U.S. patent application number 15/183297 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-31 for geothermal heating and cooling system.
The applicant listed for this patent is AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Douglas I. Brand, John P. DiEnna, JR., Don Penn, William M. Varley, Anthony J. Yanka.
Application Number | 20170248333 15/183297 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59679504 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170248333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Varley; William M. ; et
al. |
August 31, 2017 |
GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM
Abstract
A geothermal heating and cooling system that uses a water source
to provide a heat transfer medium is provided. Elements of the
system may include a water source, one or more circulation loops
coupled to the water source, a heat exchanger and/or heat pump,
and/or a monitoring component configured to monitor for conditions
within the system, including leak integrity and water quality.
Inventors: |
Varley; William M.;
(Brightwaters, NY) ; Brand; Douglas I.;
(Haddonfield, NJ) ; Yanka; Anthony J.;
(Moorestown, NJ) ; DiEnna, JR.; John P.;
(Springfield, PA) ; Penn; Don; (Grapevine,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC. |
Voorhees |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59679504 |
Appl. No.: |
15/183297 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62300401 |
Feb 26, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 5/0046 20130101;
Y02B 10/40 20130101; F24F 2005/006 20130101; Y02E 10/10 20130101;
F24F 11/52 20180101; F28F 2265/20 20130101; F28D 15/00 20130101;
F28D 21/0012 20130101; F24F 2005/0057 20130101; F24T 10/10
20180501; F25B 2400/06 20130101; F28D 9/0075 20130101; F24T 10/30
20180501; F28F 1/003 20130101; F28D 9/005 20130101; F28F 2265/16
20130101; F25B 30/06 20130101; F28F 27/02 20130101; F24F 11/30
20180101; F28F 2230/00 20130101; Y02B 30/56 20130101; F24F 13/30
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 5/00 20060101
F24F005/00; F24F 13/30 20060101 F24F013/30; F24F 1/00 20060101
F24F001/00; F24J 3/08 20060101 F24J003/08; F28D 15/00 20060101
F28D015/00; F28F 27/02 20060101 F28F027/02; F28D 21/00 20060101
F28D021/00; F28D 9/00 20060101 F28D009/00; F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F25B 30/00 20060101 F25B030/00 |
Claims
1. A system for geothermal heating and cooling, the system
comprising: a water source; a circulation loop coupled to the water
source and passing proximate to a space to be heated or cooled, the
circulation loop configured to circulate water from the water
source; a heat pump coupled to the circulation loop and configured
to provide heat transfer between the water and the space to be
heated or cooled; and a monitoring component configured to monitor
for at least one of: quality of the water, and leak integrity of
the circulation loop.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first fluid coupling
joined to the circulation loop and to the water source, the first
fluid coupling configured to provide the water to the circulation
loop from the water source.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a second fluid
coupling joined to the circulation loop and to the water source,
the second fluid coupling configured to return the water from the
circulation loop to the water source.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a third fluid coupling
joined to the circulation loop and to a diffusion well, and a
junction with at least one valve configured to selectively direct
the water through the first fluid coupling or the second fluid
coupling.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring component is
configured to: extract a portion of the water from the circulation
loop or from the water source at a location downstream of the
circulation loop; and test the water for at least one of:
contaminants; and biologics and pathogens.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein monitoring the leak integrity of
the circulation loop comprises monitoring for: pressure changes
within the circulation loop using a pressure sensor coupled to the
circulation loop; and a presence of the water outside of an
internal portion of the circulation loop through which the water
travels using a fluid detection sensor coupled to the circulation
loop.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one backflow
preventer coupled to the circulation loop that prevents the water
from reversing direction.
8. A system for geothermal heating and cooling, the system
comprising: a water source; a heat exchanger; a first circulation
loop configured to circulate water from the water source through
the heat exchanger and back to the water source; a second
circulation loop configured to circulate a heat exchange fluid
through the heat exchanger and proximate to a space to be heated or
cooled; and a monitoring component configured to monitor for at
least one of: quality of the water, and leak integrity of at least
one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation
loop.
9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a first fluid coupling
joined to the first circulation loop and to the water source, the
first fluid coupling configured to provide the water to the first
circulation loop from the water source.
10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a second fluid
coupling joined to the first circulation loop and to the water
source, the second fluid coupling configured to return the water
from the first circulation loop to the water source.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a third fluid
coupling joined to the first circulation loop and to a diffusion
well, and a junction with at least one valve configured to
selectively direct the water through the second fluid coupling or
the third fluid coupling.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the monitoring component
monitors the quality of the water, and is configured to: extract a
portion of the water from the first circulation loop or from the
water source at a location downstream of the first circulation
loop; and test the water for at least one of: contaminants; and
biologics and pathogens.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein the monitoring component
monitors for leak integrity of at least one of the first
circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and wherein the
monitoring component is configured to detect a pressure change
within the heat exchanger using a pressure sensor.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the monitoring component
monitors for leak integrity of at least one of the first
circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and wherein the
monitoring component is configured to determine a presence of fluid
in the heat exchanger using a fluid detection sensor.
15. The system of claim 8, wherein the system further comprises a
notification component and a flow control component, wherein the
notification component is configured to send a signal when the
monitoring component detects that the quality of the water is
compromised or a leak is present in at least one of the first
circulation loop and the second circulation loop, and wherein the
flow control component is configured to prevent the water from
returning to the water source when the monitoring component detects
that the water quality is compromised or the leak is present in at
least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation
loop.
16. The system of claim 8, further comprising at least one heat
pump coupled to the second circulation loop for providing heat
transfer between the heat exchange fluid and the space to be heated
or cooled.
17. The system of claim 8, wherein the heat exchanger is a
double-walled heat exchanger, wherein the first circulation loop
and the second circulation loop are separated by at least one air
chamber in the double-walled heat exchanger, and wherein the
monitoring component monitors for the leak integrity within the at
least one air chamber.
18. A heat exchanger for a geothermal heating and cooling system,
the heat exchanger comprising: a first circulation loop; a second
circulation loop; at least one air chamber between the first
circulation loop and the second circulation loop; and a monitoring
component positioned in the at least one air chamber, the
monitoring component configured to detect at least one of: a
presence of fluid in the at least one air chamber, and a change of
pressure in the at least one air chamber.
19. The heat exchanger of claim 18, wherein the heat exchanger is a
plate-and-frame heat exchanger, wherein the first circulation loop
comprises a first series of plates, and wherein the second
circulation loop comprises a second series of plates in alternating
configuration with the first series of plates.
20. The heat exchanger of claim 19, wherein the at least one air
chamber is pressurized, and wherein the monitoring component
monitors for the change of pressure in the at least one air gap
using at least one pressure sensor.
21. The heat exchanger of claim 18, wherein the monitoring
component monitors for the presence of fluid in the at least one
air chamber using at least one of a humidity sensor and a fluid
detection sensor.
22. A method for geothermal heating and cooling, the method
comprising: providing a water source; providing a heat exchanger;
coupling a first circulation loop to the heat exchanger and to the
water source; coupling a second circulation loop to the heat
exchanger and extending the second circulation loop proximate to a
space to be heated or cooled; coupling a heat pump to the second
circulation loop for exchanging heat between a heat exchange fluid
in the second circulation loop and the space to be heated or
cooled; and providing a monitoring component configured to monitor
for at least one of: quality of the water, and integrity of at
least one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation
loop.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the monitoring component
monitors the integrity of at least one of the first circulation
loop and the second circulation loop using at least one of: a
pressure sensor coupled to the heat exchanger; and a fluid
detection sensor coupled to the heat exchanger.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the monitoring component
monitors the quality of the water, and wherein monitoring the
quality of the water comprises monitoring for: changes in
temperature; a presence of contaminants; and a presence of
biologics and pathogens.
25. The method of claim 22, further comprising providing a
temperature sensor coupled to the water source downstream of the
first circulation loop, and measuring changes in temperature of the
water.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: coupling a junction
comprising a valve to the first circulation loop; coupling the
junction to a diffusion well; determining the integrity of at least
one of the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop
is compromised; and operating the valve to divert at least a
portion of the water in the first circulation loop to the diffusion
well to prevent the at least a portion of the water from returning
to the water source.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/300,401, filed Feb. 26, 2016, and titled
"Geothermal Heating and Cooling System," the entire contents of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The field of the technology relates to geothermal heating
and cooling.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize the
temperature of the earth to provide a constant temperature source
for heat transfer. Traditional geothermal systems can be
cumbersome, expensive, and limited in their heating and cooling
capacity. Accordingly, an improved geothermal heating and cooling
system that addresses these issues, among others, is needed.
SUMMARY
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the detailed description section of this disclosure. This summary
is not intended to identify key or essential features of the
technology, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining
the scope of the technology.
[0005] In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes,
among other things, a geothermal heating and cooling system that
uses a water source, such as a municipal water source, to provide a
medium for heat transfer. More specifically, elements of the system
may include a water source, one or more circulation loops coupled
to the water source, a heat exchanger/heat pump, and a monitoring
component configured to monitor for conditions within the system,
including leak integrity and water quality.
[0006] In one embodiment, a system for geothermal heating and
cooling is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present technology. The system comprises a water source, a
circulation loop coupled to the water source and passing proximate
a space to be heated or cooled, the circulation loop configured to
circulate water from the water source, a heat pump coupled to the
circulation loop and configured to provide heat transfer between
the water and the space to be heated or cooled, and a monitoring
component configured to monitor for at least one of quality of the
water and leak integrity of the circulation loop.
[0007] In another embodiment, a system for geothermal heating and
cooling is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present technology. The system comprises a water source, a heat
exchanger, a first circulation loop configured to circulate water
from the water source through the heat exchanger and back to the
water source, a second circulation loop configured to circulate a
heat exchange fluid through the heat exchanger and proximate a
space to be heated or cooled, and a monitoring component configured
to monitor at least one of quality of the water and leak integrity
of at least one of the first circulation loop and the second
circulation loop.
[0008] In another embodiment, a heat exchanger for a geothermal
heating and cooling system is provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present technology. The heat exchanger comprises
a first circulation loop, a second circulation loop, at least one
air chamber between the first circulation loop and the second
circulation loop, and a monitoring component positioned in the at
least one air chamber, the monitoring component configured to
detect at least one of a presence of fluid in the at least one air
chamber and a change of pressure in the at least one air
chamber.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method of geothermal heating and
cooling is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present technology. The method comprises providing a water source,
providing a heat exchanger, coupling a first circulation loop to
the heat exchanger and to the water source, coupling a second
circulation loop to the heat exchanger and extending the second
circulation loop proximate a space to be heated or cooled, coupling
a heat pump to the second circulation loop for exchanging heat
between a heat exchange fluid in the second circulation loop and
the space to be heated or cooled, and providing a monitoring
component configured to monitor for at least one of quality of the
water and integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop
and the second circulation loop.
[0010] As used in this disclosure, "monitoring component" may
comprise a single element or a combination of elements, local or
remote, automatically or manually operated and/or configured, for
monitoring water quality or leak integrity in a geothermal heating
and cooling system.
[0011] Additionally, as used in this disclosure, a "water source"
may be a municipal water source, wastewater source, graywater
source, reused or reclaimed water source, federal water source,
private water source, in-ground or above-ground water source, or
any other source of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention is described in detail below with
reference to the attached drawing figures, which are intended to be
exemplary and non-limiting, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1A is an exemplary geothermal heating and cooling
system utilizing a water source, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present technology;
[0014] FIG. 1B is another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling
system utilizing a water source, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present technology;
[0015] FIG. 1C is another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling
system utilizing a water source, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present technology;
[0016] FIG. 2A is an exemplary geothermal heating and cooling
system utilizing a heat exchanger and a water source, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present technology;
[0017] FIG. 2B is another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling
system utilizing a heat exchanger and a water source, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present technology;
[0018] FIG. 2C is another exemplary geothermal heating and cooling
system utilizing a heat exchanger and a water source, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present technology;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exemplary heat exchanger setup for the
geothermal heating and cooling systems depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;
[0020] FIG. 4A is an exemplary heat exchanger for a geothermal
heating and cooling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present technology;
[0021] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the heat exchanger depicted
in FIG. 4A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology;
[0022] FIG. 4C is a partial cross-section view of the heat
exchanger depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present technology;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exemplary valve and piping configuration for
use with a geothermal heating and cooling system, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present technology;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary method of
geothermal heating and cooling, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present technology;
[0025] FIG. 7A is an exemplary table of measured influent and
effluent water temperature from a geothermal heating and cooling
system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;
and
[0026] FIG. 7B is an exemplary table of measured water quality
indicators taken from water used in a geothermal heating and
cooling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The subject matter of the present technology is described
with specificity in this disclosure to meet statutory requirements.
However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope
of the technology. Rather, the claimed subject matter may also be
embodied in other ways, to include different features, components,
steps, and/or combinations of steps, similar to the ones described
in this disclosure, in conjunction with other present and/or future
technologies. Moreover, although the terms "step" and/or "block"
may be used herein to connote different elements of methods
employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any
particular order among or between various steps disclosed herein
unless and except the order of individual steps is explicitly
described and required.
[0028] At a high level, the present technology generally relates to
geothermal heating and cooling utilizing a water source (e.g., a
preinstalled potable water line or reclaimed water line). A
circulation loop may be coupled to the water source and used to
circulate water through, around, and/or proximate a space to be
heated or cooled, and/or through a heat exchanger coupled to a
separate circulation loop that circulates a heating and cooling
fluid through, around, and/or proximate to the space to be heated
or cooled, to allow heat transfer to occur. Additionally, a
monitoring component may be used to determine a quality of the
water in the system and re-entering the water source, and/or to
determine if any leaks are present within the system. Exemplary
embodiments of the technology are described in greater detail below
with respect to FIGS. 1-6.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1A, an exemplary system 10 for
geothermal heating and cooling is provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 1A, a water source 12
is shown, along with a space 14 to be heated or cooled (e.g., a
building with rooms). The water source 12 may be above or below
ground, and may be preinstalled, or installed with the system 10,
or otherwise adapted from an existing water source or system. The
water source 12 may provide water 16, such as potable water, waste
water, gray water, or another type of water, for use in the system
10. FIG. 1A also depicts a circulation loop 18 that is in fluid
communication with the water source 12 at a first fluid coupling 20
and a second fluid coupling 22. The circulation loop 18 is in fluid
communication with the water source 12 and circulates the water 16
through, around, and/or proximate the space 14 to be heated or
cooled.
[0030] The system 10 in FIG. 1A further includes a plurality of
heat pumps 24, which may be used to transfer heat between the water
16 in the circulation loop 18 and the space 14 to be heated or
cooled. In an exemplary operation of the system 10, the water 16 is
drawn from the water source 12 and sent through the circulation
loop 18. The heat pumps 24 transfer heat between the water 16 and
air in the space 14 to be heated or cooled, adjusting the
temperature in the space 14 using the water. The heat pumps 24 may
be coupled within, near, and/or proximate the space 14 to be heated
or cooled (e.g., wall mounted heating and air conditioning units),
but may also be located remotely, such as at a central location or
on a roof of a building. It should be noted although a plurality of
heat pumps 24 are depicted in FIGS. 1-3, in implementation, only
one heat pump may be used, or multiple heat pumps may be used, as
well. The circulation loop 18 may also travel to multiple spaces or
buildings.
[0031] The water may enter the circulation loop 18 from the water
source 12 at the first fluid coupling 20, proceed through the
circulation loop 18 through, around, and/or proximate the space 14
to be heated or cooled, and then exit the circulation loop 18 at
the second fluid coupling 22, where it may re-enters the water
source 12. Although not explicitly depicted, one or more valves may
be located at the first fluid coupling 20, around the circulation
loop 18, and/or at the second fluid coupling 22 to direct,
restrict, and/or activate the flow of the water 16 through the
circulation loop 18. Additionally, one or more backflow preventers
26 may be located in the circulation loop 18 to prevent the water
from reversing direction and re-entering the water source 12, as
needed.
[0032] FIG. 1A further depicts a monitoring component 28. The
monitoring component 28, in a broad sense, may be one or multiple
components, separate or interconnected, used to monitor various
conditions of the system 10. The monitoring component 28 may thus
indicate when preconfigured operating conditions are or are not
satisfied by the system 10. For example, the monitoring component
28 may be used to monitor quality of the water 16 in the system 10
by continuously or intermittently testing the water 16, and/or may
be used to monitor the leak integrity of the system 10, or rather,
detect when a leak in the system 10 has occurred. In FIG. 1A, the
monitoring component 28 is depicted as dual components at two
locations proximate the first and second fluid couplings 20, 22 of
the circulation loop 18, respectively, but may be located anywhere,
and may comprise more or fewer components.
[0033] The monitoring component 28 may include one or more sensors
29 for monitoring operating conditions of the system 10. The
sensors 29 may comprise water quality testing sensors, such as
temperature sensors, contaminant sensors, biologic or pathogen
testing sensors, heavy metal sensors, and/or volatile organic
compound sensors, for example, which are configured to detect the
presence of the same, either locally at the system 10, or remotely
at a testing location using water extracted from the system 10. The
sensors 29 may also comprise leak integrity sensors, such as
pressure sensors, humidity/moisture sensors, and/or fluid detection
sensors used within or proximate the system 10, for example. The
sensors 29 may be coupled to, within, or proximate to the
circulation loop 18, the space 14, and/or other parts of the system
10, including at a downstream location 30 relative to the
circulation loop 18. The monitoring component 28 may be configured
to test the quality of the water 16 in the system 10 by extracting
a portion of the water 16 from the circulation loop 18 at one or
multiple locations (e.g., at the downstream location 30).
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1B, another exemplary geothermal
heating and cooling system 32 utilizing a water source 12 is
provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology. The system 32 depicted in FIG. 1B once again features
the water source 12, the circulation loop 18, the heat pumps 24,
and the monitoring component 28. However, the system 32 in FIG. 1B
is designed so that after the water 16 has passed through the
circulation loop 18, the water 16 is not returned to the water
source 12, but rather, is pumped down a diffusion well 34. The
diffusion well 34 may simply disperse the water 16 into an
underground water table, or may drain the water 16 down a storm
sewer or other water return infrastructure. The setup of the system
32 may allow for testing of the system 32 without reintroducing the
water 16 into the water source 12.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1C, another exemplary geothermal
heating and cooling system 36 is provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 1C, the system 36
once again includes the water source 12, the circulation loop 18,
the first fluid coupling 20, the second fluid coupling 22, the heat
pumps 24, and the monitoring component 28, as well as sensors 29
for monitoring the water 16 and/or the system 36 (the sensors 29
may also be within an internal portion of the circulation loop 18
through which the water 16 flows). Additionally, the diffusion well
34 is also coupled to the circulation loop 18 at a third fluid
coupling 38.
[0036] In FIG. 1C, the system 36 further comprises a junction 40
having a valve 42. The junction 40 and the valve 42 allow control
of the direction of the water 16 in the circulation loop 18, so
that at least a portion of the water 16 may be selectively directed
either through the second fluid coupling 22 back to the water
source 12, or through the third fluid coupling 38 to the diffusion
well 34 so that that the water 16 may be prevented, or at least
restricted or reduced, from entering back into the water source 12.
This allows selective operation, testing, and/or diversion of the
water 16, if needed.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2A, an exemplary geothermal heating
and cooling system 44 utilizing a heat exchanger 46 is provided, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The system
44 depicted in FIG. 2A includes a first circulation loop 48 which
is coupled to the water source 12 with the first fluid coupling 20.
The first circulation loop 48 passes through the heat exchanger 46
to a diffusion well 34, which allows the water 16 to be dispersed
away from the water source 12, as discussed in the earlier
sections.
[0038] The system 44 includes a second circulation loop 50 that
extends through, around, and/or proximate the space 14 to be heated
or cooled, which in FIG. 2A may be a building with a number of
rooms. The second circulation loop 50 contains a heat exchange
fluid 52, such as a water-glycol mixture, that is recirculated
through the second circulation loop 50 with one or more pumps 54.
The second circulation loop 50 also includes a plurality of heat
pumps 24 which are coupled to the second circulation loop 50 around
the space 14 to be heated or cooled. The heat pumps 24 allow for
heat transfer between the heat exchange fluid 52 and air in the
space 14 to be heated or cooled.
[0039] The heat exchanger 46 may be designed such that both the
first circulation loop 48 and the second circulation loop 50 pass
through the heat exchanger 46 in separate pathways, to allow
transfer of heat between the water 16, which may be constantly
replenished from the water source 12, and the heat exchange fluid
52, which may be recirculated through the second circulation loop
50 to carry heat to or from the space 14, without directly mixing
the water 16 and the heat exchange fluid 52. In this respect, the
heat exchanger 46 may be designed such that the first and second
circulation loops 48, 50 are in fluid isolation, possibly using
pressurization, one or more air chambers or gaps, a double walled
design, gaskets, seals, or a similar segmented design, which may
help prevent the heat exchange fluid 52 from infiltrating or
contaminating the water 16 in the first circulation loop 48.
Additionally, the monitoring component 28 may be integrated into
the heat exchanger 46 to monitor water quality and leak integrity,
as discussed further below.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 2B, another exemplary geothermal
heating and cooling system 56 utilizing a heat exchanger 46 is
provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology. In FIG. 2B, the system 56 includes the water source 12,
the first circulation loop 48 circulating the water 16 from the
water source 12, the second circulation loop 50, the heat pumps 24,
the heat exchanger 46, and the monitoring component 28. The first
circulation loop 48 is coupled to the water source 12 at the first
fluid coupling 20 to provide an inlet for the water 16 from the
water source 12. The first circulation loop 48 is further coupled
to the water source 12 at the second fluid coupling 22 to provide
an outlet for the water 16 to return to the water source 12.
[0041] In contrast to FIG. 2A, the system 56 depicted in FIG. 2B
may permit direct return of the water 16 in the first circulation
loop 48 to the water source 12. Additionally, the monitoring
component 28, and any components thereof which may be located at
various positions around the system 56, may be utilized to monitor
the water quality and/or leak integrity. In FIGS. 2A-2B, the
monitoring component 28 is coupled to the heat exchanger 46 and
also to the first circulation loop 48.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2C, another exemplary geothermal
heating and cooling system 58 utilizing a heat exchanger 46 is
provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
technology. In FIG. 2C, the system 58 includes the water source 12,
the first circulation loop 48, the second circulation loop 50, the
heat exchanger 46, and the monitoring component 28. The first fluid
coupling 20 joins the first circulation loop 48 to the water source
12, and the second fluid coupling 22 joins the first circulation
loop 48 to the water source 12. Additionally, the third fluid
coupling 38 is provided, which includes the junction 40 having the
valve 42. The third fluid coupling 38 couples the first circulation
loop 48 to the diffusion well 34. Re-routing the water to the
diffusion well 34 may be done if the monitoring component 28
determines that the quality of the water 16 or the leak integrity
of the system 58 have not met a predetermined standard.
[0043] Additionally, FIG. 2C depicts an exemplary notification and
control component 25 which can be communicatively coupled to the
monitoring component 28, to allow communication of the leak
integrity or water quality to a control center and/or operator.
Additionally, the notification and control component 25 may be
coupled to other system components such as valves or backflow
preventers (e.g., the junction 40 and valve 42 at the third fluid
coupling 38), to allow diversion of the water 16 when preconfigured
standards of water quality or leak integrity are not maintained.
For example, if the monitoring component 28 detects a water quality
issue, locally or through water removal and remote testing, the
notification and control component 25 may communicate the same with
a signal, and/or activate the valve 42 to divert the water 16 in
the first circulation loop 48 to the diffusion well 34.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary heat exchanger setup
60 which may be used with the geothermal heating and cooling
systems 44, 56, and 58 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C is provided, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The heat
exchanger 46 allows heat transfer between the first circulation
loop 48 and the second circulation loop 50, while maintaining
isolation of the loops 48, 50.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4A, an exemplary heat exchanger 46,
which may be used in the geothermal heating and cooling systems 44,
56, and 58 depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C, is provided, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 4A, the heat
exchanger 46 includes an inlet 64 for the water 16 from the water
source 12 and an outlet 66 for the water 16 from the water source
12. The heat exchanger also includes an inlet 68 for the heat
exchange fluid 52 and an outlet 70 for the heat exchange fluid 52
for the second circulation loop 50. The heat exchanger 46 further
includes a plurality of plates 72 in a stacked configuration.
[0046] Although exemplary heat exchangers are depicted herein as
plate-and-frame heat exchangers, any type of double-walled heat
exchangers, air-gap or air-chamber type heat exchangers,
double-pipe heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers,
plate-fin heat exchangers, concentric tube heat exchangers, and
spiral heat exchangers may be used. In other words, any heat
exchanger that includes an air gap, seal, and/or fluid separation,
including one with a monitoring component therein, that allows
transfer of heat and which can be monitored for the presence of
fluid or a change in humidity or pressure, may be used.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 4B, an exploded view of the heat
exchanger 46 depicted in FIG. 4A is provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 4B, once again the
heat exchanger 46 includes the inlet 64 and the outlet 66 for the
water 16 and the inlet 68 and the outlet 70 for the heat exchange
fluid 52. The water 16 and the heat exchange fluid 52 are in
isolated, separate loops 74, 76 as they travel through the heat
exchanger 46. More specifically, the water 16 travels through a
first series of plates 78 in the heat exchanger 46, and the heat
exchange fluid 52 travels through a second series of plates 80 in
the heat exchanger 46, the first and second series of plates 78, 80
in fluid isolation.
[0048] The first series of plates 78 and the second series of
plates 80 are also at least partially separated by at least one air
chamber 82, which may be a plurality of isolated air chambers 82
between the respective plurality of plates 72, or one
interconnected air chamber 82 that extends between the plurality of
plates 72. The air chamber 82 provides an additional boundary to
help maintain fluid separation between water 16 and the heat
exchange fluid 52, and also, may allow testing for leak integrity
within the heat exchanger 46. Additionally, the monitoring
component 28, shown distinct from the heat exchanger 46 in FIG. 4B
for clarity, may be coupled to or at least partially installed or
integrated into the heat exchanger 46, and/or into the air chamber
82, to allow monitoring of the heat exchanger 46 and the air
chamber 82. Further, a sensor 29 or other detection component may
be positioned in the heat exchanger, in the air chamber, and/or
within one of the loops 74, 76.
[0049] In one exemplary operation of the heat exchanger 46, the
heat exchanger 46 may be pressurized, with a pressure sensor 27
coupled to the monitoring component 28. The pressure sensor 27 may
be positioned in the air chamber 82 to detect if a pressure within
the heat exchanger 46 (e.g., in the air chamber 82) has changed, in
order to monitor the leak integrity of the loops 74, 76. The air
chamber 82, or another part of the heat exchanger 46, such as a
bottom interior area, may include a fluid detection sensor 31 to
detect when a fluid is present in the heat exchanger 46 or in the
air chamber 82. Other detection methods, including pressure
sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, or other types of
detection components may be integrated into the heat exchanger 46
or air chamber 82 to monitor leak integrity. Similar methods may be
employed around piping at other locations in the first circulation
loop and/or second circulation loop.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4C, a partial cross-section view of
the heat exchanger 46 depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B is provided, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG.
4C, a first plate 84 of the first series of plates 78 through which
the water 16 in first circulation loop 48 flows is shown adjacent a
second plate 86 of the second series of plates 80 through which the
heat exchange fluid 52 of the second circulation loop 50 flows. The
first plate 84 and the second plate 86 are separated by the air
chamber 82. Further, a plurality of rubber gaskets 88, which
provide a watertight seal, are positioned between the first plate
84 and the second plate 86, and also in the air chamber 82. The air
chamber 82 may include the monitoring component 28, or a component
thereof such as the pressure sensor 27, for monitoring leak
integrity in the heat exchanger 46 and/or in the air chamber 82, as
discussed in relation to FIG. 4B.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary valve and piping
configuration for use with a geothermal heating and cooling system,
such as the system 58 shown in FIG. 2C, is provided, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 5 represents an
exemplary configuration that includes the heat exchanger 46, a
first circulation loop 48 carrying the water 16 from the water
source 12, a second circulation loop 50 carrying a heat exchange
fluid 52, and the third fluid coupling 38 with the junction 40 and
the valve 42 for diverting at least a portion of the water 16 to
the monitoring component 28 and/or to the diffusion well 34. A
transition section of piping 92 carries the water 16 from the first
circulation loop 48 to the diffusion well 34, with a valve
positioned in the piping 92 for diverting some of the water 16 to
the monitoring component 28 for monitoring water quality.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of an exemplary
method 600 of geothermal heating and cooling is provided, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. At a first
block 610, a water source, such as the water source 12 shown in
FIGS. 1A-1C, is provided. At a second block 612, a heat exchanger,
such as the heat exchanger 46 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, is provided. At
a third block 614, a first circulation loop, such as the first
circulation loop 48 shown in FIG. 2B, is coupled to the heat
exchanger and to the water source. At a fourth block 616, a second
circulation loop, such as the second circulation loop 50 shown in
FIG. 2B, is coupled to the heat exchanger and extends proximate to
a space, such as the space 14 shown in FIG. 2B, to be heated or
cooled.
[0053] At a fifth block 618, a heat pump, such as the heat pump 24
shown in FIG. 2A, is coupled to the second circulation loop for
exchanging heat between a heat exchange fluid in the second
circulation loop and the space to be heated or cooled. At a sixth
block 620, a monitoring component, such as the monitoring component
28 shown in FIG. 2B, is provided, the monitoring component
configured to monitor at least one of quality of the water and
integrity of at least one of the first circulation loop and the
second circulation loop.
[0054] The water quality indicators may be monitored on an
intermittent, selective, or ongoing basis by the monitoring
component or other testing equipment. The indicators may be
measured or determined from the water 16 in the circulation loops,
and also, from water in a downstream section of the water source
12, to provide a comprehensive picture of the water quality in the
system. Baseline indicators may also be taken by monitoring water
in the water source before it enters the water circulation loops in
the system. Additionally, any tests performed to verify state,
local, and federal drinking water standards may be conducted. It
should be noted that the water may simply be removed locally and
tested by a monitoring component at a remote lab, in addition to
being tested on-site, including by specific sensors.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 7A, an exemplary table of influent and
effluent temperature measurements from water in a geothermal
heating and cooling system is provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present technology. The water used in the
geothermal heating and cooling systems described herein may be
returned to the water source, and as a result, it may be desirable
for the water to maintain a preconfigured temperature range when it
reenters the water source. As shown in FIG. 7A, influent and
effluent temperature of the water in the system may be monitored to
determine the thermal effect of the geothermal system on the water.
A preconfigured allowable temperature increase or variance may be
selected and monitored for so that pathogenic or bacterial growth
conditions in the water are controlled, among other things.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 7B, an exemplary table of water
quality indicators taken from water used in a geothermal heating
and cooling system is provided, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present technology. In FIG. 7B, a variety of indicators are
monitored for, tested, and recorded during setup and/or operation
of a geothermal heating and cooling system, such as those described
herein. Preconfigured allowable readings, or ranges of readings,
may be used to determine if a preconfigured water quality is
maintained for the water used in the system and reintroduced to the
water source. Accordingly, these measurements may be used to
determine if reintroduction of the water into the water source
should occur.
[0057] As for water quality indicators, a variety can be monitored,
measured, and/or recorded for analysis. The indicators may include
measurements of influent temperature, effluent temperature,
influent chlorine, effluent chlorine, influent pH, effluent pH,
influent pressure, effluent pressure, influent iron, effluent iron,
influent bacteria, effluent bacteria, influent heterotrophic plate
count, effluent heterotrophic plate count, or other measurements.
The indicators may be measured using appropriate testing equipment
or sensors, on-site or off-site.
[0058] Additionally, a variety of other water quality indicators,
which may include the presence of inorganic compounds, may be
tested in the water, including calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium,
seaborgium, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper,
lead, mercury, manganese, magnesium, nickel, selenium, silver,
thallium, zinc, copernicium, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, nitrogen
dioxide, sulphate, alkali, hard calcium, color, methylene blue
active substances, langelier saturation index, ammonia, odors,
total dissolved solids, etc.
[0059] Further, volatile organic compounds may also be measured and
analyzed. Such volatile organic compounds may include
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane,
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane,
1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,1,1-Dichloroethene, 1,1-Dichloropropene,
1,2,3-Tricholorobenzene, 1,2,3-Tricholorpropane,
1,2,4-Tricholorbenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene,
1,2-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane,
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,3-Dichloropropene,
1,4-Dichlorobenzene, 2,2-Dichloropropene, 2/4-Chlorotoluene,
4-Isopropyltoluene, Benzene, Bromobenzene, Bromocholormethane,
Bromodichloromethane, Bromoform, Bromomethane, Carbon
Tetrachloride, Chlorobenzene, Chloroethane, Chloroform,
Chloromethane, cis-1,2-Dichloroethene, cis-1,3-Dichloropropane,
Dibromochloromethane, Dibromomethane, Dichlorodifluoromethane,
Ethylbenzene, Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexane, Isopropyl Benzene,
m,p-Xylene, MTBE, Methylene Chloride, n-Butylbenzene,
n-Propylbenzene, o-Xylene, sec-Butylbenzene, Styrene,
tert-Butylbenzene, Tetrachloroethene, Toluene,
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene,
Trichloroethene, Trichlorofluoromethane, and Vinyl Chloride, among
others. In addition, systems for geothermal heating and cooling,
including those described in this disclosure, and those with proper
setup, have been tested for influent and effluent water
temperature, inorganic compounds, and volatile organic compounds,
and have determined to remain within preconfigured acceptable
levels between influent measurements and effluent measurements for
selected water quality indicators.
[0060] The present technology has been described in relation to
particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the
present technology pertains without departing from its scope.
* * * * *