Geothermal heat exchange system for water supply

Abstract

The geothermal heat exchange system for a water supply is an open system, i.e., water flows into the system for consumption and use and is then drained from the system, as opposed to a closed system where the water is recycled through the system. The present system receives water from an elevated source, e.g., a hilltop tank or an elevated community water supply tank, through a relatively large diameter pipe. The water is then delivered to a subsurface pipe system of one or more relatively small diameter pipes for more efficient thermal exchange. The subsurface pipes are preferably manufactured of material having relatively high thermal conductivity. The subsurface pipe system is preferably buried at an intermediate depth between the surface and the depth where constant temperature occurs in order to provide most of the benefits of a subsurface system while reducing the labor required to bury the pipe system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a continuation of my prior application Ser. No. 13 / 252,844, filed Oct. 4, 2011 now pending.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to systems for the heating and cooling of liquids, and particularly to a geothermal heat exchange system for a water supply.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Modern plumbing systems universally provide at least for heated water. Many plumbing systems also provide for the cooling of water from ambient temperature. It is well known that the energy expended for heating and cooling the water supply to a dwelling or other building can be quite costly, depending upon the need for water for the particular structure and its occupants. Water has a relatively high specific heat, i.e., water requires a relatively large amount of energy to heat or cool a given amount by a given temperature difference. In such open-ended systems where the wa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a geothermal heat exchange system for supplying water to small facilities. The system uses gravity flow and ambient subsurface temperature for operation, without consuming any other energy. The system consists of an elevated water source, a subsurface pipe system, and a plumbing fixture. The water flows through the subsurface pipes, where it is heated or cooled to a temperature close to the surface level. The subsurface pipes are designed to have a high thermal conductivity for efficient heat exchange. The system is installed shallower to reduce installation labor. The small diameter pipes in the system provide better thermal exchange with the subsurface soil and help to reduce the pressure drop and plumbing fixture pressure. The system may have multiple small diameter pipes in parallel or a single sinusoidal pipe for the desired pressure and flow.

Problems solved by technology

The relatively small diameter pipe or pipes also result in a pressure drop when water is flowing therethrough, thereby reducing the pressure head at the plumbing fixture to a practicable level.

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