Water-Source Energy Transfer Piping via Horizontal Directional Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy transfer systems that utilize temperature differences in water sources are labor-intensive and costly, with pipes being vulnerable to damage from natural forces and requiring shoreline disturbance for installation.
Innovation Solution
An energy transfer system utilizing horizontal directional drilling to access water at various depths, with separate inlet and outlet pipes for extracting and discharging water, allowing for temperature difference-based power generation and heating/cooling of adjacent structures, and incorporating desalination and storage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pipes are assembled above ground and sunk into water source from a barge, then water extraction can be achieved, but installation becomes highly labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical barge-based pipe sinking method with horizontal directional drilling technology. This substitution eliminates the need for complex above-ground assembly and sinking operations, directly installing pipes through the shoreline into the water source in a single continuous operation, thereby reducing labor intensity and installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces horizontal directional drilling as an intermediary installation method between the land-based structure and the water source. This intermediary technology allows pipes to be installed without direct water contact during installation, avoiding the need for barge operations and complex underwater pipe placement
2Ease of operation
If pipes are exposed within the water source, then water extraction is possible, but pipes become vulnerable to damage from natural forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable section of the pipe system from the water environment by using horizontal directional drilling to install pipes through the shoreline. The pipes remain buried underground throughout their length, eliminating exposure to water-based natural forces such as waves, currents, and marine organisms that could cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand protection by installing pipes through buried passageways created by horizontal directional drilling. This pre-installation protection shields the pipes from potential damage by earthquakes, hurricanes, and violent currents before such events can occur, ensuring continuous operation
3Reliability
If trenches are dug to bury pipes from shoreline to structure, then pipe protection is achieved, but shoreline disturbance occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical trench-digging method with horizontal directional drilling technology. This substitution allows pipes to be installed through the shoreline and under the structure without exposing machinery or creating visible trenches, thereby protecting pipes while minimizing shoreline disturbance and environmental impact
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 reduces installation costs, enhances durability by minimizing shoreline disturbance and pipe exposure, and leverages temperature differences for efficient power generation and heating/cooling while promoting environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The cold water extracted from the water source may be used by the energy transfer device to cool the adjacent structure. The warm water extracted from the water source may be used by the energy transfer device to provide heat to the adjacent structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy transfer system includes an energy transfer device, a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe. The water inlet pipe may be connected to a water inlet of the transfer device to extract water from a water source. The water outlet pipe may be connected to a water outlet on the energy transfer device to discharge water to the water source. The water inlet pipe may extract water from a predetermined extraction depth, and the water outlet pipe may discharge water into the water source at a predetermined discharge depth.