Open-loop natural thermal energy releasing system with partial reflux

Abstract

An open-loop type heat equalization device utilizing the heat exchange fluid as the carrier to transmit the thermal energy of a natural thermal energy storage body to the temperature differentiation body at the exterior, and wherein the fluid inlet/outlet port ( 4011 ) of the pipeline structure ( 401 ) and a fluid inlet/outlet port ( 3012 ) of a pipeline structure ( 301 ) is often structured as an open state, and the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) is nod provided, the main features of the present invention includes one or more than one of the 1) to 7) structural devices including: 1) installing the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 201 ) of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) between the fluid inlet/outlet port ( 4011 ) of the pipeline structure ( 401 ) and a fluid inlet/outlet port ( 3012 ) of a pipeline structure ( 301 ) for allowing the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) with thermal energy to be released from the fluid inlet/outlet port ( 4011 ) of the pipeline structure ( 401 ), and a part thereof is returned to the fluid inlet/outlet port ( 3012 ) of the pipeline structure ( 301 ) for flowing back to the heat gaining device ( 101 ); 2) installing an outward-expanding arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ) at one or more than one of turning locations of the open-loop flowpath configured by the heat gaining device ( 101 ), the pipeline structure ( 301 ), the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 201 ) and the pipeline structure ( 401 ) for temporally storing a part of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) and moderating the flow speed of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) with thermal energy for reducing the flow damping of the flowpath to the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ); 3) installing an auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ); 4) installing an auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ); 5) installing a heat exchange fluid temperature sensing device (TS 201 ); 6) installing an environment temperature sensing device (TS 202 ); and 7): installing an electric power control unit (ECU 200 ).

I claim: 
     
         1 . An open-loop natural thermal energy releasing system with partial return of a heat exchange fluid, comprising:
 a heat gaining device ( 101 ) installed within a natural thermal energy storage body ( 100 ) and arranged to transfer heat between the natural thermal energy storage body ( 100 ) and the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) flowing through the heat gaining device ( 101 );   a first pipeline structure ( 301 ) connected to the heat gaining device ( 101 ) for carrying a part of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) from at least one second inlet/outlet port ( 3012 ) situated in a temperature differentiation body ( 103 ) that is outside the natural thermal energy storage body ( 100 ) to the heat gaining device ( 101 );   a second pipeline structure ( 401 ) connected to the heat gaining device ( 101 ) for carrying the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) between the heat gaining device ( 101 ) and at least one first inlet/outlet port ( 4011 ) of the second pipeline structure ( 401 ), the at least one first inlet/outlet port ( 4011 ) of the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) being situated in the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ) outside the natural thermal energy storage body ( 100 );   a space limiting and flow direction guiding structure for receiving thermal energy from the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) exiting the at least one first inlet/outlet port ( 4011 ) of the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) and for returning said part of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) to the at least one second inlet/outlet port ( 3012 ) of the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) for return to the heat gaining device ( 101 ),   wherein the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) includes at least one turning portion at which the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) changes direction, and the at least one turning portion includes an outwardly-expanding arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ) for storing a portion of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) and moderating a flow-speed of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) through the first pipeline structure ( 301 ), said outwardly-expanding arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ) being installed on only one side of the heat gaining device,   wherein, although thermal energy transmitted to the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) through the heat gaining device ( 101 ) is transmitted towards two sides of the heat gaining device ( 101 ) through the fluid, the fluid at the side of the heat gaining device ( 101 ) where the outward-expanding arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ) is installed has a higher heat capacity as a result of the larger volume of the fluid chamber ( 108 ) and therefore generates a smaller temperature difference with respect to fluid in the heat gaining device than the fluid on the other side where the outward-expanding arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ) is not installed, thereby forming temperature differentiation at two sides of the inlet/outlet ports of the heat gaining device ( 101 ) to facilitate flow of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) upwardly through the second pipeline structure ( 401 ), and return of part of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) through the first fluid piping ( 103 ),   wherein the heat gaining device ( 101 ) is upwardly inclined or vertical, with a first inlet/outlet port ( 1011 ) of the heat gaining device ( 101 ) leading to the arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ) and first pipeline structure ( 301 ) being lower than a second inlet/outlet port ( 1012 ) of the heat gaining device ( 101 ) leading to the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) to facilitate flow of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) from the heat gaining device ( 101 ) into the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) and flow of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ) from the first fluid piping ( 301 ) and arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ) into the heat gaining device ( 101 ) as a result of an effect in which warmer fluid ascends and colder fluid descends, and   wherein the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure includes one of:   a. a closed-space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 211 ) for accommodating the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ) and guiding a flow direction of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 );   b. a partially-closed space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 212 ) for accommodating the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ) and guiding a flow direction of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 );   c. a space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 213 ) arranged to control opening and closing of a door, for accommodating the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ), and for guiding a flow direction of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ), wherein when the door is closed the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 213 ) is a closed space and when the door is open, the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 213 ) is a partially closed space.   
     
     
         2 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure includes said closed-space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 211 ) for accommodating the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ) and guiding a flow direction of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ). 
     
     
         3 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure includes said partially-closed space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 212 ) for accommodating the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ) and guiding a flow direction of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ). 
     
     
         4 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure includes said space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 213 ) arranged to control opening and closing of a door, for accommodating the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ), and for guiding a flow direction of the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ), wherein when the door is closed the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 213 ) is a closed space and when the door is open, the space limiting and flow direction guiding structure ( 213 ) is a partially closed space. 
     
     
         5 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the heat gaining device ( 101 ) is upwardly-inclined. 
     
     
         6 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the heat gaining device ( 101 ) is vertical. 
     
     
         7 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the natural thermal energy storage body ( 100 ) is one of a stratum, ground, lake, pool, river, desert, iceberg, and ocean. 
     
     
         8 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one first fluid inlet/outlet port ( 4011 ) of the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) is covered by a protection net and cover device ( 1010 ) through which the heat exchange fluid from the heat gaining device ( 101 ) passes to the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ). 
     
     
         9 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one second fluid inlet/outlet port ( 3012 ) of the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) is covered by a protection net and cover device ( 1010 ) through which the part of the heat exchange fluid passes from the temperature differentiation body ( 103 ) to the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) for return to the heat gaining device ( 101 ) via the arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ). 
     
     
         10 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the heat gaining device ( 101 ) includes a pipe-shaped structure made of a heat-conductive material. 
     
     
         11 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) includes a pipe-shaped segment having at least one of the following configurations:
 a. the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) is made of a heat-conductive material;   b. the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) is made of a heat-conductive material and an exterior of at least part of the pipe-shaped segment is covered by a heat insulation member ( 109 );   c. the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) includes a pipe-shaped structure or building structural body having high thermal insulation, and a lower end of the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) is formed with at least one first fluid inlet/outlet port ( 3011 ) for communicating with the first fluid inlet/outlet port ( 1011 ) of the heat gaining device ( 101 ), and an upper end of the first pipeline structure is formed with said second fluid inlet/outlet port ( 3012 ) of the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) and covered by a protection net and cover device ( 1010 ).   
     
     
         12 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) includes a pipe-shaped segment having at least one of the following configurations:
 a. the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) is made of a heat-conductive material;   b. the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) is made of a heat-conductive material and an exterior of at least part of the pipe-shaped segment is covered by a heat insulation member ( 109 );   c. the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) includes a pipe-shaped structure or building structural body having high thermal insulation, and a lower end of the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) is formed with at least one second fluid inlet/outlet port ( 4012 ) for communicating with the second fluid inlet/outlet port ( 1012 ) of the heat gaining device ( 101 ), and an upper end of the second pipeline structure is formed with said first fluid inlet/outlet port ( 4011 ) of the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) and covered by a protection net and cover device ( 1010 ).   
     
     
         13 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) includes at least one linear segment. 
     
     
         14 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) includes at least one curved segment. 
     
     
         15 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the heat gaining device ( 101 ), first pipeline structure ( 301 ), second pipeline structure ( 401 ), and temperature differentiation body form an open loop flow path for the heat exchange fluid ( 104 ), said heat gaining device ( 101 ), first pipeline structure ( 301 ), and second pipeline structure ( 401 ) being integral or multiple components having shapes that provide a smooth transition between components to facilitate fluid flow. 
     
     
         16 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a number of said at least one first pipeline structure ( 301 ) is greater than one and a single said second pipeline structure ( 401 ) includes a shunt manifold containing a plurality of said second inlet/output ports ( 4012 ) of the second pipeline structure ( 401 ), each said first pipeline structure ( 301 ) being connected to a respective said outward-expanding arc-shaped fluid chamber ( 108 ) and each said outward-expanding arc-shaped fluid chamber being connected to a respective said heat gaining device ( 101 ), and each said heat gaining device ( 101 ) having a respective said second fluid inlet/outlet port ( 1012 ) in communication with a corresponding one of said plurality of second inlet/outlet ports ( 4012 ) of the single said second pipeline structure ( 401 ). 
     
     
         17 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said second pipeline structure ( 401 ) is larger than each of said plurality of first pipeline structures ( 301 ). 
     
     
         18 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a number of said at least one second pipeline structure ( 401 ) is greater than one and a single said first pipeline structure ( 301 ) includes a radially expanded root part that accommodates said outward-expanding arc-shaped fluid chamber and includes a plurality of said first inlet/output ports ( 3011 ), each said first inlet/outlet port ( 3011 ) being connected to a respective said first fluid inlet/outlet port ( 1011 ) heat gaining device ( 101 ), and each said heat gaining device ( 101 ) having a respective said first fluid inlet/outlet port ( 1011 ) in communication with a corresponding second inlet/outlet port ( 4012 ) of a respective one of said second pipeline structures ( 401 ). 
     
     
         19 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said first pipeline structure ( 301 ) is larger than each of said plurality of second pipeline structures ( 401 ). 
     
     
         20 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a maintenance entrance ( 250 ) including a door or cover arranged to be opened and closed and installed at one or both of the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ), and a stair structure installed along an interior of a pipe wall of the first pipeline structure ( 301 ) and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ) for enabling access by maintenance personnel and equipment. 
     
     
         21 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ) for pumping the heat exchange fluid in a same or reverse direction as the flow caused by said effect in which warmer fluid ascends and colder fluid descends, said auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ) being installed in series in the open-loop flow path formed by the heat gaining device ( 101 ), the first pipeline structure ( 301 ), and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ). 
     
     
         22 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ) is constituted by one of a fluid pump driven by a motor supplied with electric power through a power wire ( 118 ) and a fluid pump driven by natural forces, at least one of an on/off operation of the auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ), a pumping direction, and a pumping flow amount being controlled by an electric power control unit (ECU 200 ). 
     
     
         23 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 22 , further comprising at least one of a fluid temperature sensing device (TS 201 ) and an environment sensing device (TS 202 ) installed at one or more temperature sensing points in the open loop flow path and arranged to send temperature signals to the electric power control unit (ECU 200 ) for comparison with internal settings of the electric power control unit (ECU 200 ) to controlling the auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ). 
     
     
         24 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ) for heating or cooling the heat exchange fluid to assist or modulate the flow of heat exchange fluid caused by the said effect in which warmer fluid ascends and colder fluid descends, said auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ) being installed in series in or adjacent to the open-loop flow path formed by the heat gaining device ( 101 ), the first pipeline structure ( 301 ), and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ). 
     
     
         25 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ) is supplied with electric power through a power wire ( 116 ) and constituted by one of an electrothermal device, a temperature regulation device, and a semiconductor chip installed within, surrounding, or on an exterior of at least one of the heat gaining device, ( 101 ), the first pipeline structure ( 301 ), and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ), said auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ) being arranged to convert electric energy into thermal heating or cooling energy, the timing and amount of electric energy conversion into thermal heating or cooling energy being controlled by an electric power control unit (ECU 200 ). 
     
     
         26 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 25 , further comprising at least one of a fluid temperature sensing device (TS 201 ) and an environment sensing device (TS 202 ) installed at one or more temperature sensing points in the open loop flow path and arranged to send temperature signals to the electric power control unit (ECU 200 ) for comparison with internal settings of the electric power control unit (ECU 200 ) to controlling the auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ). 
     
     
         27 . The open loop natural thermal energy releasing system as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising an auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ) for pumping the heat exchange fluid in a same or reverse direction as the flow caused by said effect in which warmer fluid ascends and colder fluid descends, said auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ) being installed in series in the open-loop flow path formed by the heat gaining device ( 101 ), the first pipeline structure ( 301 ), and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ), and an auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ) for heating or cooling the heat exchange fluid to assist or modulate the flow of heat exchange fluid caused by the said effect in which warmer fluid ascends and colder fluid descends, said auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ) being installed in series in or adjacent to the open-loop flow path formed by the heat gaining device ( 101 ), the first pipeline structure ( 301 ), and the second pipeline structure ( 401 ), said auxiliary fluid pump ( 107 ) and auxiliary heating/cooling device ( 115 ) being control by signals from an electric power control unit (ECU 200 ) responsive to temperature sensing signals from at least one of a heat exchange fluid temperature sensing device (TS 201 ) and an environment temperature sensing device (TS 202 ).