Energy chassis and energy exchange device

Abstract

Systems, methods and devices for utilizing an energy chassis device designed to sense, collect, store and distribute energy from where it is available using devices that harvest or convert energy to locations requiring energy such as but not limited to HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) systems. The systems, methods and devices can also be used with a next generation geothermal heat exchanger that achieves higher energy harvesting efficiency and provides greater functionality than current geothermal exchangers.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of operating a thermal energy system comprising:
 measuring a real-time thermal load and thermal demand for the thermal energy system;   tracking a historical thermal load and thermal demand for the thermal energy system;   collecting data regarding weather proximate to the thermal energy system;   developing a control plan for a plurality of thermal sources and sinks of the thermal energy system based upon the measured load and demand, the tracked load and demand, and the collected weather data; and   operating the thermal sources and sinks according to the control plan.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 repeating the measuring, tracking, collecting, and developing steps to create an updated control plan; and   operating the thermal sources and sinks according to the updated control plan.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising predicting a thermal load and thermal demand for the thermal energy system for a selected time period, and wherein the control plan is based upon the predicted thermal load and thermal demand. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the predicted thermal load and thermal demand is based upon a weather forecast, an occupancy prediction, or an equipment schedule. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the predicted thermal load and thermal demand is based upon user input. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the user input is a desired temperature or humidity. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein measuring the real-time thermal load comprises determining occupancy, equipment load, humidity, air conditions, or temperature. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the thermal energy system comprises a geothermal energy system. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the thermal energy system is configured to heat or cool a building. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising obtaining historical performance data for the thermal energy system, wherein the control plan is further based upon the historical performance data. 
     
     
         12 . A heating and cooling system comprising:
 a plurality of thermal energy sources and sinks; and   a controller, the controller configured to:
 measure a real-time thermal load and thermal demand for the thermal energy system; 
 track a historical thermal load and thermal demand for the thermal energy system; 
 collect data regarding weather proximate to the thermal energy system; 
 develop a control plan for the plurality of thermal sources and sinks based upon the measured load and demand, the tracked load and demand, and the collected weather data; and 
 operate the thermal sources and sinks according to the control plan. 
   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the controller is further configured to:
 repeat the measuring, tracking, collecting, and developing steps to create an updated control plan; and   operate the thermal sources and sinks according to the updated control plan.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the controller is further configured to predict a thermal load and thermal demand for the thermal energy system for a selected time period, and wherein the control plan is based upon the predicted thermal load and thermal demand. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the predicted thermal load and thermal demand is based upon a weather forecast, an occupancy prediction, or an equipment schedule. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the predicted thermal load and thermal demand is based upon user input. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the user input is a desired temperature or humidity. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein measuring the real-time thermal load comprises determining occupancy, equipment load, humidity, air conditions, or temperature. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the thermal energy system comprises a geothermal energy system. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the thermal energy system is configured to heat or cool a building. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the controller is further configured to obtain historical performance data for the thermal energy system, and wherein the control plan is further based upon the historical performance data.