Method of and apparatus for interfacing geothermal equipment (GTE) in a building with a ground loop heat exchanging (GLHE) subsystem installed in the deep earth environment outside of the building

Abstract

A geothermal system including geothermal equipment (GTE) for transferring heat energy in a building. A ground loop heat exchanging (GLHE) subsystem is interfaced with the GTE, and a plate heat exchanger (PHE) for interfacing the GTE and the GLHE subsystem. The PHE establishes a first hydraulic loop between the GTE, and the PHE. The PHE established a second hydraulic loop between the GLHE subsystem and the PHE. The volumetric flow rate within the second hydraulic loop is greater or less than the volumetric flow rate within the first hydraulic loop. The PHE exchanges heat energy between the first and second hydraulic loops so that the GLHE subsystem is operated at inlet water temperatures that enable maximum heat transfer rate (HTR) performance when the GTE is fully loaded.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A geothermal system comprising:
 geothermal equipment (GTE) for transferring heat energy in a building;   a ground loop heat exchanging (GLHE) subsystem interfaced with said GTE; and   a plate heat exchanger (PHE) for interfacing said GTE and said GLHE subsystem;   wherein said PHE establishes a first hydraulic loop between said GTE, and said PHE;   wherein said PHE established a second hydraulic loop between said GLHE subsystem and said PHE;   wherein the volumetric flow rate within said second hydraulic loop is greater or less than the volumetric flow rate within said first hydraulic loop; and   wherein said PHE exchanges heat energy between said first and second hydraulic loops so that said GLHE subsystem is operated at inlet water temperatures that enable maximum heat transfer rate (HTR) performance when said GTE is fully loaded.   
     
     
         18 . A method of interfacing geothermal equipment (GTE) in a building, with a ground loop heat exchanging (GLHE) subsystem installed in the deep Earth environment outside of said building, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) installing a plate heat exchanger (PHE) in the vicinity of said building;   (b) establishing a first hydraulic loop between said GTE and said PHE; and   (c) establishing a second hydraulic loop between said GLHE subsystem and said PHE;   wherein the volumetric flow rate within said second hydraulic loop is greater or less than the volumetric flow rate within said first hydraulic loop; and   wherein said PHE exchanges heat energy between said first and second hydraulic loops so that said GLHE subsystem is operated at inlet water temperatures that enable maximum heat transfer rate (HTR) performance when said GTE is fully loaded.   
     
     
         19 - 30 . (canceled)