Geothermal Pile Loop Retention for Lower-Cost Heat Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Geothermal conduit systems are expensive to install and inefficient in thermal exchange due to the need for multiple crews and ineffective heat transfer mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A pile with integral geothermal conduit loop retaining capability is developed, where the pile is driven into the ground with channels or guide collars to securely position and retain geothermal conduit loops, enhancing thermal conductivity through metal liners and attachment means, allowing for efficient heat absorption and radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional geothermal conduit installation methods are used with hollow steel pipes and multiple crews, then the conduit loop can be installed in the ground, but the installation cost increases and thermal exchange efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation costVSAvoidthermal exchange efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pile foundation structure with geothermal conduit loop installation into a single integrated system. The pile is driven into the ground with integral retaining means that directly hold the conduit loop sections, eliminating the need for separate hollow steel pipe installation and multiple crews. This merging of functions reduces installation cost while maintaining thermal exchange efficiency through direct ground contact and conductive filler material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If conduit loops are installed using separate hollow steel pipes and conductive filler material, then thermal conductivity is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoidinstallation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pile structure integrates the retaining means and conduit loop positioning into a single unified system. The channels or guide collars are built into the pile itself, and the conductive filler material is placed directly in the annular space between the pile and conduit loop during the same installation process, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pile serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural foundation element, a conduit loop retaining structure, and a thermal exchange medium through the conductive filler material. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hollow steel pipes and reduces the number of components required, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining thermal conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If guide collars are used to position conduit sections, then positioning precision is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit positioning precisionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The guide collars or channels are pre-integrated into the pile structure during pile manufacturing or preparation. This preliminary action ensures that when the conduit loop sections are installed, they are automatically guided into the correct position with high precision, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments and reducing overall installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution reduces installation costs and improves thermal efficiency by securely integrating geothermal conduit loops within the pile, enabling effective heat exchange and reducing the need for multiple crews.

Implementation Method 1

which may have a metal liner therein to provide improved thermal conductivity of the conduit loops to absorb heat from the ground or radiate heat into the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conductivity: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

absorb heat from the ground or radiate heat into the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

absorb heat from the ground or radiate heat into the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8262322B2Pile with integral geothermal conduit loop retaining means

Publication Date: 2012.09.11 DESANTIS BROOKE ERIN

AI summary

A pile adapted to be driven into the ground and having retaining formations to retain one or more geothermal conduit loops. Each conduit loop is formed by opposed longitudinal conduit sections interconnected at a lower end by an interconnecting section. The conduit loops are adapted for flow of a heat exchange fluid therein. The retaining formations retain the one or more conduit loops in close proximity to the pile through the attachment means as the pile is driven into the ground.