JP2016534315A - System and method for using graphene enriched products for thermal energy distribution - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for using GEP for conductive energy distribution. The system includes a thermal energy source, a GEP, a system that extracts thermal energy via the GEP, and a system that distributes the thermal energy extracted via the GEP. The present invention includes various heat sources including geothermal, solar, nuclear, chemical, magma or electrical energy, and includes various devices that engage the heat source, and graphene is applied or formed to form the GEP. Also includes various conduits combined. Thermal energy extraction systems include various devices such as heat exchangers, boilers, turbines, thermocouples or thermoelectric generators. The thermal energy distribution system includes a computer controlled manifold or regulator that splits the extracted thermal energy through a heat source, and converts the thermal energy into electricity, steam, machinery, potential, motion, elasticity, conduction, convection, chemistry, nuclear power Or various devices that convert to other forms of energy, including incandescent light. [Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for using graphene enriched products. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods that use graphene enriched products for thermal energy distribution.

  Traditionally, media, typically liquids or gases, have been used to distribute thermal energy. There are several drawbacks to using these media to distribute heat. Liquid or gaseous media require containment vessels such as pipes to be effective media for distributing heat. Storage of liquid or gaseous media entails a new set of challenges. The containment vessel typically includes a strong seal to prevent media leakage. In addition, the containment vessel must be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the stored media. Generally, heavy and thick thick pipes are used, or lighter and more expensive materials are used.

  In addition, some type of propulsion is required to sufficiently move the conventional media through the distribution system. A pump is typically used to move the liquid or gas through the distribution system. In order to operate the pump, it generally requires its own mechanical or electrical energy, further reducing the overall efficiency of the system. In addition, pumps generally require regular maintenance and replacement. Conventional media moving through the pipe at high pressure are also susceptible to friction losses and turbulence due to the pipe inner surface. These losses further reduce the efficiency of conventional systems. A more efficient system for conducting thermal energy that overcomes these drawbacks is desirable.

  Graphene is a material that has many advantageous properties that have been developed in recent years, one of which has a much higher thermal conductivity than conventional materials. Graphene is typically manufactured in the form of a thin sheet 1 atom thick. One graphene enriched product (GEP) is shown in FIG. Graphene is shown with or without a substrate that separates the layers. Graphene is applied using techniques known to those skilled in the art.

  The GEP has at least one layer of graphene that is adjustably applied to at least one of its surfaces. For example, a cylindrical conduit can have multiple layers of graphene attached to its surface with or without a substrate layer separating them. Energy, including but not limited to thermal energy, can be conducted through a layer of graphene attached to the conduit. Due to the high thermal conductivity of graphene and its linear conduction properties, very little heat is lost to the environment. Due to the inherent linear heat conduction properties of graphene, thick insulators typical of other media are not required to conduct heat to prevent leakage of radiant heat energy. In general, a protective outer layer covering graphene protects the graphene layer from damage. Since graphene is a solid, the storage problem of liquid or gaseous media is eliminated. The expensive containment, seals, gaskets, and other equipment required for conventional liquids or gases are not required. Because of the inherent properties of the material, heat energy is conducted linearly through graphene, so no pump is required. Thus, energy distribution systems that use GEP to distribute thermal energy overcome the shortcomings of typical liquid or gas thermal energy distribution systems.

  Thus, there is a need for a system and method that uses GEP to conduct and distribute thermal energy.

  The present invention provides systems and methods that use GEP to conduct and distribute thermal energy. The system includes at least one thermal energy source, at least one GEP, a system for extracting thermal energy via the GEP, and a system for distributing the thermal energy extracted via the GEP. The present invention can include a variety of heat sources, including geothermal, solar, nuclear, chemical, magma, or electrical energy. The present invention can include various devices for engaging a heat source. The present invention can also include various conduits coated or combined with graphene to form GEP. A system for extracting thermal energy can include various devices such as a heat exchanger, boiler, turbine, thermocouple, or thermoelectric generator. A system for distributing thermal energy can include a computer controlled manifold or regulator for dividing the thermal energy extracted via the heat source. A system for distributing thermal energy is for converting thermal energy into electricity, steam, machinery, potential, motion, elasticity, conduction, convection, chemistry, nuclear power, or other forms of energy including incandescent light, Various devices can be included.

  Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a side view of the prior art showing at least one layer of graphene applied to both sides of a substrate. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows GEP of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the tunnel which stores several GEP of this invention. 1 shows a heat distribution network using the GEP of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 shows an alternative heat distribution network using the GEP of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an alternative heat distribution network using the GEP of the present invention.

  The systems and methods described herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, the terms and terms used herein are for the purpose of explanation and should not be considered limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “involved”, and variations thereof herein are the items listed below, their equivalents, and additional It is intended to encompass alternative embodiments consisting of items, as well as items listed exclusively thereafter.

  Referring generally to the drawings, the present invention provides systems and methods that use GEP to conduct and distribute thermal energy. The system 30 includes at least one energy source 32, at least one GEP 10 for extracting thermal energy, and a system distribution 30 for distributing thermal energy extracted via the GEP 10. The present invention can include a variety of heat sources 32, including geothermal, solar, nuclear, chemical, magma, or electrical energy. The GEP 10 of the present invention can form various configurations. The present invention can also include various conduits in which graphene is applied or combined with GEP. The system 30 for extracting thermal energy can include various devices, such as a heat exchanger, boiler, turbine, thermocouple, or thermoelectric generator. The system 30 for distributing thermal energy can include a computer controlled manifold or regulator for dividing the thermal energy extracted through the heat source. The system 30 for distributing thermal energy also converts thermal energy into electricity, steam, machinery, potential, motion, elasticity, conduction, convection, chemistry, nuclear power, or other forms of energy including incandescent light. Various devices can be included.

  The system 30 of the present invention allows the use of GEP 10 to conduct and distribute thermal energy. The thermal energy source can be of many types, including but not limited to geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is generally located deep below the surface, but there are places where geothermal energy is more accessible. In some locations, the crust is thinner than others, or there is an inherent geology that allows easy access to geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is generally accessible by those skilled in the art using well drilling equipment. Alternatively, it is possible to dig new wells in promising locations, or reuse or re-exist existing wells, or otherwise modify GEP 10 to allow those skilled in the art It is possible to make heat accessible using known techniques.

  Another thermal energy source accessible using GEP 10 is solar energy. The solar array can be placed on the roof of a building, in the field, or in various other locations that are exposed to appropriate sunlight. Solar energy can be captured and converted to thermal energy in several ways known to those skilled in the art. Solar energy can be used to heat liquids such as water or liquefied sodium. The liquid can be a thermal energy source for GEP 10 for conduction and distribution.

  Yet another source of thermal energy accessible using GEP 10 is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is well known for generating large amounts of heat. This heat is often used to boil water for steam generation. The core can generate a large amount of heat, which can be conducted and extracted using GEP 10 in addition to or instead of water or other cooling systems.

  Chemical energy is another heat source accessible using GEP10. Many chemicals are known to those skilled in the art that produce large amounts of heat when mixed, such as sodium metal and water. A combination of these and other chemicals can generate a large amount of heat, which can be extracted and conducted using GEP10.

  Magma energy is another heat source accessible using GEP10. Magma is present in several places around the world, such as Iceland or Hawaii. Similar to geothermal energy, the amount of magma heat energy in one place is very large and can be almost inexhaustible. This heat can be extracted and conducted using GEP10 and techniques known to those skilled in the art.

  Electrical energy is yet another source of thermal energy that can be accessed using GEP10. As a result of electrical energy transmission, heat is generated by the resistance of the transmission medium. High capacity wires can have a high level of thermal energy (high temperature) that the GEP can conduct and extract. Substations include transformers that emit high levels of heat into the atmosphere. Instead of wasting its thermal energy, the GEP 10 according to the present invention can conduct and extract thermal energy for additional use.

  The GEP 10 according to the present invention can include a variety of configurations that can be placed in contact with a heat source to conduct heat energy away from the heat source. In one embodiment, a conduit 14 is used. The conduit 14 can be of various types including, but not limited to, a pipe, wire, cable, beam, or rod. The conduit 14 can be continuous or segmented. The continuous conduit 14 can be in various forms such as a wire or extrusion. The continuous conduit 14 does not require an intermediate fastener, and as a result, such a fastener can be used in situations where it is not desirable.

  Graphene 12 is adjustably affixed to conduit 14 or substrate using a variety of techniques known to those skilled in the art. For example, in one embodiment, an adhesive is used to attach the graphene 12 to the conduit 14. The graphene 12 can then be laminated on the conduit 14 to create additional energy transfer capacity over the single layer graphene 12. In another preferred embodiment, the layers of graphene 12 are placed in direct contact with each other. When the desired number of layers is reached, the combined layers of graphene 12 can be covered with an adhesive, sealant, or other protective coating known to those skilled in the art.

  In use, a continuous submarine cable, for example made up of GEP 10, can be connected to the thermal energy source 32 and placed on the sea floor as known to those skilled in the art until the destination is reached. Depending on the distance required, a continuous GEP 10 can be manufactured on a large scale and then can be quickly placed on the sea floor without concern for joint sections that are exposed to the sea and are difficult to access and inspect. .

  Segmented conduits (not shown) can be joined in a variety of ways as are known to those skilled in the art. For example, in use, geothermal wells can be dug using GEP10 on existing oil well drilling equipment. The pipe sections can be pre-threaded or threaded together when lowered into the bare hole. Similarly, the pipe section can lie in a drilling groove near the surface. These pipe sections can be of various lengths and types including bends, joints, or straight sections.

  In another embodiment, a bundle of cables or wires all made of graphene can be used. Each cable or wire is GEP 10 and when combined provides additional surface area and strength that is desirable in some situations. In addition, a large cable bundle can be modified over its entire length and the bundle portions can be separated to conduct heat energy as desired. In one embodiment, it is known to those skilled in the art that high voltage wires generate heat due to the resistance of a wire material such as steel. By using the GEP10 high voltage line, heat energy can be extracted and conducted to use the heat energy present in the high voltage line bundle, rather than losing it to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the wire can be covered or surrounded by GEP 10 to conduct heat.

  In another embodiment, graphene can be applied to a plane, including but not limited to a road surface, wall, floor, or any other plane to form GEP10. For example, sandwiching graphene between two flat substrates not only has many additional uses, but also allows heat and / or electricity to be conducted very efficiently due to the properties of graphene. The wall panel containing graphene is GEP10 and can conduct heat to a radiator attached to the wall panel. The wall panel can also include an electrical outlet connected to the graphene to receive the electricity conducted by GEP10. Electrical outlets can also include devices such as transformers for processing electrical energy conducted by GEP 10, such as but not limited to direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) conversion.

  As mentioned above, the roadway or other transport surface can be GEP10. A GEP 10 according to the present invention included in a roadway can conduct thermal energy that can be used to melt snow and ice. In addition, electricity can be conducted by the graphene to provide power to the roadway or beyond, including but not limited to lights, signs, or other devices. For example, the roadway can extend to a building such as a house or office building. The GEP 10 on the roadway is connected to the building. A device in the building extracts the energy conducted by GEP10. Heat is used in the building for temperature control, hot water supply, cooking, cleaning, or other applications known in the art. Electricity is used in buildings, for lighting, operation of powered devices, charging, or other applications known to those skilled in the art.

  In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the utility tunnel 20 houses several GEPs 10 ', 10 ", 10"'. GEP 10 ′ includes a graphene core 12 ′ surrounded by a protective coating 16. The graphene 12 'in the GEP 10' can be arranged and configured in various ways. For example, the graphene 12 'can be stacked in concentric circles, a series of planar or totally planar layers, or a spiral. Additional patterns and arrangements of graphene 12 'known to those skilled in the art can be included in the GEP 10'. The graphene 12 ′ can be arranged and configured in a plurality of individual cables sandwiched in the protective coating 16. The protective coating 16 can be made of a variety of materials known to those skilled in the art. For example, the coating 16 can be a polymer wrap.

  GEP 10 "includes alternating layers of graphene 12" and coating / substrate 16 '. The graphene 12 ″ can be arranged in various patterns and layers, such as, but not limited to, those listed above. In one embodiment, graphene 12 '' can be used to conduct thermal energy in different directions. The energy can be from different sources, such as but not limited to geothermal energy sources and solar energy sources. Alternatively, the graphene 12 '' can conduct heat in the same direction but at different temperature (energy) levels. For example, a layer of graphene 12 '' can conduct high levels of thermal energy used in industrial applications, power generation, or large-scale energy demands. Another layer of graphene 12 '' can conduct heat at lower temperatures for temperature regulation, hot water supply, cooking, or other uses of thermal energy known to those skilled in the art. The substrate 16 'forms an outer layer of GEP 10 "as well as an inner layer separating the layers of graphene 12". The substrate can be formed from a variety of materials known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, plastics, composites, and carbon fibers.

  The GEP 10 "" includes a layer of graphene 12 "" surrounding the substrate 16 ". The layers of graphene 12 "" can be arranged in several ways, such as those described above or others known to those skilled in the art. The substrate 16 '' provides support for the layer of graphene 12 '' 'and can be constructed of various materials such as polymers, carbon fibers, glass fibers, or other materials known to those skilled in the art. .

  The GEPs 10 ′, 10 ″, 10 ″ ″ are supported by the internal support 18 in the tunnel 20. The support 18 can include various components such as vertical and horizontal supports. These supports 18 can be constructed of a variety of materials, such as steel, and can include additional applications other than supporting GEP 10 ', 10 ", 10"'. Among these applications is a service passage for use by technicians while in the tunnel 20. Connections to other GEPs 10 can be created in the tunnel. For example, the GEP 10 from the thermal energy source 32 can enter the tunnel and connect to the GEP 10 such as GEP 10 ′, 10 ″, 10 ″ ″. Similarly, residential buildings, factories, refineries, schools, hospitals, transport buildings, agricultural facilities, food manufacturing plants, and other buildings connected to energy destinations, such as but not limited to GEP 10 can also enter tunnel 20.

  Tunnel 20 may include additional shapes and structures that are not limited to those shown in FIG. Other tunnels can intersect the tunnel 20 at various angles forming a structure similar to the letters “T”, “X”, or other shapes known to those skilled in the art. The size of the tunnel 20 is also illustrative and not limiting. Some tunnels may be too small for people to enter, and others may be quite large, such as vehicle-sized tunnels. An example of a small tunnel 20 can be about 1 meter or less in diameter. An example of a large tunnel 20 may be approximately 10 meters in diameter, such as a railway tunnel or a subway. A part of the large tunnel 20 is reserved for GEP 10 ', 10 ", 10"', and the other part can be used for vehicle traffic such as trains, cars, trucks, and pedestrian traffic.

  Thermal energy extracted via GEP 10 can be transferred using distribution system 30. Distribution system 30 may include various components including control system 31, GEP 10, and other devices known to those skilled in the art.

  The control system 31 performs a number of functions during the operation of the distribution system 30. The control system 31 may include a computer installed with software and a device for sending and receiving electrical signals. The control system 31 may also include a display device such as a monitor for providing information regarding the operation of the distribution system 30. The control system 31 may also include input / output devices such as keyboards, buttons, touch-sensitive displays, or other devices known to those skilled in the art. The control system 31 can include a communication device such as, but not limited to, an internet modem, a wireless internet device, or a wireless communication device. The control system 31 may also include devices for operating other components of the distribution system 30, such as but not limited to regulators, manifolds, or other equipment known to those skilled in the art.

  The computer of the control system 31 receives information and signals regarding the operation of the distribution system 30. The amount of thermal energy distributed by distribution system 30 is measured and controlled by computer software. A sensor connected to the GEP 10 measures the amount of thermal energy and transmits an electrical signal to the computer. The software interprets these signals and converts them into numerical values. These values are compared with the software requirements. These requirements can be preset in software or adjustable depending on the energy requirements. Additional sensors can be connected to other devices such as, but not limited to, thermostats and electricity usage meters. The software can monitor the temperature requirements of the destination via a signal provided by the thermostat and adjust the energy flow to a device that provides thermal energy to at least one destination, such as a forced air heating unit. The software can monitor the electrical requirements of the destination via signals provided by the electricity usage meter and adjust the energy flow to a device that provides electrical energy to at least one destination, such as a thermoelectric generator .

  The control system 31 may include a display device such as but not limited to a video monitor. The display device can provide visual information regarding the conditions and operation of the dispensing system 30. For example, the amount of energy available from GEP 10 can be displayed. Other information used to heat at least one destination, used to heat hot water used for cooking and food preparation, or converted to electricity, such as but not limited to heat energy Can also be displayed. The display device can be combined with other controls, such as an input / output device that allows the operator to operate software that touches the monitor and generates the controls on the display.

  The control system 31 may include input / output devices in addition to or in connection with any display device. Input / output devices can be of several types, such as buttons, dials, switches, or other types known to those skilled in the art. The input / output device can control several modes of operation of the distribution system 30, such as delivering energy towards a specific device such as a thermoelectric generator. The controls provided to the input / output device can be adjusted by computer software. The software may prevent the user from using the input / output device to damage the distribution system 30 or other devices and systems that receive energy from the distribution system 30. The software can also be overridden by external controls such as utility operators.

  The control system 31 may include a communication device, such as but not limited to the Internet, wireless Internet, radio, or satellite device. The control system 31 can receive data and instructions via the communication device. The computer software can receive firmware upgrades, updates, antivirus scans, and other instructions known to those skilled in the art. The owner or operator of the distribution system 30 can use the communication device to access the control system 31, monitor its operation and current status, and modify its operating parameters. For example, a utility that can control the distribution system 30 may direct the distribution system 30 to reduce the amount of energy received via the GEP 10 in response to the demands of a large network or for other reasons such as maintenance or repair. it can. An operator who can control the distribution system 30 can access the control system 31 using the Internet or other communication device. For example, if the dispensing system 30 is installed in a home, the operator can be a homeowner. Whether the thermal energy is for temperature regulation, power generation, or other uses, the homeowner can use the Internet to monitor residential energy usage. The homeowner can then remotely adjust the distribution system 30 to increase the room temperature, for example, before returning home. The homeowner can also use diagnostics included in the control system software to determine if any faults exist in the distribution system 30. In the case of a hot water leak, since cold water continues to be supplied to the hot water heater, more energy is required than during normal operation.

  The control system 31 can include a variety of sensors, such as but not limited to temperature, energy flow, or energy consumption. The control system 31 monitors these sensors to determine the current status of the distribution system 30, changes in system requirements, or other parameters known to those skilled in the art. The sensors can be installed throughout the control system 31, such as on a GEP 10 connected to various energy conversion devices, such as but not limited to a thermoelectric generator, heat exchanger, boiler, or turbine. Additional sensors can be installed on the output side of the energy conversion device to measure their efficiency in converting thermal energy into other forms of energy.

  In one embodiment, the control system 31 distributes thermal energy at the residence 34. The control system 31 is connected to a residential thermostat. The dwelling 34 is connected to a GEP 10 such as a conduit that conducts thermal energy into the dwelling 34. For example, the conduit may enter the dwelling 34 via a basement or underground connection into a narrow space. The conduit is connected to a heat exchanger located in the residence 34. The heat exchanger can be of several types such as a forced air heating unit or a boiler. Alternatively, a thermoelectric generator can be installed in place of or in connection with the heat exchanger to heat the dwelling 34 using electrical heating elements throughout the room. The control system 31 can determine the energy needs of the dwelling 34 via measurements taken by the thermostat and pass the desired amount of thermal energy to the heat exchanger, boiler, and / or thermoelectric generator. Any additional heat that the dwelling 34 does not need can be sent again to another destination via the GEP 10. Alternatively, additional heat can be sent for additional uses such as heating the sidewalks and driveways of the dwelling 34 for snow removal.

  In another embodiment, the control system 31 distributes the thermal energy in the residence 34 to multiple destinations. The dwelling 34 is connected to the GEP 10 that carries thermal energy into the dwelling 34. Upon entering the dwelling 34, the GEP 10 is split and each subdivided GEP 10 proceeds to a different destination within the dwelling 34. For example, one of the subdivided GEPs 10 can proceed to the residential hot water heater 50. The heat conducted through GEP 10 is used to maintain a hot water supply for dwelling 34. Heat can be transferred to the water through a heat exchanger or through several techniques known to those skilled in the art. Another GEP 10 can go to the kitchen where heat energy can be used for food preparation. A cooking surface such as a grill can receive heat conducted through GEP 10 by heat transfer. Other food preparation devices, such as but not limited to oil fryer, oven, coffee / tea maker, dishwasher, toaster, or other devices known to those skilled in the art may also receive thermal energy. it can.

  In another embodiment, the control system 31 distributes thermal energy within a commercial industrial plant. GEP 10 extends from the plant entry point to devices and machines that require thermal energy. Heat may be transferred from GEP 10 by heat transfer, heat exchangers, or other techniques known to those skilled in the art. For example, industrial ovens that utilize heating elements can receive thermal energy from GEP 10 and utilize the thermal energy for industrial purposes such as storage or drying of materials or products. Heat can be exchanged into a fluid for distillation purposes. The plastic molding apparatus can maintain the inside of the plastic mold at a desired temperature by using the thermal energy conducted through the GEP 10. Thermal energy can be used for industrial scale food preparation such as pasteurization or sterilization.

  The control system 31 can include a regulator for limiting the amount of thermal energy received via the GEP 10. The regulator may be a valve, switch, or other type of adjustable limiting device known to those skilled in the art. The regulator can be operated directly by the control unit based on parameters in the system software. Alternatively, the regulator can be operated remotely by a central utility or other authorized user.

  The control system 31 can include a manifold for dividing and distributing the thermal energy received from the GEP 10. In general, a manifold is a chamber or pipe with several inlets and outlets that are used to collect or distribute fluid. In the present invention, the manifold collects or distributes the heat energy conducted through the GEP 10. The manifold can include one or more layers of graphene in contact with the GEP 10 that conducts heat from the heat source 32. The manifold divides the received thermal energy into a plurality of outlets connected to the additional GEP 10 to transfer the thermal energy. The outlet can be of various types, such as a wire, pipe, cable, or other product known to those skilled in the art adapted to receive GEP10.

  Heat is extracted via GEP 10 using various systems. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger extracts thermal energy via GEP 10 and transfers it to another medium. An example of a liquid medium for receiving thermal energy from a heat exchanger is water. The heated water can be used for various purposes such as steam generation or other purposes known to those skilled in the art. Steam can be used to rotate a turbine that can be used for power generation or other purposes known to those skilled in the art. An example of a solid medium for receiving thermal energy is a polymer bead. These beads can be heated to their melting point for use in injection molding machines or other applications known to those skilled in the art. A thermocouple or thermocouple array can convert the thermal energy from GEP 10 into electrical energy via processes known to those skilled in the art.

  The residential building 34, the educational building 36, the medical facility 38, the office building 40, the shopping center 42, the factory 44, and the water / waste treatment plant 46 are all in the following manner, etc. The heating energy conducted and distributed by GEP 10 can be utilized in a variety of ways without limitation. Thermal energy can be used for indoor temperature control. Thermal energy can be used to heat water for use in cleaning, bathing, and food preparation. Thermal energy can be used for power generation including a main power source, an emergency power source, or an auxiliary power source. Thermal energy can be used in distillation devices and equipment. Thermal energy can also be used in industrial machines such as, but not limited to, ovens, presses, or castings. Thermal energy can also be used to heat surfaces such as roadways, driveways, or sidewalks. Thermal energy can be used for recreational purposes such as swimming pools or saunas. Thermal energy can be used in food preparations such as grills, ovens, or oil fryer.

  Referring now to FIG. 6, in another preferred embodiment, the distribution system 30 ″ includes at least one GEP 10 connected to at least one thermal energy source 32. Although GEP 10 enters through the walls of building 33, in other embodiments, GEP 10 can enter building 33 through the floor, roof, or other surface known to those skilled in the art. The GEP 10 is connected to a control system 31 that controls the distribution of the thermal energy received via the GEP 10 and is described in more detail below. At least one GEP 10 is connected to the control system 31 for distribution of thermal energy within the building 33. GEP 10 includes, but is not limited to, a hot water heater 50, a temperature adjustment system 52, a food preparation device 54, a water treatment system 46, a power generation system 56, and a heating surface 58 such as, but not limited to, a sidewalk or a private road. Can be connected to multiple devices and systems.

  The hot water heater 50 receives heat energy from the GEP 10. Heat is transferred from the GEP 10 to the water stored in the hot water heater 50 that raises the temperature of the water. The hot water heater 50 includes a thermostat control operable in conjunction with the control system 31 to heat the water stored in the heater 50 to a predetermined temperature distributed throughout the building 33 by a pipe network. Can do. Alternatively, the control system 31 can distribute a sufficient amount of thermal energy directly to the hot water heater 50 so that the thermostat is removed from the hot water heater 50. In yet another embodiment, there are a plurality of hot water heaters 50 in the building 33. This type of hot water heater 50 is generally known as a point-of-use hot water heater. Unlike central hot water heaters, water is heated near the point of use, such as a sink or bathtub. In this embodiment, the GEP 10 extends throughout the building 33 to the hot water heater 50 located near the point of use. Heat is transmitted to each hot water heater 50 as needed.

  Temperature control system 52 also receives thermal energy from GEP 10. Heat is transferred from the heat exchanger to another medium such as air or water. In one embodiment, air is flowed through the heat exchanger to raise its temperature. Next, the heated air is blown into the entire building 33 through the piping, and the temperature of the indoor space is raised. In another embodiment, water is circulated around the heat exchanger and then the removed heat is circulated throughout the building 33. A radiator located throughout the building 33 helps to transfer heat from the water to the air in the indoor space of the building.

  The food preparation device 54 also receives thermal energy from the GEP 10. Heat is transferred from GEP 10 to various food preparation devices such as ovens, grills, or range tops. Water treatment system 46 also receives thermal energy from GEP 10. Heat is transferred from GEP 10 to components of water treatment system 46 that can receive thermal energy, such as a distillation device. In one embodiment, water is drawn into the distillation device of the water treatment system 46. The water is heated resulting in the generation of vapor that is then agglomerated into a liquid. Liquid is then supplied throughout the building 33 for consumption.

  The power generation system 56 also receives thermal energy from the GEP 10. The thermoelectric generator converts the thermal energy received from GEP10. Electricity can be converted or regulated by the power generation system 56 in various ways known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the DC current is supplied to the entire building 33 after being converted to AC current. In another embodiment, the power generation system 56 includes a variety of, including but not limited to supplying full power to the building 33, supplying partial power to the building 33, or supplying backup current to the building 33. Mode.

  The heating surface 58 also receives thermal energy from the GEP 10. Thermal energy is conducted to the heated surface 58 through the GEP 10. Thermal energy radiates through a heated surface 58 such as concrete, asphalt, stone, or tile. As heat radiates through the heating surface 58, the temperature of the heating surface 58 increases. The heating surface 58 may be located at various locations inside or around the building 33. For example, the heating surface 58 can be a sidewalk, driveway, bathroom, or garage floor. The heated surface 58 can be used to melt snow and ice located outside them.

  Other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and embodiments are discussed in detail below. This description is intended to provide examples of various aspects and embodiments of the invention, and to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed aspects and embodiments. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the examples and various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings, together with the specification, serve to explain the aspects and embodiments described and claimed.

  While the invention has been described by way of example, it will be understood that the terminology used herein is intended to be in the scope of explanatory terms in nature and not limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Accordingly, it will be understood that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the described invention.

Claims (20)

A system for distributing thermal energy,
At least one heat source;
At least one graphene enriched product in contact with the heat source for conducting heat from the heat source;
Extraction means for extracting heat through the graphene enriched product;
A distribution means for distributing the heat extracted from the graphene-enriched product;
A system comprising:   The system of claim 1, wherein the heat source is selected from the group consisting of power facilities that provide geothermal, solar, nuclear, chemical, magma and electrical energy.   The system of claim 1, wherein the graphene enriched product is a conduit.   The system of claim 3, wherein the graphene enriched product includes at least one expandable segment.   The system of claim 3, wherein the graphene enriched product comprises at least one layer of graphene.   The system of claim 1, wherein the means for extracting heat is selected from the group consisting of a heat exchanger, a boiler, a turbine, and a thermoelectric generator. A system for distributing geothermal energy,
A geothermal source,
At least one graphene enriched product in contact with the heat source;
Extraction means for extracting heat from the graphene-enriched product;
A distribution means for distributing the heat extracted by the graphene-enriched product;
A system comprising: A system for distributing thermal energy,
At least one heat source;
A first graphene enriched product in contact with the heat source;
A control system adjustably connected to the graphene enriched product for selectively receiving thermal energy from the graphene enriched product;
A second graphene enriched product adjustably connected to the control system for distributing the thermal energy received by the control system;
A system comprising: A system for extracting and distributing thermal energy,
At least one heat source;
At least one graphene concentration conduit in thermal contact with the heat source for conducting heat from the heat source;
A heat receiving device connected to the conduit for receiving thermal energy conducted by the conduit;
A system comprising:   The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one heat source is selected from the group consisting of geothermal, solar, nuclear, chemical, magma, and electricity.   The system of claim 9, wherein the conduit further comprises at least one layer of graphene enriched material.   The system of claim 11, wherein the conduit further comprises a plurality of layers of graphene enriched material.   The system of claim 11, wherein the conduit further comprises a plurality of adjustably joinable segments.   The system of claim 11, wherein the conduit is continuous.   The system of claim 9, wherein the heat receiving device distributes thermal energy conducted by the conduit to at least one destination using a graphene concentrating conduit.   The heat receiving device converts the thermal energy into another form of energy selected from the group consisting of electricity, steam, machinery, potential, motion, elasticity, conduction, convection, chemistry, nuclear power and incandescent light. Item 10. The system according to Item 9. A method for extracting and distributing thermal energy from a geothermal source using a graphene enriched product comprising:
Affixing graphene to the substrate;
Inserting the substrate into a geothermal well;
Connecting the substrate to a thermal energy receiving device to transfer heat;
Adjusting the thermal energy extracted from the geothermal source using a control system;
Distributing the thermal energy to a network of graphene-enriched products;
Delivering thermal energy to a plurality of heat utilization sources;
Including a method.   The method of claim 17, further comprising applying a plurality of graphene layers to the substrate.   The method of claim 17, further comprising assembling the substrate from a plurality of adjustably connected segments. The method of claim 17, further comprising using a manifold controlled by the control system to distribute the thermal energy to the network.

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