Subterranean heat exchange units comprising multiple secondary conduits and multi-tiered inlet and outlet manifolds
US5533355A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S165/471
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved ground source heat pump system wherein the subterranean piping installation comprises modular heat exchange units. Each modular heat exchange unit comprises a plurality of parallel secondary conduits. The secondary conduits are connected between primary conduits by means of multi-tiered inlet and outlet manifolds. Each manifold comprises a three-way "T" or end member and at least one and probably several four-way connecting members. Each of the end members has one inlet and at least one and preferably two outlets. Each connecting member has one inlet and at least two and preferably three outlets. The inlets and outlets of the end members and connecting members are configured to interconnect interchangeably in male-female fashion. Elbow units are used to connect the ends of the secondary conduits with the inlets and outlet of the end members and connecting members. Thus, only two types of components are necessary to build heat exchange units having any number of secondary conduits. To increase the number of secondary conduits in a unit, additional connecting members are added. This eliminates the need to build a different manifold for each size heat exchange unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.