Double-Loop Ground Collector Layout for Compact Geothermal Heat Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground collectors require large spaces, are costly and time-consuming to install, and struggle to adapt to varying soil and topographical conditions, limiting their heat absorption capacity.
Innovation Solution
A ground collector design featuring flexible pipes formed into double loops with staggered reversal points, allowing for efficient layout in minimal space, easy installation, and adjustable configurations to optimize heat absorption based on site conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ground collectors are laid horizontally on one level, then installation is simple, but the area required is very large (1.5 to 2.5 times the building area)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal single-plane pipe arrangement to vertical multi-level arrangement with pipes extending at different heights (0.5m to 2.0m below ground surface). This dimensional change allows the same pipe length to occupy less ground area while maintaining heat exchange effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple pipe loops at different vertical levels within a concentrated ground area. The pipes are arranged in a vertical column fashion with multiple reversal points at different depths, effectively nesting the heat exchange function within a compact spatial footprint.
2Reliability
If ground collectors are laid over large areas, then heat absorption capacity is sufficient, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameter from horizontal dispersion to vertical concentration. By arranging pipes at multiple levels (0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m depth) within a compact area, it achieves sufficient heat absorption capacity without extending installation area, thereby reducing installation time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits the vertical dimension to increase pipe density within a compact ground area. Multiple pipe loops are stacked vertically with reversal points at different depths, allowing high heat absorption capacity to be achieved in a concentrated area, reducing installation time.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional pipe arrangements are used, then installation is straightforward, but adaptation to special soil or topographical conditions is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible pipes that can be bent and shaped to accommodate different ground conditions. The pipe system includes multiple reversal points at varying depths that can be adjusted during installation to adapt to rock layers, groundwater tables, or topographical variations while maintaining the vertical column structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows local adjustment of pipe depth and reversal point positions to match specific site conditions. Different sections of the vertical column can have pipes at different depths (0.5m to 2.0m) depending on local soil properties, groundwater levels, or thermal characteristics, while maintaining overall system functionality.
4Reliability
If pipes are arranged in meandering manner, then heat transfer is effective, but space efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces horizontal meandering pipe arrangement with vertical stacking of pipe loops at multiple levels. Each loop maintains effective heat transfer through contact with surrounding soil, while the vertical arrangement concentrates the total pipe length within a small ground footprint, achieving both heat transfer effectiveness and space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests multiple pipe loops vertically within a compact area. The loops are arranged one above another at different depths (0.5m to 2.0m), with each loop contributing to heat absorption. This nested vertical arrangement achieves high heat transfer effectiveness while occupying minimal ground area.
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 double-loop design enhances heat absorption capacity, reduces installation time and costs, and allows for flexible adaptation to site-specific conditions, enabling efficient thermal energy transfer with minimal space usage.
Implementation Method 1
transfer the thermal energy contained in the ground to the heat transfer medium flowing in the pipes of the ground collectors by means of heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
The thermal energy is then fed to a heat pump, which transfers this heat to a heating circuit in a building
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Geothermal energy is abstracted from soil by a sub-soil flexible hose with a first end that is collected to a feed pipe or a collector/distributor for a heat fluid transport medium to a heat exchanger. The second end discharges to a return feed pipe or a collector/distributor for a heat fluid transport medium to a heat exchanger. The pipe (12) consists of two or more sequential loops (18) or twin loops (44). The lower and upper loop return points (20, 22) are transposed with respect to each other.