Abstract:
A system for the sequential application of thermal energy subterranean of a structure The system includes a solar thermal collector, fluid for passing through the solar thermal collector for receiving thermal energy therefrom and a pump for passing the fluid through the solar thermal collector and selectively into a plurality of heat exchangers. Each of the heat exchangers is positioned at different levels subterranean and beneath the structure whereby the fluid is selectively introduced to one of the plurality of heat exchangers depending upon a predetermined time of year.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to a system for selectively introducing thermal energy to a structure, such as a residential or commercial building making use of thermal energy derived from a solar thermal collector. Thermal energy developed through the practice of the present invention is selectively introduced to the structure subterraniously in order to enable the introduction of heat energy at floor level making optimal use of such energy. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Solar thermal collectors, although providing a clean source of thermal energy not dependent upon the burning of petroleum based fuels is attractive conceptually, its adoption has not been universal. Inherent problems exist associated with the storage of heat for use at a later time. Large volumes of heated fluids are necessary and the cost of providing storage devices of adequate size has, in the past, represented a clear limitation to such wide scale adoption. 
         [0003]    There have been instances where heated fluids have been subject to in-ground storage where the ground itself has been used for heat or cold storage For example, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,493 teaching the use of ducts buried directly into the ground for such purpose The ground located about the ducts is used for heat or cold storage. However, the high cost of duct work, which is expensive to install and to maintain, has proven to be a limitation. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,680,565 teaches the use of rock as storage media employing a separate chamber inside of a room or bin within a home heated by such rock. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,369,541 and 3,412,728 employ solid heat storage media teaching the use of stones or sand within chambers or bins for storage. None of these systems, however, have proven to be particularly useful and wide scale adoption of them has been elusive. 
         [0005]    There has been, prior to the present invention, no practical way to transfer thermal energy from a subterranean location to a structure in a manner that is reflective of the seasons of the year. Specifically, an ideal such system would apply more thermal energy to the structure in the winter months than in the summer months and would do so without the need for extensive redirection or sophisticated hardware applied to the task. 
         [0006]    It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a system which is capable of overcoming the drawbacks identified above. 
         [0007]    It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a system for the sequential application of thermal energy subterranean of a structure in a manner which is simple to operate, uncomplicated and, ideally, automated to provide the sought after results and to do so in a manner dependent upon the time of year. 
         [0008]    These and further objects will be more readily apparent when considering the following disclosure and appended claims. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention involves a system for the sequential application of thermal energy subterranean or a structure, said system comprising a solar thermal collector, a fluid for passing through said solar thermal collector for receiving thermal energy therefrom, a pump for passing said fluid through said solar thermal collector and selectively into a plurality of heat exchangers, each of said heat exchangers being positioned at different levels subterranean and beneath said structure, whereby said fluid is selectively introduced to one of said plurality of heat exchangers depending upon a predetermined time of the year. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0010]      FIG. 1A  is a side plan view of a structure having a trench dug for installation of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  is a side plan view showing the use of an auger to create opening for installing heat exchangers per the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a side plan view of the structure of  FIG. 1  embodying the present invention 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side plan view of a structure embodying a preferred embodiment of the present invention 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of a valve used to selectively direct heated fluid to various heat exchangers per the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a crossectional view of a heat exchanger used in practicing the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a schematic depiction of a timer/controller for use herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    Novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to the organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration description only and are not intended as definitions of the limits of the invention The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are recited with particularity in the claims. 
         [0018]    There has been broadly outlined more important features of the invention in the summary above in order that the detailed description which follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be appreciated There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and would perform additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0019]    Noting that heat transfer from higher to lower concentration, by conduction from solid to solid is much more efficient than by air to solid, it is generally appreciated that the addition of thermal energy to a structure, be it residential or commercial building can be most effectively achieved by providing such thermal energy through the floor and furnishings When heat is added to the ground for a short period of time, only a few inches of the surrounding earth is significantly heated. On the other hand, when the duration of introduction is weeks or months, the accumulated heat will migrate many feet from the source of the heat, through the ground, raising the temperature significantly. 
         [0020]    Reference is first made to  FIG. 1  showing structure  10  residing on earth  5 . Flooring  8  is contiguous with earth  5 . In the implementation of the present invention, trench  24  is created adjacent to structure  10  through the use of a backhoe or similar commonly employed trench digging implement. Once trench  24  is created, the next step in the process is illustrated by reference to  FIG. 1B . 
         [0021]    In creating the appropriate openings to install heat exchangers in carrying out the present invention, auger  3  is placed within trench  24  and helical bit shown alternatively as elements  3 A,  3 B and  3 C penetrate ground  5  for establishing generally cylindrical openings beneath structure  10 . In the illustration of the present, three such openings are created although the exact number of openings and, consequently, the number of heat exchangers established beneath dwelling  10  can be a matter of design choice, three such openings being created in this illustration for the purpose of providing a full and clear understanding of the present invention. 
         [0022]    With the above considerations in mind, reference next is made to  FIG. 2  showing the basics of the system of the present invention. Specifically, structure  10  is shown residing upon earth  5 . Structure  10  is shown as having sloping roof  9  although such structures can oftentimes have flat roofs and it is contemplated that virtually any roof configuration can be employed in practicing the present invention 
         [0023]    Due to concerns about possible anthropogenic global warming stemming from the burning of fossil fuels, solar water heating systems have been widely used Adaptation of solar heating to homes and buildings is an increasingly attractive proposition considering the price volatility and international political conflicts driven by the depleting supply of easy to obtain oil. 
         [0024]    A suitable solar heating system  20  is shown installed upon roof  9  preferably positioned to capture the maximum amount of solar energy by facing the solar thermal array  22  appropriately to maximize solar exposure and minimize shading from trees and adjacent structures. Solar array  22  can also be supported on poles and other structures unrelated to the roofs of buildings. A suitable system for use herein is offered by Apricus® consisting of an array of evacuated heat tubes mounted in a header  23 . Solar radiation is absorbed by the heat tubes and converted to heat. A low voltage, low volume, electric, recirculation pump  58  which may be AC or DC powered by an attached photovoltaic panel (not shown) pumps the fluid into the header where it absorbs the heat as it flows through. From the header outlet the fluid will travel through a non-metallic fluid line. A suitable product for use herein is known by those familiar with the art as PEX tubing. The fluid, depending on type, may pass through an air separator  12  and/or may be connected to an expansion tank  11  to protect the system from bursting. Solar array  22  can be appropriately positioned upon roof  9  employing supporting hardware  21  shown schematically in  FIG. 2 . It is proposed that such installations are quite commonplace and the appropriate hardware and positioning of panel  22  is something commonly available to those in this field. 
         [0025]    Under normal circumstances, fluid circulated from header  23  through air separator  12  and expansion tank  11  would be fed directly into the appropriate piping within structure  10  for providing hot fluid both to heat the dwelling. When the fluid is water, it can be used for such things as dishwashing, bathing, showering and the like However, the present invention contemplates a much differ ent use of this heated fluid as explained below. 
         [0026]    It has been fundamentally recognized herein that creative use can be made of the solar energy imparted to fluids by circulating the fluid, be it water or an alternative medium, through a plurality of heat exchangers  41 ,  42  and  43  fit within holes created by auger  3  in the form of elongated tubes located subterranean of structure  10  within earth  5  Heated fluid is circulated via fluid lines  14  and  16  to valve  15 , valve  15  directing the fluid imparted with thermal energy from header  23  selectively and depending upon the time of year. 
         [0027]    The structural details of a typical heat exchanger for use herein is shown in  FIG. 5  Specifically, heat exchanger  41  is shown having inlet  160  for the receipt of heated fluid selectively from valve  15 . The same heated fluid can pass from heat exchanger  41  through element  161 , the heated fluid being prevented from passing beyond opening  165  through the use of barrier  3 . Alternatively, insulation  163  can be outfitted within heat exchanger  41  as shown to prevent heated fluid from entering into the space occupied by the lower half of the exchanger. 
         [0028]    As depicted in  FIG. 1B , when installing the system of the present invention, one would generally create trench  24  enabling one to drill appropriate subterranean openings diagonal or perpendicular thereto for installing a series of heat exchangers, depicted in  FIG. 2  as first, second and third heat exchanger tubes  41 ,  42  and  43 , respectively. Each heat exchanger,  41 ,  42  and  43  are fed heated fluid via fluid line  17 ,  18  and  19 , respectively, from valve  15  said fluid being recirculated from the heat exchangers back through valve  15  via fluid lines  17   a ,  18   a  and  19   a.    
         [0029]    The schematic details of valve  15  is shown in  FIG. 4 . Specifically, heated fluid from header  23  is introduced into valve  15  through line  14 . It is then distributed to heat exchanger  43  via tube  19 , or to heat exchanger  42  via tube  18 , or to heat exchanger  41  via tube  17 . The selective passage of heated fluid from header  23  to the various heat exchangers can also be carried out manually via valves  171 ,  172  and  173  or actuated by an appropriate solenoid. Recirculated heated fluid from heat exchanger  43  is returned to valve  15  via tube  19   a  while, similarly, fluid returned to valve  15  from heat exchanger  42  is carried out via tube  18   a  and heated fluid returned to valve  15  from heat exchanger  41  is carried out via tube  17   a . Finally, this heated fluid is returned to recirculation pump  58  through tube  16 . 
         [0030]    It is noted that the heat exchanges are in the form of elongated tubes although virtually any physical shape can be employed while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, it is noted that first heat exchanger  41  is located proximate floor  8  of structure  10  while third heat exchanger  43  is located relatively distant from floor  8  and second heat exchanger  42  is located between first and second elongated tubes  41  and  43 . 
         [0031]    It is an important aspect of the present invention that heated fluid be introduced to the appropriate heat exchanger beneath structure  10  depending upon environmental conditions which are present at the time. In turning to  FIG. 6 , it is proposed that an annual timer  50 , which can be preset or programmable being powered from source  51  provide a signal to valve  15  directing it to appropriately recirculate heated fluid either through lines  17   a ,  18   a  or  19   a  for selectively introducing such fluid to one of the plurality of heat exchangers beneath floor  8  of structure  10 . If this process is to be carried out in the northern hemisphere and in a preprogrammed and automated fashion, though it could easily be accomplished manually, it is proposed that third elongated tube  43  receive heated fluid in the months of April through July when it is anticipated that the temperatures would be at their highest in the vicinity of structure  10 . In keeping with this theme, second elongated tube  42  would receive heated fluid in the months of August through November, adding to the heat deposited in the prior phase. First tube  41  would receive heated fluid in the months of December through March, adding still more heat to that which was deposited in the previous two phases, and arriving at structure  10  just when it is anticipated that environmental temperatures would be lowest 
         [0032]    In quantifying this matter further, it is proposed that third elongated tube  43  be positioned between approximately 15 to 20 feet beneath floor  8 , that second elongated tube  42  be positioned between approximately 5 and 10 feet beneath floor  8  while first elongated tube  41  be positioned substantially adjacent to floor  8  of structure  10 . 
         [0033]    It is proposed that controller  50  can be overridden by signal generator  55  receiving instructions from the actuation of lever  57  of switch  56 . Thus, if one was to experience an unusually cold spell in the spring or summer months or particularly warm spell in the winter months, heated fluid could be appropriately directed to one of the heat exchangers located beneath structure  10  appropriately. 
         [0034]    The present invention is intended to take advantage of the recognition that soil is not a good heat conductor, nor is it a good insulator. It has a fairly good heat capacity. Specifically, over a period of a few hours, heat does not move very far into a layer of earth. Over a period of a few days or weeks, or even months, heat may move a number of feet into soil, but at distances of 10 or 20 feet or more, many months are needed before significant temperature changes are felt. Thus, during the summer months when it is not crucial that significant amounts of thermal energy are received within structure  10 , that elongated tube  43  be the recipient of thermal energy created by solar panel  22  while in the winter months when heat is most necessary, that the heated fluid be directed to elongated tube  41 . 
         [0035]    In order to maximize the usefulness of the present invention, reference is made to  FIG. 3 . In this regard, it is noted that heat exchangers  41 ,  42  and  43  can benefit by being isolated from earth  4  not located directly beneath dwelling  10 . Thus, heat exchangers  41 ,  42  and  43  can be thermally isolated from earth  4  as well as being protected from the intrusion of ground water by creating a trench and installing barrier  45  about the perimeter of dwelling  10 . This barrier can be in the form of simple polyethylene sheeting material which can be installed contemporaneously with the construction of dwelling  10  or can be considered an add on adjunct when the present invention is installed 
         [0036]    The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensions, relationships or operations as described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features and the like. 
         [0037]    Therefore, the above description and illustration should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims