Ground-based thermal storage and heat exchange system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geo-exchange systems require significant usable ground surface area and lack the ability to provide variable levels of heat transfer and storage.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based thermal storage and heat exchange system featuring a core with a plurality of U-tubes extending outward, allowing for efficient energy transfer between the ground and a fluid, with the U-tubes arranged in multiple levels and angles to optimize heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If vertical closed loop GSHEs are used with boreholes drilled to depths between 100 and 800 feet, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the required usable ground surface area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical boreholes to horizontal U-tube configurations embedded in the ground. The U-tubes extend horizontally from a central core structure, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than vertical depth. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve effective heat transfer while minimizing the vertical footprint and surface area requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-tubes are nested within horizontal boreholes or trenches in the ground, with multiple U-tubes arranged in a layered pattern around a central core. This nested configuration allows multiple heat exchange elements to be packed into a compact horizontal space, reducing the overall surface area required while maintaining heat transfer capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional GSHE systems are installed, then heat exchange functionality is provided, but variable levels of heat transfer and storage cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange system is divided into multiple discrete U-tube modules arranged in different horizontal levels and orientations around a central core. Each U-tube can be independently configured and connected to the fluid distribution system, allowing selective activation and variable heat transfer capacity based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a fluid distribution manifold that can dynamically direct fluid flow to different U-tube configurations. By adjusting flow distribution among the various U-tubes at different levels and orientations, the system can adaptively control the total heat transfer rate and storage capacity to match varying thermal demands.
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 system enables efficient and variable heat transfer and storage without requiring usable ground surface area, providing enhanced thermal performance and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a ground-based thermal storage and heat exchange system including a layered pattern of U-tubes to transfer energy between the ground and a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A ground-based thermal storage and heat exchange system, comprising a core, including a top, a bottom, an outward facing surface, an inward facing surface, and a space formed between the top, the bottom, and the inward facing surface, and a plurality of U-tubes extending outward from the core, wherein a fluid is pumped through the core and the plurality of U-tubes.