Refrigeration – Structural installation – Geographic – e.g. – subterranean feature
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-08
2001-04-10
Doerrler, William (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Structural installation
Geographic, e.g., subterranean feature
C165S045000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212896
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of geothermal heating and cooling, and more particularly to an improved heat transfer column positioned within an earth mass for transfer of heat to and from the earth mass.
At the present state of the art, known earth coupling devices have not proved capable of providing proper and predictable control of the refrigerant as it interfaces with the earth. The principal problem appears to be that of uneven distribution of thermal transfer, the result of formation of hot or cold spots which prevent uniform distribution of thermal transfer. Ultimately, there is a failure to utilize the full capacity of the surrounding earth mass which functions as a heat sink.
This problem is complicated by relatively large horizontal land mass requirements and accompanying extensive excavation during original installation and subsequent service operations.
Another problem lies in the inability of the land mass to store large amounts of heat during periods of excessive hot weather. Conventional prior art systems have no provision for transferring heat to the surrounding atmosphere to avoid degenerating the land mass by creating soil burnout.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention contemplates the provision of an improved heat transfer column which is positioned in the surrounding earth mass in substantially vertical orientation. The column includes a centrally disposed pipe approximately three inches in diameter and twelve to fourteen feet long. Refrigerant lines from the heat pump compressor are wound about the pipe in spiral fashion. Surrounding the pipe in spaced relation is a polymeric liner filled with water containing an antifreeze mixture. The earth mass contacts the outer surface of the liner. The water circulates through and about the outer surface of the pipe by convection. The result is a superior degree of heat transfer with a total elimination of hot or cold spots.
As a further result, the horizontal land mass requirements have been significantly reduced when compared to prior art horizontally positioned copper tubing and water pipe fields. This permits the placement of the disposed system in relatively restricted areas and mixed terrain without extensive excavation, both during original installation and subsequent repair operations.
The present system, rather than transferring heat directly from a refrigerant to the earth mass, first transfers the heat to a substantial mass of water which is continuously circulating, and from the water to the earth mass over a substantial area.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4566532 (1986-01-01), Basmajian
patent: 4574875 (1986-03-01), Rawlings et al.
patent: 4993483 (1991-02-01), Harris
patent: 5203173 (1993-04-01), Horton
patent: 5623986 (1997-04-01), Wiggs
patent: 687043 (1996-08-01), None
Doerrler William
Jiang Chen-Wen
Temko Charles E.
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