Conchoidal Borehole Pipe Layout for Better Ground Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-energy systems face challenges in installing efficient heat exchange pipes, particularly in confined spaces like boreholes, where conventional pipes can be misaligned and cause inefficient heat transfer due to air pockets in water bodies and high costs associated with deep drilling for heat exchange wells.
Innovation Solution
A pipe design comprising two parts that can be bent and fastened together, allowing them to open conchoidally against the borehole walls, enhancing heat transfer, and utilizing a dissolving connection mechanism to separate and self-adjust, eliminating the need for separate separation means and reducing installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipes are installed in boreholes, then installation is simple, but heat transfer efficiency is poor due to misalignment and air pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is divided into two separate parts that can be inserted independently into the borehole. This segmentation allows each part to be positioned separately to ensure proper alignment and eliminate air pockets, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe parts are designed with curved outer surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of the borehole. This curvature ensures optimal contact between the pipe and borehole walls, maximizing heat transfer efficiency without requiring complex alignment procedures during installation.
2Reliability
If pipe parts are kept separate to improve heat transfer, then heat energy transfer is enhanced, but installation complexity increases due to need for separate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
A dissolving connection mechanism serves as an intermediary that temporarily holds the two pipe parts together during insertion. This mediator allows the parts to be positioned separately for optimal heat transfer while automatically connecting them during installation, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The dissolving connection mechanism automatically separates the pipe parts after installation by dissolving in the borehole environment. This self-service feature eliminates the need for separate separation means and simplifies the installation process, as the parts self-adjust to their final positions without requiring additional operational steps.
3Reliability
If deep boreholes are drilled for heat exchange wells, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but installation costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is segmented into two parts that can be installed in a shallower borehole configuration. This segmentation allows for alternative installation methods that reduce drilling depth requirements while maintaining heat exchange efficiency, thereby significantly reducing installation costs associated with deep borehole drilling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pipe design allows for efficient heat transfer in smaller boreholes, reduces installation complexity, and is cost-effective by utilizing a spring force to maintain contact with the borehole walls, improving heat transfer efficiency and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
the dissolving of the connection means causes the pipe parts to be pressed against the surrounding soil
Implementation Method 2
the pipe parts open under the influence of a spring force of a bridge
Implementation Method 3
the pipe may be led to, for instance, a borehole provided in the soil, where the parts are allowed to open conchoidally so that the parts are pressed against the walls of the borehole, thus boosting the transfer of heat to the transfer liquid considerably
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pipe (1) in a low-energy system and a method for installing a pipe in such a system. The pipe (1) comprises, connected to one another, a supply portion (9) for guiding transfer liquid to a heat source and a return portion (10) for guiding the transfer liquid to one or more heat exchange means (4). The supply portion and the return portion comprise inner surfaces (11) oriented towards one another and outer surfaces (12) oriented towards the heat source surrounding the pipe so that the outer surface is connected with the inner surface at a base (13) of the supply portion and the return portion and at a tip (14) opposite thereto. The outer surfaces of the pipe parts are arranged to curve away from the inner surface, and the parts are connected to one another by an elastic bridge (15). In this way, the supply portion and the return portion are turnable with respect to one another.