US4392531A — Earth storage structural energy system and proces…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 184 words

An earth coupled structural energy system comprising: an energy distribution system for selectively applying thermal energy within a building structure; earth storage means for communicating thermal energy with the earth, the earth storage means having a substantially moisture impervious integrated earth interface, thereby maintaining substantial thermal conductive moisture within the earth storage means, yet providing conduction to the earth at the integrated earth interface, the integrated earth interface generally defining an earth interface surface area; fluid transport means disposed within the earth storage means for circulating a thermal transfer fluid through the earth storage means; the fluid transport means having an interface with the earth storage means, the fluid transport means interface defining a surface surrounded in spaced-apart relationship to the earth interface surface area; means for maintaining a high thermal conductivity at the fluid transport means interface; and means for thermally communicating with the thermal transfer fluid to effect thermal changes in the energy distribution system; the earth storage means having a high thermal permeability, whereby thermal energy is readily conducted between the earth and the fluid transport means with minimal thermal radiation.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 184 words

An earth coupled structural energy system comprising: an energy distribution system for selectively applying thermal energy within a building structure; earth storage means for communicating thermal energy with the earth, the earth storage means having a substantially moisture impervious integrated earth interface, thereby maintaining substantial thermal conductive moisture within the earth storage means, yet providing conduction to the earth at the integrated earth interface, the integrated earth interface generally defining an earth interface surface area; fluid transport means disposed within the earth storage means for circulating a thermal transfer fluid through the earth storage means; the fluid transport means having an interface with the earth storage means, the fluid transport means interface defining a surface surrounded in spaced-apart relationship to the earth interface surface area; means for maintaining a high thermal conductivity at the fluid transport means interface; and means for thermally communicating with the thermal transfer fluid to effect thermal changes in the energy distribution system; the earth storage means having a high thermal permeability, whereby thermal energy is readily conducted between the earth and the fluid transport means with minimal thermal radiation.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 28 words

The invention as set forth in claim 1 and in which the earth interface surface area is at least twice the area of the fluid transport means interface.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 80 words

The invention as set forth in claim 1 and in which the earth storage means comprises a well defining a well depth; the fluid transport means comprises longitudinal first tube means within the well, the first tube means defining an external surface at the fluid transport means interface and a first tube radius at the external surface; the earth storage means comprising an intermediate particulate volumetric mass surrounding the first tube means and extending radially to the integrated earth interface.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 20 words

The invention as set forth in claim 3 and in which the integrated earth interface comprises a clay platelet transition.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention as set forth in claim 4 and in which the tube comprises a one-way valve adjacent the lower extremity of the first tube means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 45 words

The invention as set forth in claim 4 and in which the means for maintaining high themal conductivity at the fluid transport interface comprises an apertured longitudinal pipe generally parallel to the first tube means, and means for supplying a liquid to the apertured pipe.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 23 words

The invention as set forth in claim 3 or 6 and comprising means for maintaining a constant liquid pressure on the particulate mass.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 35 words

The invention as set forth in claim 6 and comprising means for maintaining constant liquid pressure on the particulate mass and in which the constant pressure maintaining means are coupled to the apertured longitudinal pipe.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

The invention as set forth in claim 4 and in which the substantially moisture impervious transition comprises bentonite.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 33 words

The invention as set forth in claim 1 and comprising means for maintaining a constant liquid pressure within a region defined by the earth interface surface area and the fluid transport means interface.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 215 words

An earth coupled structural energy system comprising: an energy distribution system for selectively supplying thermal energy within a building structure; earth storage means for communicating thermal energy with the earth, the earth storage means having an integrated earth interface generally defining an earth interface surface area, the earth storage means comprising an array of wells disposed within the earth; fluid transport means disposed within the earth storage means for circulating a thermal transfer fluid through the earth storage means; the fluid transport means comprises longitudinal first tube means within each well, the first tube means defining an external surface at the fluid transport means interface; the earth storage means comprising an intermediate particulate volumetric mass surrounding the tube and extending radially to the integrated earth interface; the fluid transport means having an interface with the earth storage means, the fluid transport means interface defining a surface of substantially smaller area than the earth interface surface area; means for maintaining a high thermal conductivity at the fluid transport means interface; and means for thermally communicating with the thermal transfer fluid to effect thermal changes in the energy distribution system; the earth storage means having a high thermal permeability, whereby thermal energy is readily conducted between the earth and the fluid transport means with minimum thermal radiation.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 215 words

An earth coupled structural energy system comprising: an energy distribution system for selectively supplying thermal energy within a building structure; earth storage means for communicating thermal energy with the earth, the earth storage means having an integrated earth interface generally defining an earth interface surface area, the earth storage means comprising an array of wells disposed within the earth; fluid transport means disposed within the earth storage means for circulating a thermal transfer fluid through the earth storage means; the fluid transport means comprises longitudinal first tube means within each well, the first tube means defining an external surface at the fluid transport means interface; the earth storage means comprising an intermediate particulate volumetric mass surrounding the tube and extending radially to the integrated earth interface; the fluid transport means having an interface with the earth storage means, the fluid transport means interface defining a surface of substantially smaller area than the earth interface surface area; means for maintaining a high thermal conductivity at the fluid transport means interface; and means for thermally communicating with the thermal transfer fluid to effect thermal changes in the energy distribution system; the earth storage means having a high thermal permeability, whereby thermal energy is readily conducted between the earth and the fluid transport means with minimum thermal radiation.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 45 words

The invention as set forth in claim 11 and in which the integrated earth interface comprises a substantially moisture impervious clay platelet transition, thereby maintaining substantial thermal conductive moisture within the earth storage means, yet providing thermal conduction to the earth at the integrated interface.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 49 words

The invention as set forth in claim 12 and in which the tube comprises a first flow path central to the tube and a second flow path exterior to the first flow path, the first and second flow paths coupled serially to one another remote from the earth surface.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 29 words

The invention as set forth in claim 13 and in which the means providing the second flow path comprises an inner tube means concentric with the first tube means.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 36 words

The invention as set forth in claim 14 and in which the first tube means has a lower region and the invention comprises a one way valve adjacent the lower region of the first tube means.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 45 words

The invention as set forth in claim 14 and in which the means for maintaining high thermal conductivity at the fluid transport interface comprises an apertured longitudinal pipe generally parallel to the first tube means, and means for supplying a liquid to the apertured pipe.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 21 words

The invention as set forth in claim 16 and comprising means for maintaining a constant liquid pressure on the particulate mass.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 72 words

The invention as set forth in claim 14 and in which the fluid transport means comprises a first port and a second port, each tube means within each well being coupled in series, the first port being coupled to the first flow path of one tube and the second port being coupled to the second flow path of the other tube, whereby the entire array may provide an enhanced length flow path.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 18 words

The invention as set forth in claim 18 and in which the array comprises a line source array.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 18 words

The invention as set forth in claim 18 and in which the array comprises a centered point source.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 18 words

The invention as set forth in claim 18 and in which the array comprises an uncentered point source.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 44 words

The invention as set forth in claims 18, 19, 20 or 21 and comprising means for circulating fluid in the fluid transport means array in a first direction and in a second direction, in response to demands for fluids of higher and lower temperatures.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention as set forth in claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 or 21 and in which the integrated earth interface comprises bentonite clays.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 39 words

The invention as set forth in claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 or 21 and in which the integrated earth interface comprises clay and a thinner selected from the group consisting of lignites, tannins and lignosulfonates.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 38 words

The invention as set forth in claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 or 21 and in which the integrated earth interface comprises clay and polymers selected from the group consisting acrylic polymers and sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 133 words

An earth coupled thermal storage arrangement comprising: a generally longitudinal well defining a well depth and having a substantially moisture impervious integrated earth interface generally defining an earth interface surface area; fluid transport means for communicating thermal energy with the earth, comprising first conduit means for circulating a thermal transport fluid and thermally communicating with the earth, the first conduit means disposed within the substantial depth of the well and having an end defining an interior region, and second conduit means for circulating thermal transport fluid to and from the first conduit means, the second conduit means disposed within the first conduit means; the first conduit means surrounded by an intermediate volumetric particulate mass comprising a sand/gravel mixture; and means for maintaining moisture within the particulate mass at the fluid transport means interface.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 133 words

An earth coupled thermal storage arrangement comprising: a generally longitudinal well defining a well depth and having a substantially moisture impervious integrated earth interface generally defining an earth interface surface area; fluid transport means for communicating thermal energy with the earth, comprising first conduit means for circulating a thermal transport fluid and thermally communicating with the earth, the first conduit means disposed within the substantial depth of the well and having an end defining an interior region, and second conduit means for circulating thermal transport fluid to and from the first conduit means, the second conduit means disposed within the first conduit means; the first conduit means surrounded by an intermediate volumetric particulate mass comprising a sand/gravel mixture; and means for maintaining moisture within the particulate mass at the fluid transport means interface.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 64 words

The invention as set forth in claim 26 and comprising means coupled to the first conduit means adjacent the interior region of the end to allow slurry fluid to be pumped upwardly through the conduit during the placement of the sand/gravel mixture in the well during well construction, yet preventing the escape of heat transfer fluid from the first conduit means, when in use.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 30 words

The invention as set forth in claim 27 and in which the moisture maintaining means comprises third conduit means external to the first conduit means, disposed longitudinally within the well.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 90 words

The invention as set forth in claim 28 and in which: the third conduit means comprises a slotted pipe; and the arrangement further comprises a plurality of spaced apart centralizers disposed in spaced apart relationship along the first conduit means, the first conduit means defining a circumference, each centralizer comprising a pair of spaced apart annular hubs engaging the circumference of the first conduit means, and a plurality of convex spokes extending between each hub pair to thereby maintain the first conduit means generally centrally within the well during construction.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 76 words

The invention as set forth in claim 29 and comprising: a shallow pipe within the well adjacent the earth surface and a cement ring surrounding the shallow pipe; means disposed adjacent the shallow pipe for porting a slurry to and from the well during well construction; inlet and outlet means for porting a thermal transfer fluid through the first and second conduit means; and the means coupled to the first conduit means comprises a check valve.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 30 words

The invention as set forth in claim 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 and in which the well diameter is greater than twice the diameter of the first conduit means.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 41 words

The invention as set forth in claim 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 and in which the integrated earth interface has an inner diameter greater than twice the diameter of the first conduit means and the integrated earth interface comprises bentonite.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 55 words

The invention as set forth in claim 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 and in which the integrated earth interface has a diameter greater than twice the diameter of the first conduit means and the integrated earth interface comprises a bentonite clay and a thinner selected from the group consisting of lignites, tannins and lignosulfonates.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 186 words

The process for constructing a thermal storage well, comprising the steps of: drilling a shallow surface hole with a dry auger bit at an angle to the vertical; placing surface pipe in the hole; cementing the surface string to the surface; running in hole a drilling string; drilling to a well depth, while rotating pipe and circulating fluid down the center of the pipe and up the exterior; pulling up from the hole a short distance to allow the circulation of mud; circulating water base drilling mud to stabilize the hole; pulling out of the hole the drilling string, while filling the hole with mud; running in hole an outer tube with centralizers; running in hole a slotted pipe; circulating down outside of the outer tube and up center a water base drilling mud; stopping the circulation and measuring the fluid loss from the surface pipe and continuing until fluid loss is small; mixing gravel and sand slurry with a drilling mud; and reverse circulating the slurry down the well to pack the space between the outer tube and the rock face, at a slow rate.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 186 words

The process for constructing a thermal storage well, comprising the steps of: drilling a shallow surface hole with a dry auger bit at an angle to the vertical; placing surface pipe in the hole; cementing the surface string to the surface; running in hole a drilling string; drilling to a well depth, while rotating pipe and circulating fluid down the center of the pipe and up the exterior; pulling up from the hole a short distance to allow the circulation of mud; circulating water base drilling mud to stabilize the hole; pulling out of the hole the drilling string, while filling the hole with mud; running in hole an outer tube with centralizers; running in hole a slotted pipe; circulating down outside of the outer tube and up center a water base drilling mud; stopping the circulation and measuring the fluid loss from the surface pipe and continuing until fluid loss is small; mixing gravel and sand slurry with a drilling mud; and reverse circulating the slurry down the well to pack the space between the outer tube and the rock face, at a slow rate.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 72 words

The process for constructing a thermal storage well comprising the steps of: drilling a well; circulating mud through the hole to establish a filter cake; running a thermal transfer conduit in the hole; running a drill string within the hole while circulating mud; measuring moisture loss from the well; and reverse circulating a sand/gravel slurry through the thermal transfer conduit to establish an intermediate particulate mass extending adjacent to the filter cake.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 72 words

The process for constructing a thermal storage well comprising the steps of: drilling a well; circulating mud through the hole to establish a filter cake; running a thermal transfer conduit in the hole; running a drill string within the hole while circulating mud; measuring moisture loss from the well; and reverse circulating a sand/gravel slurry through the thermal transfer conduit to establish an intermediate particulate mass extending adjacent to the filter cake.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 28 words

The process as set forth in claim 35 and in which the thermal transfer conduit has an outer circumference less than one-half the circumference of the filter cake.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 29 words

The process as set forth in claim 36 and comprising the steps of: drilling an initial shallow hole at an angle; cementing a surface pipe in the shallow hole.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 46 words

The process as set forth in claim 36 and comprising the steps of: running a conduit of smaller diameter than the thermal transfer conduit, in the hole beside the thermal transfer conduit; and pulling out the smaller conduit as the sand/gravel slurry moves up the well.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 47 words

The invention as set forth in claim 38 and comprising the steps of: running a drill string within the hole, while circulating mud; and measuring moisture loss from the well; and continuing to circulate drilling mud until moisture loss is at least less than a predetermined rate.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 30 words

The invention as set forth in claim 39 and comprising the steps of: drilling an initial shallow hole at an angle; and cementing a surface pipe in the shallow hole.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1986-07-11	1987-01-10	1987-07-12	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1990-07-11	1991-01-10	1991-07-12	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1994-07-11	1995-01-10	1995-07-12	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Earth storage structural energy system and process for constructing a thermal storage well

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag