Ground source heat pump system comprising modular subterranean heat

Abstract

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.