Remote Thermal Response Testing for Ground Heat Exchange Media

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermal response tests are hindered by bulky and unsafe instrumentation, leading to delays and inefficiencies due to the need for on-site operators, which complicates the design and installation of sustainable ground source heating or cooling solutions.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processing unit, a remotely connected second processing unit, and a control unit connected to a hydraulic system, allowing for remote control and data acquisition of thermal properties through a fluid circulating in a medium, enabling efficient and safe thermal response testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional bulky instrumentation is used for thermal response testing, then measurement capability is achieved, but mobilization and demobilization delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal property measurement capabilityVSAvoidmobilization and demobilization delays

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/bulky instrumentation with a remotely operated system that uses a fluid circulating through the medium to perform thermal response testing. The control unit sends control signals to acquire thermal property data without requiring physical presence of operators or bulky equipment at the test site, thereby eliminating mobilization and demobilization delays while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional instrumentation with exposed cables or pipes is used, then thermal response testing can be performed, but safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal property measurement capabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards from exposed cables or pipes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates exposed cables and pipes by using a remote control system where the control unit communicates with the hydraulic system through control signals. The fluid circulation system is enclosed and integrated, removing exposed components that pose safety hazards while maintaining the ability to perform thermal response testing and acquire thermal property data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If on-site operators are required to operate thermal response tests, then direct control is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect control capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated system where the control unit autonomously generates control signals to operate the hydraulic system and acquire thermal property data. The system performs thermal response testing without requiring on-site operators, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining full control capability through automated decision-making and execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the operator and the hydraulic system. The control unit receives operator inputs or automated commands and translates them into control signals that operate the fluid circulation and data acquisition processes, enabling efficient operation without direct human intervention at the test site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system streamlines thermal response testing by reducing mobilization and demobilization delays, enhancing safety by minimizing on-site operator involvement, and improving data acquisition efficiency, thus facilitating the design and installation of sustainable ground source heating or cooling solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic system configured to circulate a fluid through the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid circulation:

Implementation Method 2

at least one parameter of the fluid circulating through the medium to be acquired, the at least one parameter indicative of a thermal property of the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10047975B2System and method for thermal response testing

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 ENERGIE STAT

AI summary

A system and method for performing at least one thermal response test for a medium. At least one request signal indicative of at least one request to perform the thermal response test is received. On the basis of the at least one request, at least one control signal is generated for causing at least one parameter of a fluid circulating through the medium to be acquired. The at least one measurement is indicative of a thermal property of the medium. The at least one control signal is then output to a hydraulic system.