back into the circulation pipeline (8).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure concerns the technical field of geothermal energy utilization, in particular a device for utilizing geothermal energy. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Geothermal energy is an important natural resource, a clean and renewable energy source with abundant reserves. The efficient use of geothermal energy has become a major research and development focus both domestically and internationally, and the technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Commonly used methods include heat extraction from water, the artificial creation of geothermal reservoirs, indirect heat exchange through underground pipes, and ultra-long gravity-fed heat pipelines. The fourth method, based on the principle of extracting geothermal energy through the phase change of the working fluid, is currently the most widespread extraction method due to its high energy yield and minimal subsurface disturbance.

[0003] However, this method has significant drawbacks, as the underground heat pipe consists of only a single structure and the contact area with the surrounding groundwater is small, resulting in low overall heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, in this method, the pipeline is typically a single continuous pipe welded together from a series of shorter pipes, which means the pipeline is prone to damage at a specific point and cannot be quickly dismantled and repaired.Furthermore, dismantling requires shutting down the entire heat collection system of the pipeline, and mining operations must be interrupted to repair the damaged pipeline. This extended maintenance time delays the dismantling of all mining equipment, thus impacting conversion efficiency. For example, CN107939621 discloses an S-CO2 power generation system and a method for extracting hot geothermal energy from dry rock based on finned tubes. In this method, a closed-loop S-CO2 system within a finned tube is used to transfer geothermal energy from a hot, dry rock formation to a gas turbine, which drives a generator to produce electricity, thus enabling the sustainable utilization of geothermal energy from hot, dry rock.

[0004] Although the outer reinforced heat exchange tube section is finned, the overall structure is a coaxial stacked tube, and the working fluid circulates only between the inner and outer tubes, and the heat exchange with the hot, dry rock relies mainly on the outer reinforced heat exchange tube section, and the contact area with the heat exchange medium (hot, dry rock) is relatively limited, so the heat exchange efficiency is low. CONTENT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0005] To solve the above problems, this disclosure provides a device for utilizing geothermal energy. Several groups of heat collection pipes with heat-absorbing fins form an underground heat exchange network capable of improving heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area between the working fluid and the groundwater. Furthermore, a modular piping design allows for rapid isolation and maintenance of faulty pipes, ensuring the continuity of geothermal energy utilization.

[0006] The following is a description of the technical content of the disclosure: A device for utilizing geothermal energy, comprising a surface system located above the earth and a subsurface system located below the earth, characterized in that: the aboveground system comprises a circulation pipeline, wherein an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are each connected to an inlet end and an outlet end of the circulation pipeline; the underground system comprises several groups of pipe assemblies, each group of pipe assemblies comprising an upper pipe and a lower pipe corresponding to each other, the upper pipe being connected to the outlet pipe, while the lower pipe is connected to the inlet pipe; The upper pipe and the lower pipe are connected to each other by a multitude of heat exchange components, so that a working substance can enter the circulation pipeline from the outlet pipe into the upper pipe, from the upper pipe through the heat exchange components into the lower pipe and from the lower pipe into the inlet pipe to be transported back into the circulation pipeline.

[0007] Furthermore, the heat exchange component includes the following: Heat collecting tubes serving to connect to the upper tube and the lower tube, each of the heat collecting tubes being provided on an outer surface with a plurality of heat-absorbing fins at equal intervals.

[0008] Furthermore, the upper pipe, the lower pipe and the heat collection pipes are all located within a groundwater layer.

[0009] Furthermore, a lower end of the upper tube and an upper end of the lower tube are each provided with a plurality of second coupling tubes or first coupling tubes, respectively; wherein the upper end and the lower end of the heat collection pipe are each inserted into the second coupling pipe and the first coupling pipe respectively; wherein each of the coupling pipes is provided with a contact disc on an inner side, and wherein each of the contact discs is provided with a sealing element on a side facing the heat collector pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, the coupling pipe is equipped with a mounting disc that serves to horizontally limit the heat collection pipe. wherein two opposing mounting discs are provided with a seal at an end that is relatively far apart.

[0011] Furthermore, the lower pipe is provided on the inside with an inner pipe which is connected to the heat collection pipe, wherein the inner pipe is provided with a first solenoid valve, and wherein the inner pipe is provided with a flow sensor inside.

[0012] Furthermore, each of the lower tubes is provided with a fastening rod on both sides at the upper end, and each of the upper tubes is provided with a fastening seat at both ends; wherein each of the mounting seats is provided with an insertion hole on its underside, and wherein the upper end of each of the mounting rods is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper pipe is connected to the outlet pipe via a first connecting pipe, while the lower pipe is connected to the inlet pipe via a second connecting pipe; wherein each of the first connecting pipes and each of the second connecting pipes is equipped with a third solenoid valve or a fourth solenoid valve respectively.

[0014] Furthermore, an insulation device, a heat exchanger, a refrigeration machine, a storage tank and a pressure booster pump are connected in series with the circulation pipeline.

[0015] Furthermore, the circulation pipeline is also equipped with a thermometer, a pressure gauge and a flow meter.

[0016] Compared to the prior art, the present disclosure offers the following advantages: Within the scope of the present invention, the working substance is introduced into the groundwater layer, exchanged with the groundwater layer via the heat exchange component and returned again in order to realize the use of geothermal energy; Regarding heat exchange efficiency, the device's outlet pipe discharges low-temperature liquid carbon dioxide into the subsurface, while the inlet pipe returns high-temperature gaseous carbon dioxide for heat exchange with the heat consumer. Furthermore, the multiple underground pipe assemblies and the heat collection pipe with heat-absorbing fins significantly increase the contact area with the groundwater, so that, compared to a coaxial surface pipe, heat exchange occurs only via the outer layer of fins on the reinforced outer heat exchange pipe section, which is more efficient. Furthermore, the outlet and inlet pipes, provided at both ends of the circulation pipeline, facilitate the installation of control and monitoring devices. If a component fails, it can be repaired by closing the corresponding valve without affecting the operation of the other components, whereas the coaxial riser pipe is difficult to repair and has a large area of ​​influence. The outlet pipe and the inlet pipe facilitate the adjustment of the circulation of the working substance, while the coaxial attachment pipe is only suitable for hot, dry rock, which has a narrow range of applications.

[0017] Further features and advantages of this disclosure are set forth in the following description and are partly evident from the description itself or become clear through the implementation of this disclosure. The purposes and other advantages of this disclosure can be achieved and maintained through the structure specified in the description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or the prior art of the present disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art are briefly presented below, and it will be obvious that the accompanying drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present disclosure and that, for a person with ordinary expertise in the field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained on the basis of these drawings without any inventive step. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the overall structure of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a three-dimensional connection structure of an upper tube and a lower tube of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the three-dimensional structure of a heat collection tube of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the enlarged structure at A of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the enlarged structure at B of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the enlarged structure at C of Fig. 1; Reference symbol list:

[0019] 1-Aboveground system; 2-Underground system; 3-Groundwater; 4-Upper pipe; 5-Lower pipe; 6-Heat collector pipe; 7-Heat absorbing fins; 8-Circulation pipe; 9-Outlet pipe; 10-Inlet pipe; 11-First coupling pipe; 12-First mounting washer; 13-First sealing element; 14-Inner pipe; 15-First solenoid valve; 16-Flow sensor; 17-Second coupling pipe; 18-Second mounting washer; 19-Second sealing element; 20-Second solenoid valve; 21-First connecting head; 22-First connecting pipe; 23-Third solenoid valve; 24-Second connecting head; 25-Second coupling pipe; 26-Fourth solenoid valve; 27-Mounting rod; 28-Mounting seat; 29-Insertion hole; 30-Mounting bolt; 31-Insulating device; 32-Heat exchanger; 33-Heat consumer; 34-Chilling machine; 35-Storage tank; 36-Boosting pump; 37-Thermometer; 38-Pressure gauge; 39-Flow meter; 40-Mounting washer; 41-Gasket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To clarify the purposes, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments disclosed in this publication, the technical solutions in the embodiments disclosed in this publication are described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is evident that the described embodiments are a subset of the embodiments disclosed in this publication, not all of them. Starting from the embodiments disclosed in this publication, all other embodiments that a person skilled in the art could achieve without creative effort fall within the scope of protection of this publication. Example 1

[0021] 1. A device for utilizing geothermal energy, as in Fig. Figure 1 shows a system that includes an above-ground system 1 and an underground system 2.

[0022] The aboveground system1 comprises a circulation pipeline 8, wherein an inlet pipe 10 and an outlet pipe 9 are each connected to an inlet end and an outlet end of the circulation pipeline.

[0023] The underground system 2 comprises several groups of pipe assemblies, each group of pipe assemblies comprising an upper pipe 4 and a lower pipe 5.

[0024] The upper pipe 4 is connected to the outlet pipe 9, while the lower pipe 5 is connected to the inlet pipe 10.

[0025] The upper tube 4 and the lower tube 5 are connected to each other by a variety of heat exchange components to form a circulation path for working fluid.

[0026] In this embodiment, several groups of upper pipes, lower pipes, and multiple heat collection pipes are provided. The path containing the heat collection pipes in each group can be individually disconnected, and the entire structure of each group can be detached to facilitate disassembly and maintenance without affecting normal heat collection in other paths. Heat collection within the system is not interrupted by maintenance, does not affect each other, and can be quickly reconnected to the main body after pipe repairs to resume heat collection, thus reducing the costs associated with downtime caused by maintenance.Furthermore, it cannot hinder the use of thermal energy in the system to avoid interruption of use, which improves the efficiency of thermal energy utilization, and is reasonably designed and convenient to put into operation. 2. Specific structure of the heat exchange components

[0027] The heat collection tubes 6 are connected to the upper tube 4 and the lower tube 5, each heat collection tube 6 being provided on its outer surface with a plurality of heat-absorbing fins 7 at equal intervals. A mounting washer 40 is fixedly installed at the upper and lower ends of the outer surface of the heat collection tube 6, with two mounting washers 40 being provided with a seal 41 at a relatively far-flung end. Effects: An aboveground system and an underground system are provided, the underground system comprising several groups of upper pipes, lower pipes, and a multitude of heat-collecting pipes, each heat-absorbing pipe equipped with a multitude of heat-absorbing fins to increase the contact area with the groundwater and improve heat absorption efficiency. Ultimately, the thermal energy is exchanged and extracted in the circulating pipeline of the aboveground system. The device improves the efficiency of heat energy extraction, and the heat collection tubes and heat-absorbing fins are removable, which is convenient for replacement and maintenance. 3. Pipe connection structure

[0028] The upper tube 4 is provided at one lower end with a second coupling tube 17, on its inner side with a second contact disc 18 and a second sealing element 19, and inside with a second solenoid valve; and the lower tube 5 is provided at one upper end with a first coupling tube 11 and on its inner side with a first contact disc 12 and a sealing element 13. (As in Fig. 5 shown)

[0029] The upper end and the lower end of the heat collection pipe 6 are each inserted into the second coupling pipe 17 and the first coupling pipe 11, the second coupling pipe limits the heat collection pipe 6 in a horizontal direction by means of the fastening disc 40, the fastening disc is provided with a seal 41 on the outside. 4. Flow control and monitoring

[0030] The lower pipe 5 is provided on the inside with an inner pipe 14 which is connected to the heat collecting pipe 6, wherein the inner pipe 14 is provided with a first solenoid valve 15, and wherein the inner pipe 14 is provided inside with a flow sensor 16.

[0031] Advantage: The flow sensor 16 can detect the flow of the working substance in the heat collection pipe 6, the first solenoid valve 15 closes the channel in case of abnormal behavior and does not affect the operation of other pipelines. 5. Pipeline mounting structure (as shown in FIG. 6)

[0032] The lower tube 5 is provided on both sides at the upper end with a fastening rod 27, and the upper tube 4 is provided at both ends with a fastening seat 28, wherein the fastening seat 28 is provided on an underside with an insertion hole 29, and wherein the upper end of the fastening rod 27 is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole 29 and is secured by a fastening bolt 30.

[0033] Advantages: The present disclosure facilitates quick assembly and disassembly for maintenance purposes and allows for independent maintenance if a single pipe group fails. 6. Pipe connection and control

[0034] The upper pipe 4 is connected to the outlet pipe 9 via a first connecting pipe 22, while the lower pipe 5 is connected to the inlet pipe 10 via a second connecting pipe 25;

[0035] The first connecting pipe 22 and the second connecting pipe 25 are equipped with a third solenoid valve 23 and a fourth solenoid valve 26, respectively.

[0036] Advantages: By forming an independent circuit, a single group of pipes can be isolated by valves without affecting the operation of the entire system. Example 21. Installation position of the underground system

[0037] The upper pipe 4, the lower pipe 5 and the heat collection pipes 6 are all located within a groundwater layer 3.

[0038] Advantage: The working substance liquid carbon dioxide directly exchanges heat with the groundwater 3, which improves the efficiency of the heat exchange. 2. System integration of the circulation pipeline

[0039] An insulating device 31, a heat exchanger 32, a refrigeration machine 34, a storage tank 35 and a pressure booster pump 36 are connected in series with the circulation pipeline 8, wherein the heat exchanger 32 is connected to a heat consumer 33.

[0040] The circulation pipe 8 is equipped with a thermometer 37, a pressure gauge 38 and a flow meter 39. Advantages:

[0041] The components, such as the insulating device 31, realize the circulation of the working substance and the heat exchange to provide thermal energy for the user;

[0042] The monitoring system provides real-time feedback on temperature, pressure and flow rate in the circulation pipeline to ensure stable operation of the system. 3. Workflow

[0043] The pressure booster pump 36 introduces liquid carbon dioxide through the outlet pipe 9 into the upper pipe 4, evaporates after heat exchange with the groundwater 3 through the heat collection pipe 6 to form a high-temperature gas and returns through the lower pipe 5 and the inlet pipe 10 into the circulation pipe 8.

[0044] The high-temperature gas transfers heat to the user via the heat exchanger 32, is then liquefied by the refrigeration machine 34 and stored in the storage tank 35 to close the cycle.

[0045] If a single group of heat collection pipes 6 fails, the corresponding first, second, third, fourth solenoid valves close and can be repaired independently without interrupting the entire heat collection.

[0046] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, a person skilled in the art should understand that it is still possible to modify the technical solutions documented in the foregoing embodiments or to make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features contained therein; and such modifications or substitutions do not result in the essence of the corresponding technical solutions differing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 107939621

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device for the utilization of geothermal energy, comprising an above-ground system (1) located above the earth and an underground system (2) located below the earth, characterized by , that: the aboveground system (1) comprises a circulation pipeline (8) wherein an inlet pipe (10) and an outlet pipe (9) are each connected to an inlet end and an outlet end of the circulation pipeline (8); the underground system (2) comprises several groups of pipe assemblies, each group of pipe assemblies comprising an upper pipe (4) and a lower pipe (5) corresponding to each other, the upper pipe (4) being connected to the outlet pipe (9) while the lower pipe (5) is connected to the inlet pipe (10); the upper pipe (4) and the lower pipe (5) are connected to each other by a multitude of heat exchange components, so that a working substance in the circulation pipeline (8) can enter from the outlet pipe (9) into the upper pipe (4), from the upper pipe (4) through the heat exchange components into the lower pipe (5) and from the lower pipe (5) into the inlet pipe (10) to be transported back into the circulation pipeline (8). [2] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 1, characterized by , that the heat exchange component includes the following: Heat collecting tubes (6) for connection with the upper tube (4) and the lower tube (5), each of the heat collecting tubes (6) being provided on an outer surface with a plurality of heat-absorbing fins (7) at equal intervals. [3] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 2, characterized by, that the upper pipe (4), the lower pipe (5) and the heat collection pipes (6) are all provided within a groundwater layer (3). [4] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 2, characterized by , that a lower end of the upper tube (4) and an upper end of the lower tube (5) are each provided with a plurality of second coupling tubes (17) and first coupling tubes (11), respectively; wherein the upper end and the lower ends of the heat collector tube (6) are each inserted into the second coupling tube (17) and the first coupling tube (11), respectively; wherein each of the coupling tubes is provided on an inner side with a contact disc, and wherein each of the contact discs is provided on a side facing the heat collector tube (6) with a sealing element. [5] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 4, characterized by, that the coupling pipe is provided with a fastening disc (40) which serves to horizontally limit the heat collection pipe (6); wherein two opposing fastening discs (40) are provided with a seal (41) at a relatively far apart end. [6] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 2, characterized by , that the lower pipe (5) is provided on the inside with an inner pipe (14) which is connected to the heat collecting pipe (6), wherein the inner pipe (14) is provided with a first solenoid valve (15), and wherein the inner pipe (14) is provided inside with a flow sensor (16). [7] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 1, characterized by, that each of the lower tubes (5) is provided on both sides at the upper end with a fastening rod (27), and that each of the upper tubes (4) is provided at both ends with a fastening seat (28); wherein each of the fastening seats (28) is provided on a bottom side with an insertion hole (29), and wherein the upper end of each of the fastening rods (27) is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole (29). [8] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 1, characterized by , that the upper pipe (4) is connected to the outlet pipe (9) via a first connecting pipe (22), while the lower pipe (5) is connected to the inlet pipe (10) via a second connecting pipe (25); wherein each of the first connecting pipes (22) and each of the second connecting pipes (25) are provided with a third solenoid valve (23) and a fourth solenoid valve (26), respectively. [9] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 1, characterized by , that an insulating device (31), a heat exchanger (32), a refrigeration machine (34), a storage tank (35) and a pressure boosting pump (36) are connected in series with the circulation pipeline (8). [10] Device for utilizing geothermal energy according to claim 1, characterized by , that the circulation pipeline (8) is further equipped with a thermometer (37), a pressure gauge (38) and a flow meter (39).

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