WO2012051338A1 - Systèmes et procédés pour installer des boucles de transfert d'énergie géothermique - Google Patents

Systèmes et procédés pour installer des boucles de transfert d'énergie géothermique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012051338A1
WO2012051338A1 PCT/US2011/056013 US2011056013W WO2012051338A1 WO 2012051338 A1 WO2012051338 A1 WO 2012051338A1 US 2011056013 W US2011056013 W US 2011056013W WO 2012051338 A1 WO2012051338 A1 WO 2012051338A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
energy transfer
transfer loop
cover
exchange pipe
leg
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/056013
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Randy R. Runquist
Keith Allen Hoelting
Original Assignee
Vermeer Manufacturing Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vermeer Manufacturing Company filed Critical Vermeer Manufacturing Company
Publication of WO2012051338A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012051338A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24T—GEOTHERMAL COLLECTORS; GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
    • F24T10/00—Geothermal collectors
    • F24T10/10—Geothermal collectors with circulation of working fluids through underground channels, the working fluids not coming into direct contact with the ground
    • F24T10/13—Geothermal collectors with circulation of working fluids through underground channels, the working fluids not coming into direct contact with the ground using tube assemblies suitable for insertion into boreholes in the ground, e.g. geothermal probes
    • F24T10/15—Geothermal collectors with circulation of working fluids through underground channels, the working fluids not coming into direct contact with the ground using tube assemblies suitable for insertion into boreholes in the ground, e.g. geothermal probes using bent tubes; using tubes assembled with connectors or with return headers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24T—GEOTHERMAL COLLECTORS; GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
    • F24T10/00—Geothermal collectors
    • F24T2010/50—Component parts, details or accessories
    • F24T2010/53—Methods for installation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/10—Geothermal energy

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for installing underground product. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for installing geothermal energy transfer loops.
  • Geothermal heat pump systems are increasingly being used to heat and cool residential and commercial buildings.
  • Geothermal heat pump systems are configured to take advantage of the difference in temperature between the ambient air and the earth by transferring heat to and from the earth to provide an
  • a typical geothermal heat pump system can include a plurality of geothermal energy transfer loops that are installed underground. Such geothermal energy transfer loops can be installed horizontally, vertically or at an angle. By pumping an energy transfer fluid through the geothermal energy transfer loops, energy can readily be transferred between the geothermal heat pump system and the earth in which the geothermal energy transfer loops have been installed. In conditions where the ambient air temperature is warmer than the earth in which the geothermal energy transfer loops have been installed, heat is transferred from the geothermal energy transfer loops to the earth thereby cooling the energy transfer fluid being pumped through the geothermal energy transfer loops. Energy transfer fluid cooled in this way can be used for the effective cooling of a building.
  • One aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for efficiently installing geothermal energy transfer loops.
  • Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for installing geothermal energy transfer loops in bores whereby covers are used to facilitate directing the geothermal transfer energy loops into the bores.
  • the covers allow U-shaped portions of the geothermal energy transfer loops and lower-most end portions of energy transfer loop carrier structures to be guided together as units through the bores.
  • a further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cover for use in installing a geothermal energy transfer loop with an energy transfer loop carrier structure.
  • inventive aspects relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description merely provide examples of how the inventive aspects may be put into practice, and are not intended to limit the broad spirit and scope of the inventive aspects.
  • FIG. la shows a system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the system is shown drilling a bore
  • FIG. lb shows the system of FIG. lb with a drill string of the system being withdrawn from the bore;
  • FIG. lc shows the system of FIG la with the drill string equipped with an arrangement adapted for facilitating the installation of geothermal energy transfer loops, the system is shown in the process of installing a geothermal energy transfer loop in the bore;
  • FIG. Id shows a rail and drive unit of the drilling machine of the system of FIGS, la-lc;
  • FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the arrangement of FIG. 1 c adapted for facilitating the installation of geothermal energy transfer loops;
  • FIG. 3 is another view of the arrangement of FIG. 2 showing an energy transfer loop carrier structure being retracted upwardly from a covered end of the geothermal energy transfer loop;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an end rod of the arrangement of FIGS. 2 and 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a proximal end view of the end rod of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 6 is a distal end view of the end rod of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an energy transfer loop support member of the arrangement of FIGS. 2 and 3;
  • FIG. 9 is a distal end view of the energy transfer loop support member of
  • FIG. 8
  • FIG. 10 is a side view of the energy transfer loop support member of FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 11 is a proximal end view of the energy transfer loop support member of FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 12-12 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for installing geothermal energy transfer loops
  • FIG. 14 is an assembled view of the arrangement of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 15-15 of FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 16 is a distal end view of another arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for installing geothermal energy transfer loops
  • FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 17-17 of Fig. 16;
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of still another arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for installing geothermal energy transfer loops
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for installing geothermal energy transfer loops
  • FIG. 20 is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 19 with a cover of the arrangement shown in phantom so that the interior volume of the cover can be viewed;
  • FIG. 21 is a top view of the arrangement of FIG. 19 with the cover shown in cross-section;
  • FIG. 22 is a fragmentary isometric view of the arrangement of FIG. 19;
  • FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a first axial end of the cover of the arrangement of FIG. 19 with a first sidewall of the cover shown in an open position;
  • FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the second axial end of the cover of the arrangement of FIG. 19 with the first sidewall in the open position;
  • FIG. 25 is an end view of a second axial end of the cover of the arrangement of FIG. 19.
  • the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for installing geothermal energy transfer loops in the ground.
  • An example geothermal energy transfer loop 12 is shown at FIG. 2.
  • the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 includes first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56 and 58
  • the U-shaped portion 60 that couples the first geothermal exchange pipe section 56 in fluid communication with the second geothermal exchange pipe section 58.
  • the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58 can have outer diameters ranging from about 1 inch to about 1.7 inches. Of course, other sizes could be used as well.
  • the U- shaped portion 60 can comprise a U-shaped fitting bonded, fused or otherwise connected to the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56 and 58.
  • Example U-shaped fittings are disclosed at United States Design Patent Nos.
  • U-shaped portion means any structure for reversing a direction of fluid flow.
  • geothermal energy transfer loops are pre-spooled at a factory in predetermined lengths (e.g., 100 to 1,000 feet).
  • An example spool 18 is shown at FIG lc. Coiling the geothermal energy transfer loops on spools facilitates transporting the geothermal energy transfer loops to desired installation sites and also facilitates installing the geothermal energy transfer loops in the ground.
  • a plurality of spools each supporting a desired footage of geothermal energy transfer loop are shipped to an installation site. At the installation site, bores are formed in the ground. The bores are formed having lengths/depths
  • the geothermal energy transfer loops are installed in the bores.
  • the geothermal energy transfer loops are gradually paid off the spools as the geothermal energy transfer loops are installed in the bores.
  • FIG. la is a schematic view showing a drilling system 10 for drilling bores 14 in which geothermal energy transfer loops can be installed.
  • the system 10 includes a drilling machine 16 having a chassis 20 supported on a propulsion structure such as a plurality of tracks 22.
  • a rail 24 is pivotally connected to the chassis 20 at a pivot axis 26.
  • the rail 24 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 26 relative to the chassis 20 between a vertical position (as shown at FIG. la) and a horizontal position (not shown).
  • the guide rail 24 can also be set at angled orientations between the horizontal and vertical positions.
  • the ability to change angle the guide rail 24 relative to the ground allows the drilling machine 16 to form vertical bores, horizontal bores or angled bores.
  • the ability to angle the guide rails 24 also facilitates installing geothermal transfer loops in horizontal bores, vertical bores or angled bores.
  • the drilling machine 16 includes a drive unit 28 mounted on the rail 24.
  • the drive unit 28 includes a linear drive 30 (see FIG Id) for moving the drive unit 28 longitudinally back and forth along the length of the guide rail 24.
  • the linear drive 30 includes a rack and pinion drive.
  • alternative drive systems such as drive cylinders (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder), chain drives or other arrangements can also be used.
  • Linear movement of the drive unit 28 allows the drive unit 28 to be used to push a drill string into the ground and to withdraw a drill string from the ground.
  • the drive unit 28 also includes a rotational driver 36 used to rotate a drill string about a central longitudinal axis of the drill string. Further details about the drilling machine 16 are provided in United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/295,535, that is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the bore 14 is formed through a drilling process.
  • bore includes any opening formed in the ground regardless of the process by which it is formed.
  • the drilling machine 16 is initially used to form the bore 14. For example, as shown at FIG. la, the drilling machine 16 is used to force a drill string 33 into the ground thereby forming the bore 14.
  • the drill string includes a plurality of drill rods 35 that are strung together to form the drill string 33.
  • a drill head 37 including cutting structures e.g., teeth, blades, edges, other structures is mounted at a distal end of the drill string 33.
  • the linear drive 30 of the drilling machine 16 is used to thrust the drill string 33 into the ground while the rotational drive 36 concurrently causes the drill string 33 to rotate about a central longitudinal axis 40 of the drill string 33 thereby causing the drill head to rotate in a cutting motion.
  • the bore 14 can comprise a vertical bore, a horizontal bore, or an inclined bore.
  • the drilling machine 16 is used to retract the drill string from the bore 14 (see FIG. lb).
  • the drill head 37 is removed and replaced an energy transfer loop installation tool 50 (see FIG. lc).
  • the energy transfer loop installation tool 50 includes an end rod 52 that mounts to the distal end of the drill string 33 and that coaxially aligns with the drill string 33.
  • the energy transfer loop installation tool 50 also includes an energy transfer loop support member 54 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that projects laterally outwardly from the central longitudinal axis 40 of the drill string 33.
  • the drilling machine 16 equipped with the energy transfer loop installation tool 50, is preferably used to move, force, or otherwise direct the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 into the bore 14.
  • the bore 14 can be a vertical bore, a horizontal bore or an angled bore.
  • a portion of the energy transfer loop support member 54 is positioned between the first and second geothermal energy pipe sections 56, 58 adjacent to the U-shaped portion 60.
  • the drive unit 28 of the drilling machine 16 is used to force the drill string 33 into the bore 14 as the drive unit 28 is moved in a first direction 32 by the linear drive 30.
  • the force in the first direction 32 provided by the drilling machine 16 is transferred from the drill string 33 to the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 by the energy transfer loop support member 54.
  • the energy transfer loop support member 54 is positioned between the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58 adjacent to the U-shaped portion 60, movement of the drill string in the first direction 32 brings the energy transfer loop support member 54 into contact with the U-shaped portion 60 thereby forcing the U-shaped portion 60 into the bore 14 in the first direction 32.
  • the first and second geothermal exchange pipe section 56, 58 are pulled in the first direction 32 into the bore 14 behind the U-shaped portion 60.
  • the spool 18 turns about its central axis thereby allowing the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58 to be paid off from the spool 18.
  • a cover 62 can be placed over the U-shaped portion 60 of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 and also over a distal most end of the energy transfer loop installation tool 50.
  • the cover 62 can have a shaped (e.g., tapered, rounded) lower end 152 forming a nose adapted for guiding the cover 62 down the bore 14.
  • the cover 62 assists in integrating the lower end of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 with the energy transfer loop installation tool 50 such that the energy transfer loop installation 50 and the lower end of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 are moved together as an integrated unit.
  • drill rods 35 are progressively added to the drill string to increase the length of the drill string.
  • the rods 35 are progressively added until the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 has been moved to the desired depth within the bore 14.
  • the drill string 33 is retracted from the bore 14 while the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 and the cover 62 remain positioned within the bore 14. Retraction of the drill string 33 causes the energy transfer loop installation tool 50 to be pulled from inside the cover 62 and to be disengaged from the geothermal energy transfer loop 12.
  • the individual drill rods 35 of the drill string 33 are progressively removed from the bore 14 by the drive unit 28 as part of the retraction process.
  • the end rod 52 of the energy transfer loop installation tool 50 is adapted to connect to a distal end of the drill string (e.g., by a threaded connection).
  • the end rod 52 includes a distal end 70 and an opposite proximal end 72.
  • the proximal end 72 includes internal threads 73 for facilitating connecting the end rod 52 to the distal end of the drill string 33.
  • the distal end 70 is configured for rotatably mounting the energy transfer loop support member 54 to the end rod 52 such that the end rod 52 can rotate about the central longitudinal axis 40 of the drill string relative to the energy transfer loop support member 54. As shown at FIG.
  • a cylindrical sleeve 74 of the energy transfer loop support member 54 fits over a cylindrical bearing structure 76 which is integral with the distal end 70 of the end rod 52.
  • the cylindrical sleeve 74 includes a proximal end 78 that abuts against a shoulder 80 of the end rod 52.
  • the cylindrical sleeve 74 also includes a distal end 82 that receives a retention cap 84 that assists in retaining the cylindrical sleeve 74 on the distal end 70 of the end rod 52.
  • a fastener 86 extends through the retention cap 84 and the sleeve 74 and engages the distal end 70 of the end rod 52. In the depicted embodiment, the fastener 86 is shown as a cap screw that threads into an internally threaded opening 88 defined within the bearing structure 76 of the end rod 52.
  • the end rod 52 includes a distal portion 90 positioned adjacent the distal end 70, a proximal portion 92 positioned adjacent the proximal end 72 and an intermediate portion 94 positioned between the distal and proximal portions 90, 92.
  • the proximal portion 92 has an outer diameter Dj that generally matches the outer diameter of the drill string 33.
  • the distal portion 90 has an outer diameter D 2 that is smaller than the outer diameter Dj.
  • the intermediate portion 94 has an outer diameter D 3 that gradually transitions from the diameter Di to the diameter D 2 .
  • a drilling fluid discharge port 96 is defined at the intermediate portion 94.
  • the drilling fluid discharge port 96 is in fluid communication with a fluid passage 98 that extends from the drilling fluid discharge port 96 through the intermediate and proximal portions 94, 92 to the proximal end 72 of the end rod 52.
  • the fluid passage 98 is in fluid communication with a central passage of the drill string 33 that allows drilling fluid to be pumped from an above-ground source of drilling fluid through the drill string 33 to the drilling fluid discharge port 96.
  • a source of drilling fluid 100 and a pump 102 for pumping the drilling fluid down the drill string are schematically shown at FIG. Id.
  • a proximal/upper end 154 of the cover 62 is distally offset from the drilling fluid discharge port 96.
  • the drilling fluid discharge port 96 is defined through the tapered intermediate portion 94, the drilling fluid discharge port 96 is adapted to direct a stream of drilling fluid outwardly from the end rod 52 at an angle ⁇ relative to the central longitudinal axis 40 of the drill string.
  • the positioning of the cover 62 offset from the drilling fluid discharge port 96 combined with the angling of the drilling fluid stream prevents fluid from being sprayed directly into the cover 62. This is advantageous because spraying the stream of drilling fluid into the cover 62 could cause the cover to be unintentionally forced off of the U-shaped portion 60 of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 and the distal most end of the energy transfer loop installation tool 50 prior to reaching the end of the bore 14.
  • the drilling fluid discharge port 96 is provided to assist in clearing debris or other obstructions from the side wall of the bore 14 during installation of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 with the energy transfer loop installation tool 50.
  • Rotation of the drill string 33 by the rotational drive 36 during installation of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 causes the end rod 52 to be rotated about the central longitudinal axis 40 of the drill string which causes the drilling fluid discharge port 96 to rotate about the central longitudinal axis 40.
  • the spray direction of the drilling fluid discharge port 96 can be rotated 360 degrees about the inside of the bore 14 to assist in clearing obstructions.
  • FIGS. 8-11 provide various views of the energy transfer loop support member 54 of the energy transfer loop installation tool 50.
  • the cylindrical sleeve 74 of the energy transfer loop support member 54 defines a central opening 120 for receiving the bearing structure 76 at the distal end 70 of the end rod 52.
  • the central opening 120 extends through the cylindrical sleeve 74 from the proximal end 78 to the distal end 82 of the sleeve 74.
  • the central opening 120 has cylindrical shape that allows relative rotation between the sleeve 74 and the bearing structure 76.
  • the energy transfer loop support member 54 also includes a leg 122 that projects laterally/outwardly from the cylindrical sleeve 74.
  • the leg 122 also projects radially outwardly from the central longitudinal axis 40 of the drill string.
  • the leg 122 has a first side 124 that faces in a direction 125 and a second side 126 that faces in a direction 127 that is opposite from the direction 125.
  • the energy transfer loop support member 54 also includes a flange 128 positioned at an outer end of the leg 122.
  • the flange includes a first extension 130 that extends outwardly in the direction 125 from the leg 122 and cooperates with the first side 124 of the leg to define a first open-sided pocket 132.
  • the flange 128 also includes a second extension 134 that extends outwardly in the direction 127 from the leg 122 and cooperates with the second side 126 of the leg 122 to define a second open-sided pocket 136.
  • the directions 125, 127 are generally perpendicular to a plane P that extends through the leg 122 and that includes the central longitudinal axis 40 of the drill string and the center axis of the sleeve 74.
  • the leg 122 is positioned between the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58 adjacent to the U-shaped portion 60.
  • the first geothermal exchange pipe section 56 is positioned within the first open-sided pocket 132 and the second geothermal exchange pipe section 58 is positioned within the second open-sided pocket 136.
  • the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58 respectively engage the first and second sides 124, 126 of the leg 122, and a distal end of the leg 122 engages a proximal portion of the U-shaped portion 60 of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12.
  • the leg 122 is positioned to transfer force from the drill string to the proximal portion of the U- shaped portion 60. Such transferred force causes the geothermal energy transfer loop to be moved in to the bore in concert with the movement of the drill string 33.
  • an outermost end of the flange 128 has a surface 140 that extends along a curvature defined by a radius R ⁇ .
  • the radius Rj is larger than a radius R 2 which defines the outer diameters of the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58.
  • the cover 62 has an interior volume configured for receiving the U-shaped portion 60 of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 and a distal-most end of the energy transfer loop installation tool 50. At least a portion of the energy transfer loop support member 54 is also received within the interior volume of the cover 62.
  • the cover 62 defines a central longitudinal axis 151 that extends along a length of the cover 62 from the lower end 152 to the upper end 154.
  • the upper end 154 of the cover 62 is open while the lower end 152 is rounded and closed.
  • the cover 62 is preferably sufficiently long to also cover end portions of the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58.
  • the cover 62 has a side wall 156 that surrounds the interior volume and extends between the upper and lower ends 154, 152 of the cover 62.
  • the side wall 156 defines a hollow, generally triangular inner shape when viewed in cross-section taken along a plane
  • the generally triangular inner shape has rounded corners.
  • the rounded corners of the generally triangular inner shape extend along curvatures each having a radius of curvature that corresponds to the radii of curvatures R 2 defining the outer diameters of the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58.
  • the cover 62 has a shape that is contoured to match or conform to the outer shapes of the geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58.
  • the shape of the cover 62 also conforms to the outer shape of the distal end 70 of the end rod 52.
  • the radii of curvatures R 2 defining the rounded corners of the generally triangular shape are in the range of .50-1.0 inches.
  • the generally triangular inner shape has a maximum cross-dimension CD that is less than 4.5 inches.
  • a generally triangular shape of the cover 62 has a first side 160, a second side 162 and a third side 164.
  • the first side 160 extends from a first rounded corner 168 generally matching the curvature of the first geothermal exchange pipe section 56 to a second rounded corner 170 generally matching the curvature of the distal end 70 of the end rod 52.
  • the second side 162 extends from a third rounded corner 172 generally matching the curvature of the second geothermal exchange pipe section 58 to the second rounded corner 170.
  • the third side 164 extends between the first and third rounded corners 168, 172.
  • the first and second sides 160, 162 are generally straight.
  • the third side 164 has a curvature that matches/conforms to the curvature of the outer surface of the flange 128.
  • the radius of curvature along which the curved portion of the third side 164 extends is larger than the radii of curvatures R 2 defining the rounded corners of the generally triangular shape.
  • the curved portions of the generally triangular shape include inner surfaces defining concave curvatures and outer surfaces defining convex curvatures.
  • both the energy transfer loop support 54 and the cover 62 are made of a plastic material.
  • the cover 62 is made of a plastic material having a wall thickness in the range of .03 to .07 inches.
  • Figures 13-15 show an alternative system for installing a geothermal energy transfer loop.
  • the depicted system includes a U-shaped portion 60' formed as a plastic fitting having a shaped/contoured nose.
  • the depicted system also includes a cover 62' having a portion shaped to conform to the shaped/contoured nose of the fitting.
  • the depicted system further includes an energy transfer loop support member 54' similar to the support member 54 except a leg 122' of the support member 54' does not include an end flange.
  • Figs. 16 and 17 show still another system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure for installing a geothermal energy transfer loop 12.
  • the system includes an end rod 252 adapted to connect to a distal end of a drill string (e.g., by a threaded connection).
  • the end rod 252 includes a main body 253 having a distal end 270 and an opposite proximal end 272.
  • the proximal end 272 includes internal threads 273 for facilitating connecting the end rod 252 to the distal end of the drill string 33.
  • the end rod 252 also includes a distal extension 275 that is coaxially aligned with the main body 253 and that extends distally outwardly from the distal end 270 of the main body 253.
  • the distal extension 275 is connected to the distal end 270 of the main body 253 by a threaded connection 277.
  • the main body 253 and the distal extension 275 cooperate to define a fluid passage 298 that extends longitudinally through the end rod 252 from the proximal end 272 of the main body 253 to a distal end 279 of the distal extension
  • the fluid passage 298 is in fluid communication with a central passage of the drill string 33 that allows drilling fluid to be pumped from an above-ground source of drilling fluid through the drill string 33 to a discharge port 296 located at the distal end 279 of the distal extension 275.
  • a cylindrical sleeve 274 of an energy transfer loop support member 254 fits over a cylindrical bearing structure 276 defined by the distal extension 275.
  • the cylindrical sleeve 274 is captured between the distal end
  • the cylindrical sleeve 274 is free to be rotated about the cylindrical bearing structure
  • the energy transfer loop support member 254 also includes a leg 222 that projects outwardly from the cylindrical sleeve 274 and is adapted to engage the U-shaped portion 60 of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 during installation of the geothermal energy transfer loop 12.
  • the system further includes a cover 262 that receives the U-shaped portion 60 of the energy transfer loop 12, the distal extension
  • the cover 262 defines an opening 290 that is coaxially aligned with the end rod 252.
  • the opening 290 is defined through a rounded distal end of the cover 262 and receives the distal end 279 of the distal extension 275.
  • fluid discharged through the drilling fluid discharge port 296 can be used to clear material in the bore located distally with respect to the distal end of the cover 262.
  • the distal end 279 of the distal extension 275 projects distally through the opening provided in the cover 262.
  • the distal end 279 of the distal extension 275 may be flush with the opening 290 or may be slightly proximally recessed relative to the opening 290.
  • Fig. 18 shows the end rod 252 equipped with a one-way check valve 292 at the distal end of the distal extension 275.
  • the one-way check valve allows drilling fluid to be discharged distally through the drilling fluid discharge port 296 at the distal end of the distal extension 275, but prevents material within the bore from flowing proximally into the fluid passage 298.
  • the system includes an end rod 352 adapted to connect to a distal end of a drill string (e.g., by a threaded connection).
  • the end rod 352 includes a main body 353 having a distal end 370 and an opposite proximal end 372.
  • the proximal end 372 includes internal threads for facilitating connecting the end rod 352 to the distal end of the drill string 33.
  • the end rod 352 also includes a distal extension 375 that is coaxially aligned with the main body 353 and that extends distally outwardly from the distal end 370 of the main body 353.
  • the distal extension 375 has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the main body 353.
  • a shoulder 380 is formed between the distal end 370 of the main body 353 and the distal extension 375.
  • the system further includes a U-shaped portion 360 of the energy transfer loop 12.
  • the U-shaped portion 360 is formed as a plastic fitting.
  • the U-shaped portion 360 includes a first end portion 400 and a second end portion 402.
  • the first end 400 is adapted to receive one of the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58 while the second end 402 is adapted to receive the other of the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58.
  • the U-shaped portion 360 further includes a shaped/contoured nose 361 that extends outwardly in a direction that is opposite of the direction the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58 extend outwardly from the U-shaped portion 360.
  • a width of the contoured nose 361 decreases as the contoured nose 361 extends outwardly from the U-shaped portion 360.
  • the system further includes a cover 362.
  • the cover 362 includes a body 404 having a first axial end 406 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 408.
  • the body 404 defines an interior volume 410.
  • the first axial end 406 of the body 404 defines an opening through which the interior volume 410 can be accessed.
  • the interior volume 410 of the cover 362 is adapted to receive at least a portion of the U-shaped portion 360 and at least a portion of the end rod 352. In the depicted embodiment, the width of the interior volume 410 decreases from the first axial end 406 to the second axial end 408.
  • the body 404 includes a plurality of sidewalls 412.
  • the sidewalls 412 include a taper portion 414 disposed adjacent to the second axial end 408.
  • the plurality of sidewalls 412 includes a first sidewall 412a and an oppositely disposed second sidewall 412b.
  • the first and second sidewalls 412a, 412b are generally parallel.
  • the first sidewall 412a defines a first slot 416.
  • the second sidewall 412b defines a second slot 418.
  • a length of each of the first and second slots 416, 418 is less than a length of the first and second sidewalls, respectively.
  • the first slot 416 includes a first end wall 420 while the second slot 418 includes a second end wall 422.
  • the body 404 further defines an opening 424 that extends through a portion of the second sidewall 412b and the second axial end 408.
  • the opening 424 allows the distal extension 375 of the end rod 352 to pass through the cover 362.
  • the system further includes an energy transfer loop support member 354.
  • the energy transfer loop support member 354 includes a cylindrical sleeve 374.
  • the cylindrical sleeve 374 defines a bore 425 that is adapted to receive the distal extension 375 of the end rod 352.
  • the cylindrical sleeve 374 includes a proximal end 378 that abuts against the shoulder 380 of the end rod 352.
  • the cylindrical sleeve 374 also includes a distal end 382 that abuts against the second end wall 422 of the second slot 418 of the cover 362.
  • the energy transfer loop support member 354 further includes a leg 426.
  • the leg 426 extends outwardly from the cylindrical sleeve 374 in a generally radial direction.
  • the leg 426 includes a distal end 428 that abuts against the first end wall 420 of the first slot 416.
  • the distal end 382 of the energy transfer loop support member 354 is engaged to the slot 418 of the second sidewall 412b of the cover 362.
  • the energy transfer loop support member 354 is welded to the second sidewall 412b.
  • the energy transfer loop support member 354 is positioned so that the leg 426 extends in a direction toward the first sidewall 412a.
  • the first sidewall 412a is disposed in an open position (shown in FIGS. 23 and 24). In the open position, the interior volume 410 of the cover 362 is accessible through a side opening 430 of the cover 362.
  • the side opening 430 extends from the first axial end 406 to the second axial end 408 and allows the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58 and the U-shaped portion 360 of energy transfer loop 12 to be laterally inserted into the cover 362.
  • the leg 426 of the energy transfer loop support member 354 is positioned between the first and second geothermal exchange pipe sections 56, 58.
  • the distal extension 375 of the end rod 352 is inserted into the bore 425 of the cylindrical sleeve 374 of the energy transfer loop support member 354 until the proximal end 378 of the cylindrical sleeve 374 abuts against the shoulder 380 of the end rod 352.
  • the first sidewall 412a can be moved to the closed position (shown in FIG. 25).
  • the first sidewall 412a is folded at a fold line 432 to the closed position.
  • the fold line 432 is disposed at the interface between the first sidewall 412a and the second axial end 408.
  • the leg 426 is aligned with the first slot 416 in the cover 362. As the first sidewall 412a is folded about the fold line 432, the leg 426 enters the first slot 416. The first sidewall 412a and the leg 426 capture the U-shaped portion 360 of the energy transfer loop 12 in the interior volume 410 of the cover 362. With the first sidewall 412a in the closed position, the first sidewall 412a can be secured to the sidewalls 412 of the cover 362. In one embodiment, the first sidewall 412a is welded to the sidewalls 412 of the cover 362. In the depicted embodiment, an end of the distal extension 375 extends outwardly from the second axial end 408 of the cover 362.
  • the end of the distal extension 375 extends outwardly from the cover 362 through the opening 424. With the end extending outwardly from the cover 362, drilling fluid can be pumped through the end rod 352 as it is being pushed down the hole.
  • the geothermal energy transfer loop 12 is directed down the bore with the assistance of a drill string.
  • a drill string can be used to assist in carrying the energy transfer loop into the bore.
  • Such energy transfer loop carrier structures can be formed by a plurality of structures strung together or structures having continuous, uninterrupted lengths.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention porte sur un système pour installer une boucle de transfert d'énergie dans un forage. La boucle de transfert d'énergie comprend des première et seconde sections de tuyau d'échange géothermique interconnectées par une partie en forme de U qui couple la première section de tuyau d'échange géothermique en communication fluidique avec la seconde section de tuyau d'échange géothermique. Le système comprend une structure de support de boucle de transfert d'énergie pour diriger la boucle de transfert d'énergie vers le bas dans le forage. Le système comprend également un élément de support de boucle de transfert d'énergie qui est relié à la structure de support de boucle de transfert d'énergie. L'élément de support de boucle de transfert d'énergie comprend une patte qui fait saillie latéralement vers l'extérieur à partir de la structure de support de boucle de transfert d'énergie et qui s'adapte entre les première et seconde sections de tuyau d'échange géothermique au voisinage de la partie en forme de U de la boucle de transfert d'énergie. Le système comprend de plus un capot ayant un nez distal ayant une certaine forme et une extrémité proximale ouverte. La partie en forme de U de la boucle de transfert d'énergie et l'élément de support de boucle de transfert d'énergie peuvent être insérés dans le capot à travers l'extrémité proximale ouverte du capot.
PCT/US2011/056013 2010-10-12 2011-10-12 Systèmes et procédés pour installer des boucles de transfert d'énergie géothermique WO2012051338A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US39230310P 2010-10-12 2010-10-12
US61/392,303 2010-10-12
US41871510P 2010-12-01 2010-12-01
US61/418,715 2010-12-01
US201161430076P 2011-01-05 2011-01-05
US61/430,076 2011-01-05
US201161430795P 2011-01-07 2011-01-07
US61/430,795 2011-01-07

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JP6085756B1 (ja) * 2016-06-07 2017-03-01 株式会社浪速試錐工業所 ヒートパイプの設置方法、及び、ヒートパイプを設置する際に用いられる施工用具
US9897347B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-02-20 Thomas Scott Breidenbach Screw-in geothermal heat exchanger systems and methods
AT522581A4 (de) * 2019-08-23 2020-12-15 Vital Wohnen Gmbh & Co Kg Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Erdwärmekollektors, Bohrmaschine zur Herstellung eines Erdwärmekollektors sowie Erdwärmekollektor
US11085670B2 (en) 2018-09-14 2021-08-10 Geosource Energy Inc. Method and apparatus for installing geothermal heat exchanger
NL2033294B1 (en) * 2022-10-12 2024-02-09 Renewable Energy Drilling B V System and method for installing a geothermal probe of a geothermal heat pump below the earth’s surface

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US6860320B2 (en) * 1995-09-12 2005-03-01 Enlink Geoenergy Services, Inc. Bottom member and heat loops
US6920924B2 (en) * 2003-05-29 2005-07-26 The Lamson & Sessions Co. Wellbore apparatus
US7380605B1 (en) * 2005-01-31 2008-06-03 Wolf Clifton E Energy transfer loop apparatus and method of installation
US20100139886A1 (en) * 2008-09-12 2010-06-10 Alain Desmeules System and method for geothermal conduit loop in-ground installation and soil penetrating head therefor

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6860320B2 (en) * 1995-09-12 2005-03-01 Enlink Geoenergy Services, Inc. Bottom member and heat loops
US6920924B2 (en) * 2003-05-29 2005-07-26 The Lamson & Sessions Co. Wellbore apparatus
US7380605B1 (en) * 2005-01-31 2008-06-03 Wolf Clifton E Energy transfer loop apparatus and method of installation
US20100139886A1 (en) * 2008-09-12 2010-06-10 Alain Desmeules System and method for geothermal conduit loop in-ground installation and soil penetrating head therefor

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9897347B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-02-20 Thomas Scott Breidenbach Screw-in geothermal heat exchanger systems and methods
US11892201B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2024-02-06 Thomas Scott Breidenbach Installation apparatus/tool for tubular geothermal heat exchanger systems and methods
JP6085756B1 (ja) * 2016-06-07 2017-03-01 株式会社浪速試錐工業所 ヒートパイプの設置方法、及び、ヒートパイプを設置する際に用いられる施工用具
US11085670B2 (en) 2018-09-14 2021-08-10 Geosource Energy Inc. Method and apparatus for installing geothermal heat exchanger
US11774145B2 (en) 2018-09-14 2023-10-03 Geosource Energy Inc. Method and apparatus for installing geothermal heat exchanger
AT522581A4 (de) * 2019-08-23 2020-12-15 Vital Wohnen Gmbh & Co Kg Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Erdwärmekollektors, Bohrmaschine zur Herstellung eines Erdwärmekollektors sowie Erdwärmekollektor
AT522581B1 (de) * 2019-08-23 2020-12-15 Vital Wohnen Gmbh & Co Kg Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Erdwärmekollektors, Bohrmaschine zur Herstellung eines Erdwärmekollektors sowie Erdwärmekollektor
NL2033294B1 (en) * 2022-10-12 2024-02-09 Renewable Energy Drilling B V System and method for installing a geothermal probe of a geothermal heat pump below the earth’s surface
WO2024080871A1 (fr) * 2022-10-12 2024-04-18 Renewable Energy Drilling B.V. Système et procédé d'installation d'une sonde géothermique d'une pompe à chaleur géothermique sous la surface de la terre

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