Method for controlling an installation connected to a geothermal source for supplying thermal energy to at least one building, and regulating system and installation relating thereto
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geothermal energy systems face inefficiencies due to temperature drift, leading to early abandonment or over-dimensioning, as they struggle to maintain thermal stability and optimize energy usage, resulting in under-exploitation or reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that forecasts and adjusts the temperature trajectory of the geothermal medium in real-time by evaluating the thermal power exchanged between the heat transfer fluid and the geothermal medium, ensuring conformity with a predefined trajectory, thereby optimizing geothermal energy supply and reducing initial investment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If geothermal energy is used intensively to meet heating and cooling demands, then energy supply performance is improved, but temperature drift occurs leading to reduced system efficiency and viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a forecasting system that continuously monitors the geothermal medium temperature and compares it against a predefined reference trajectory. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts the thermal power exchanged with the geothermal medium in real-time, ensuring the temperature remains conformant to the trajectory and preventing drift that would reduce system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of the geothermal installation by modifying the thermal power exchanged with the geothermal medium. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining temperature conformity to the reference trajectory, thereby preserving reliability while meeting energy demands
2Stability of the object's composition
If geothermal installations are over-dimensioned to prevent temperature drift, then temperature stability is improved, but investment costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a reference temperature trajectory in advance that specifies the desired temperature path of the geothermal medium over time. This preliminary action allows the system to prevent temperature drift before it occurs by proactively adjusting operational parameters, eliminating the need for over-dimensioning the installation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (thermal power exchanged with geothermal medium) based on the forecasted temperature trajectory. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains temperature stability within acceptable limits using the existing installation capacity, avoiding the need for costly over-dimensioning
3Stability of the object's composition
If geothermal energy usage is restricted to avoid temperature drift, then temperature stability is maintained, but energy resource under-exploitation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The forecasting system continuously monitors actual temperature against the reference trajectory and provides feedback control. This allows the system to maximize geothermal energy usage while maintaining temperature stability, as the feedback mechanism ensures corrections are made only when necessary to maintain conformity, preventing both drift and under-exploitation
4Stability of the object's composition
If real-time temperature monitoring and adjustment is implemented, then temperature trajectory conformity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by comparing forecasted temperature with actual temperature measurements and automatically adjusting the thermal power exchanged with the geothermal medium. This automated feedback mechanism maintains trajectory conformity while managing control complexity through algorithmic decision-making rather than complex physical control mechanisms
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
This approach enhances the efficiency and longevity of geothermal systems by maintaining thermal stability, optimizing energy performance, and reducing the risk of temperature drift, allowing for more effective and sustainable use of geothermal resources.
Implementation Method 1
geothermal source with thermal exchange probes installed in a geothermal medium and adapted to allow heat exchange between the geothermal medium and a heat transfer fluid passing through the probes
Data Source
AI summary
An installation including at least one source of geothermal energy for geothermal storage, at least one other energy source, and equipment for converting and distributing energy. The geothermal source includes probes installed in the medium that permit heat exchange between the geothermal medium and a heat-transport fluid passing through the probes. The method involves defining a forecast trajectory (TP) for the temperature of the geothermal medium over time, evaluating the temperature of the geothermal medium, making an adjustment to the thermal power exchanged between the geothermal medium and the heat-transport fluid which on leaving the probe has a temperature (TW), in the direction of making the temperature of the geothermal medium consistent with the forecast trajectory. The mean (TM) of the forecast trajectory (TP) is stable and preferably exhibits, with respect to the ground temperature (TN) a differential causing an annual thermal flux between the natural ground and the medium.