System for efficiently exchanging heat with ground water in an aquifer
US4448237A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 1982 |
| Grant date | May 15, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 30, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and means for using ground water in an aquifer as a heat source and heat sink are disclosed wherein heat is exchanged between the uniform temperature ground water and heat-exchanging apparatus at the earth's surface through a single well bore. The ground water is exchanged between an upper and lower portion of the aquifer, alternatively depending on the operating mode, in such a manner that a stratified lateral flow of the water after heat exchange is produced following natural convective paths in the top or bottom of the aquifer and resulting in wide laminar dissipation of the altered temperature water while avoiding thermal mixing between that water and the remaining uniform temperature water in the aquifer. This manner of exchange provides a continuous flow of heating or cooling water at or near the ambient aquifer temperature without any depletion of the aquifer. Embodiments are described wherein the aquifer water is brought to the earth's surface and wherein a separate heat-exchanging fluid is circulated between the aquifer and the earth's surface, and modifications are also disclosed involving a valved plenum device for use with the former embodiments and whereby the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.