Kelix Heat Transfer Systems, LLC

Kidwell Environmental, Ltd., Inc.

Metrologic Instruments, Inc.

John E Kidwell

Michael Lee Fraim

Michael L Fraime

A method of and apparatus for transferring heat energy between a heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth, and material beneath the surface of the Earth, by installing one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures in the material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure has inner and out flow channels along which aqueous-based heat transfer fluid is circulated. Turbulence is generated in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, to increase the rate of heat energy transfer between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth along the length of the outer flow channel. This in turn increases the rate of heat energy transfer between the heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of the Earth and material beneath the surface of the Earth.

Method of and apparatus for transferring heat energy between a heat exchanging subsystem above the surface of the earth and material therebeneath using one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures producing turbulence in aqueous-based heat-transfering fluid flowing along helically-extending outer flow channels formed therein

The coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in the Earth, for facilitating the transfer of heat energy in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid, between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure includes an inner tube section, a thermally conductive outer tube section, and outer flow channel between the inner tube section and the outer tube section. A turbulence generating structure is disposed along a portion of the length of the outer flow channel so as to introduce turbulence into the flow of the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, while its cross-sectional characteristics produce fluid flows therealong having optimal vortex characteristics that optimize heat transfer with the Earth.

Coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure for installation in the earth and introducing turbulence into the flow of the aqueoue-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel while its cross-sectional characteristics produce fluid flows therealong having optimal vortex characteristics that optimize heat transfer with the earth

A geothermal heat exchanging system including a heat exchanging subsystem installed above the surface of Earth, and one or more coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in the Earth. The coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in the Earth, facilitate the transfer of heat energy in the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid, between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and material beneath the surface of the Earth. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure includes an inner tube section, a thermally conductive outer tube section, and outer flow channel between the inner tube section and the outer tube section. A turbulence generating structure is disposed along a portion of the length of the outer flow channel so as to introduce turbulence into the flow of the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, thereby improving the transfer of heat energy between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and the Earth along the length of the outer flow channel.

Geo-thermal heat exchanging system facilitating the transfer of heat energy using coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in the earth for introducing turbulence into the flow of the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing along the outer flow channel

An electromagnetic signal transmission/reception tower and accompanying base station housing sensitive electronic equipment within an environment that is thermally controlled by a system employing a plurality of coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in a plurality of well bores, using thermally conductive material. Each coaxial-flow heat exchanging structure includes: a helically-extending turbulence generator arranged along the outer flow channel formed between its inner and outer tube sections, so as to create turbulence along the flow of heat exchanging fluid flowing along the outer flow channel, and thereby increasing the heat transfer through the walls of the outer tube section to the Earth.

Electromagnetic signal transmission/reception tower and accompanying base station employing system of coaxial-flow heat exchanging structures installed in well bores to thermally control the environment housing electronic equipment within the base station

A coaxial-flow heat transfer system for installation in a geological environment and facilitating the transfer of heat energy between an external heat energy producing system and the geological environment. In the coaxial-flow heat transfer system, aqueous-based heat transfer fluid is pumped through the external heat energy exchanging system so as to transfer heat between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and the external heat energy exchanging system. The coaxial-flow heat transfer system comprises a coaxial-flow heat transfer structure for installation within the geological environment and having a proximal end and a distal end for exchanging heat between a source of fluid at a first temperature and a geological environment at a second temperature. The coaxial-flow heat transfer structure comprises a thermally conductive outer tube section, and an inner tube section having an inner flow channel and being coaxially arranged within the outer tube section. An outer flow channel is formed between the inner and outer tube sections, and a helically-arranged fin structure is disposed along the outer flow channel, so as to form at least one helically-extending outer flow channel, for constantly rotating the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing between the inner and outer flow channels, and thereby improving the transfer of heat energy between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and the geological environment along the length of the outer flow channel.

Coaxial-flow heat transfer system employing a coaxial-flow heat transfer structure having a helically-arranged fin structure disposed along an outer flow channel for constantly rotating an aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing therewithin so as to improve heat transfer with geological environments

A coaxial-flow heat transfer system installed in a geological environment and facilitating the transfer of heat energy between an external heat energy exchanging system and the geological environment. The coaxial-flow heat transfer system includes aqueous-based heat transfer fluid that is pumped through the external heat energy exchanging system so as to transfer heat between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and the external heat energy exchanging system. A coaxial-flow heat transfer structure is installed within the geological environment and has a proximal end and a distal end for exchanging heat between the source of aqueous-based heat transfer fluid at a first temperature and a geological environment at a second temperature. The coaxial-flow heat transfer structure comprises a thermally conductive outer tube section, and an inner tube section having an inner flow channel and being coaxially arranged within the outer tube section. An outer flow channel is formed between the inner and outer tube sections, and a helically-arranged fin structure is disposed along the outer flow channel, so as to form at least one helically-extending outer flow channel, for constantly rotating the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid flowing between the inner and outer flow channels, and thereby improving the transfer of heat energy between the aqueous-based heat transfer fluid and the geological environment along the length of the outer flow channel.

A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Centrifugal heat transfer engine and heat transfer systems embodying the same

A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller. During the cooling mode of operation, the primary heat transfer portion of the rotor carries out an evaporation function within the primary heat exchanging chamber of the stator structure, while the secondary heat transfer portion of the rotor carries out a condenser function within the secondary heat exchanging chamber of the stator. During the cooling mode of operation, a vapor-compression refrigeration process is realized by the primary heat transfer portion of the rotor performing an evaporation function within the primary heat exchanging chamber of the stator structure, while the secondary heat transfer portion of the rotor performs a condenser function within the secondary heat exchanging chamber of the stator. During the heating mode of operation, a vapor-compression refrigeration process is realized by the primary heat transfer portion of the rotor performing a condenser function within the primary heat exchanging chamber of the stator structure, while the secondary heat transfer portion of the rotor performs an evaporation function within the secondary heat exchanging chamber of the stator. By virtue of the present invention, a technically feasible heat transfer engine is provided which avoids the need for conventional external compressors, while allowing the use of environmentally safe refrigerants. Various embodiments of the heat transfer engine are disclosed, in addition to methods of manufacture and fields and applications of use.

A rotor structure rotatably supported within a stator structure, having primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor structure has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller. A technically feasible heat transfer engine can be built upon the rotor structure, while avoiding the need for conventional external compressors, and allowing the use of environmentally safe refrigerants. Various embodiments of the heat transfer engine are disclosed, in addition to methods of manufacture and fields and applications of use.

A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from in each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiralled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller. During the cooling mode of operation, the primary heat transfer portion of the rotor carries out an evaporation function within the primary heat exchanging chamber of the stator structure, while the secondary heat transfer portion of the rotor carries out a condenser function within the secondary heat exchanging chamber of the stator. During the cooling mode of operation, a vapor-compression refrigeration process is realized by the primary heat transfer portion of the rotor performing an evaporation function within the primary heat exchanging chamber of the stator structure, while the secondary heat transfer portion of the rotor performs a condenser function within the secondary heat exchanging chamber of the stator. During the heating mode of operation, a vapor-compression refrigeration process is realized by the primary heat transfer portion of the rotor performing a condenser function within the primary heat exchanging chamber of the stator structure, while the secondary heat transfer portion of the rotor performs an evaporation function within the secondary heat exchanging chamber of the stator. By virtue of present invention, a technically feasible heat transfer engine is provided which avoids the need for conventional external compressors, while allowing the use of environmentally safe refrigerants. Various embodiments of the heat transfer engine are disclosed, in addition to methods of manufacture and fields and applications of use.

A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from in each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiralled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller. During the cooling mode of operation, a vapor-compression refrigeration process is realized by the primary heat transfer portion of the rotor performing an evaporation function within the primary heat exchanging chamber of the stator structure, while the secondary heat transfer portion of the rotor performs a condenser function within the secondary heat exchanging chamber of the stator. During the heating mode of operation, a vapor-compression refrigeration process is realized by the primary heat transfer portion of the rotor performing a condenser function within the primary heat exchanging chamber of the stator structure, while the secondary heat transfer portion of the rotor performs an evaporation function within the secondary heat exchanging chamber of the stator.

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Tulsa, OK, United States of America

John E Kidwell