Geothermal Foundation Element With Soil Transition for Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foundation elements for geothermal activation lack efficient heat transfer between the element and surrounding soil due to a clear separation, hindering effective heat exchange.
Innovation Solution
A foundation element with a transition area formed from crushed surrounding soil material and a hardening suspension, integrated with a metal reinforcement element and heat exchanger, allowing for improved thermal integration and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clear separation between the foundation element and surrounding soil is provided, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the heat transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation element is designed with different material compositions in different regions: the core area contains metal reinforcement elements for structural strength, while the outer transition area uses crushed surrounding soil material for thermal integration. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize for its primary function.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation element combines multiple materials: metal reinforcement elements in the core for strength, and crushed soil material mixed with hardening suspension in the transition area for thermal conductivity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and heat transfer efficiency.
2Temperature
If a transition area with crushed soil material is created, then the heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling process itself generates the crushed soil material needed for the transition area by breaking up the surrounding ground. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate material preparation and reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired thermal integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The creation of the borehole and preparation of transition area material are merged into a single drilling operation. The drill both creates the hole and generates the crushed soil material, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining heat transfer efficiency.
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
Enhances heat transfer efficiency by creating a smooth transition between the foundation element and soil, enabling better heat absorption and dissipation, while maintaining structural strength and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the heat potential of the ground can be used for geothermal heating using a heat pump. Conversely, for air conditioning of a building, excess heat can also be dissipated into the ground via the heat exchange elements
Implementation Method 2
a transition area to the surrounding soil is provided, in which the foundation element is formed from crushed soil material of the surrounding soil with a hardening suspension
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a foundation element in the ground and a method for creating the foundation element, which is formed from a hardenable mass, with at least one heat exchanger element being used before hardening. According to the invention, a transition area to the surrounding soil is provided, in which the foundation element is formed from crushed soil material from the surrounding soil with a hardening suspension.