Sewer-Integrated Pipe System for Ground Heat Extraction in Urban Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing underground pipe systems to harness terrestrial heat are complex and difficult to implement in heavily built-up environments, such as cities, due to the need for extensive excavation and potential damage to existing infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A sewer-based system where a pipe system is embedded within a concrete second wall that covers at least 75% of the internal height of the sewer, allowing for efficient heat extraction from the surrounding ground while also serving as a renovation layer for existing sewers, with flexible pipes to minimize damage from ground movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a pipe system is placed at a slight depth of one to two metres to heat fluid using terrestrial heat, then heat extraction efficiency is improved, but the complexity of construction increases due to extensive excavation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat extraction function with the sewer structure itself. The pipe system is integrated into the sewer wall (second wall), allowing the sewer to serve dual purposes: wastewater conveyance and heat extraction. This eliminates the need for separate shallow burial installation and reduces construction complexity in urban areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The sewer structure is given multiple functions: it continues to serve as a wastewater conduit while simultaneously acting as a heat exchange system. The second wall of the sewer contains the pipe system, making the sewer itself a multi-functional element that addresses both sanitation and heating needs.
2Quantity of substance
If extensive excavation is performed to install a pipe system for heat extraction, then heat extraction capability is improved, but damage to existing underground infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is nested within the existing sewer structure. Instead of installing pipes separately in excavated ground, the patent places the heat extraction pipes inside the wall of the existing sewer, utilizing the already-dug space and avoiding additional excavation that could harm other infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sewer infrastructure is already in place from previous construction activities. The patent takes advantage of this pre-existing structure by integrating the heat extraction system into it, thereby avoiding the need for new excavation and the associated risks to other underground utilities.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pipe system extends over a large part of the sewer height to obtain heat from ground on all sides, then heat extraction efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the pipe system installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is merged with the sewer wall structure. By embedding pipes within the second wall that extends over 75% of the sewer height, the installation leverages the existing structural framework, reducing the complexity of supporting and positioning the pipes compared to free-standing installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second wall is specifically designed to contain the pipe system and is made of concrete to provide thermal mass and structural support. This localized enhancement of the sewer structure at the regions where heat extraction is needed optimizes thermal performance without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire system.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid pipe system is used for heat extraction, then structural stability is improved, but vulnerability to damage from ground movements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using flexible pipes for the heat extraction system. These flexible pipes can accommodate ground movements, settlements, and deformations without breaking, maintaining system reliability while the concrete second wall provides the necessary structural stability and thermal mass.
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 enables easier installation and renovation of heat extraction systems in urban areas, allowing for increased heat capture from the ground and simultaneous sewer renovation, with flexible pipes reducing vulnerability to ground movements.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe system for conducting a fluid to be heated being disposed in said second wall, whereby heat can be obtained from the ground surrounding the sewer on all sides
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for the underground placement of a pipe system (7) for obtaining heat from the ground (14), in which a second wall (5) is installed on the inner side of a first wall (4) of a sewer (3), in which a pipe system (7) is installed in said second wall (5), the sewer having a height (H), in which the pipe system (7) is installed over at least 33% of said height (H), preferably over at least 50% of said height (H) and with greater preference over at least 75% of said height (H). With this method terrestrial heat can be obtained from the ground surrounding the sewer (3). Preferably said second wall (5) has an inner surface (13) and an outer surface (6), in which said pipe system (7) is installed in said second wall (5) in a position lying closer to the outer surface (6) than to the inner surface (5).