Climate Master, Inc.

Other

John P Rawlings

Michael E Albertson

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.

Subterranean heat exchange units comprising multiple secondary conduits

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 or branch conduits. The use of multiple parallel secondary conduits significantly increases the heat exchange capacity of the system. Because of the increased efficiency of such a system, less piping is required, which in turn reduces the cost of labor and materials to install such a system and the area of land mass required to contain it. Moreover, because the heat exchange units are modular, they can be prefabricated at a remote site and then conveniently transported to construction site and installed much more quickly than the extended lengths of conventional piping.

Ground source heat pump system comprising modular subterranean heat

An improved ground source heat pump system wherein the subterranean piping installation is constructed of a plurality of modular heat exchange units. Each such unit comprises an external tube with an expanded external surface and an insulated internal tube positioned concentrically within the external tube. The units are integrally formed of flexible plastic material, except for the insulation. The expanded external surface of the external tube significantly increases the heat exchange capacity of the subterranean heat exchanger. The insulation around the internal tube prevents thermal interference between the internal and external tubes and further enhances the heat exchange capacity of the system. There is no need for spacers or fins in the space between the internal and external tubes to control annular spacing or to promote turbulence. Because of the increased efficiency of the system of this invention, less piping is required, which in turn reduces the cost of labor and materials to install such a system and the area of land mass required to contain it. Moreover, because the heat exchange conduit assemblies are modular, they can be prefabricated at a remote site and then conveniently transported to a construction site and installed much more quickly than the extended lengths of conventional piping.

A ground source air conditioning system for a structure. The system comprises a de-icing conduit array for de-icing nearby surfaces, such as sidewalks, parking lots and driveways. The air conditioning system includes a refrigeration unit, and the heat from the refrigerant in the refrigeration unit is transferred to a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid is conducted to a heat exchanger, which preferably is located underground, such as an array of vertically or horizontally arranged conduits. Alternately, a water reservoir can be employed as the heat exchanger. When necessary, the heat transfer fluid is conducted through the de-icing conduit array positioned immediately beneath the surface to be de-iced. The amount of heat transfer fluid directed to the de-icing array can be regulated, and in warmer seasons it can be isolated altogether from the rest of the system. The air conditioning system may further include a system which heats or cools the inside of the structure, such as a heat pump, in addition to the refrigeration equipment.

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Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America

John P Rawlings