Energy system

Abstract

Storage of excess energy on a domestic or small scale as a result of input feeds from solar panels and like can be problematic. Furthermore ensuring such panels operate at best temperatures can be difficult by operating through a controller a heat pump and such panels or other sources of energy such as anaerobic digesters excess heat can be stored in a ground mass below the system for use in maintaining heating as well as operation of the panels at best temperatures.

1 . An energy system for a building, structure or similar, the system comprising an upstanding solar panel spaced from an adjacent wall surface to define a channel coupled at an upper end to a heat exchanger whereby a fluid such as air naturally raises in the channel to the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger connected to a fluid circuit extending to at least one sub-terrain loop below a bottom ground level to a depth within a sub-terrain mass such as earth thereabout and configurable whereby heat is retained within the mass thereabout by heating the mass when a fluid flow is above a pre-determined temperature to provide temperature modulation of a fluid in the fluid circuit return to the heat exchanger at least towards a desired fluid temperature for operation of the heat exchanger. 
     
     
         2 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the solar panel provides a solar thermal function by a labyrinth flow path for a coolant flow and the labyrinth has a variable density within the panel. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A system as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the labyrinth is denser towards the top of the panel whereby greater heat energy is removed. 
     
     
         9 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the channel has a fixed consistent spacing from the surface along the length of the panel. 
     
     
         10 . A system as claimed in  1  wherein the channel has a fixed variable spacing from the wall surface along the length of the panel. 
     
     
         11 . A system as claimed in  1  wherein the channel has an adjustable spacing from the wall along the length of the panel. 
     
     
         12 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein sections of the panel are displaceable independently from the remainder of the panel. 
     
     
         13 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein sections of the panel are hinged along one edge whereby an opposite edge is displace outwardly to draw adjacent air into the channel and/or inwardly into the channel so air flow in the channel can escape the channel. 
     
     
         14 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the channel includes features to regulate fluid flow and/or heat exchange between the rear of the panel or wall and the fluid flow within the channel and the features include baffles, ribs, grooves, studs and struts. combined with  15   
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the channel includes a damper to regulate the rate of fluid flow through the channel and the damper acts across the whole width of the channel or several dampers or shutters are provided with each damper or shutter arranged to act in a portion or section of the channel. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the channel is substantially open at a bottom end. 
     
     
         19 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the channel is wider at the bottom end compared to the top end to naturally draw fluid flow within the channel upwards. 
     
     
         20 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the channel is associated with a controller and appropriate actuators whereby the temperature of the panel is regulated to a specified desired temperature and controller is associated with an electrical current flow sensor or ammeter whereby the controller thorough the actuators will adjust the channel for optimum operation of the solar panel dependent upon a specified desired temperature or not.  20  and  23  combined 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the heat exchanger is coupled to a buffer heat store for a heating system. 
     
     
         25 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the fluid circuit includes a plurality of pipes in circuit pairs to a sub-terrain loop. 
     
     
         31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A system as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the circuit pairs and respective sub-terrain loop form a matrix extending laterally below the channel. 
     
     
         33 . A system as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the pipes forming part of the fluid circuit have individual valves or groups of pipes are grouped with a valve for the group of pipes. 
     
     
         34 . A system as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the pipes have a substantially consistent cross-sectional area or have different cross-sectional areas dependent upon position and in particular lateral placement relative to the channel. 
     
     
         35 . A system as claimed in  claim 30  wherein the pipes include chokes to regulate fluid flow. 
     
     
         36 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein pipes or bore holes about at sub-terrain loop and upward are packed with insulation material to inhibit lateral heat loss beyond the mass and wherein thermal insulation is provided above the sub-terrain loop and/or the manifold.  36  and  37  combined 
     
     
         37 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein means are provided to determine moisture content in the sub-terrain mass whereby a determination of heat transfer capacity and/or heat retention capacity of the sub-terrain mass is determined and the means provided to determine moisture content is associated with a controller to adjust the fluid temperature and/or fluid flow rate in the fluid circuit is adjusted dependent upon moisture content in the mass.  39  and  40  combined 
     
     
         40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the system includes an anaerobic digester. 
     
     
         42 . (canceled)