Recoverable ground source heat pump

Abstract

Recoverable Ground Source Heat Pump system with energy storage function which uses and stores off-peak-hours electricity to maintain the ground medium temperature to ensure the efficient operation of the system during on-peak electricity hours. The release and receiving of energy is accomplished through the ground heat exchanger by flowing the fluid through different routings of the circulation loop using reversing vales. Space heating and cooling is assured while the underground medium temperature is recovered. The heat pump system of the invention has less initial investment compared to conventional ground source heat pump and ice energy storage cooling systems; requires less ground space; provide operating energy cost savings; assures performance of operation; and avoids using antifreeze solution in the ground circulation fluid that may cause environmental, safety and erosion problems.

1 . An apparatus for heating and cooling, comprising: (a) refrigeration device with at least two heat exchangers conducting energy transfer with in-door medium and out-door environment, respectively. (b) ground heat exchanger in connection with or buried within underground medium, pavement or surface water body, and/or earth-side heat exchanger connecting the said ground heat exchanger and the refrigeration device, and (c) flow routing devices conducting flow loop to different direction(s), which is connected with the said ground heat exchanger or the said earth-side heat exchanger, whereby the said ground heat exchanger can be routed to the same side of either the in-door heat exchanger or the out-side heat exchanger,  
     
     
         2 . Apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said refrigeration device is mechanical heat pump compromising compressor and expansion device,  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said flow routing device one multi-way valve manually or automatically operated,  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said ground heat exchanger is closed pipe loops connected with or buried within ground medium selected from group including sand, soil, rock, payment, and water,  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus of  claim 1  wherein supplementary heat source is connected on the loop for additional heating.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus of  claim 1  and  2  wherein extra heat exchanger is connected in the refrigeration loop next to compressor for hot water heating.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus of  claim 1  and  5  wherein the supplementary heater can be connected either the refrigeration loop, or the in-door water circulation loop.