Single-pipe thermal energy system
AssigneeHer Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
InventorsParham ESLAMI-NEJAD, Arash BASTANI, Daniel GIGUERE
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Thermal energy systems for managing, distribution and recovery of thermal energy. A single-pipe loop circulating a two-phase refrigerant is provided. The single-pipe loop is spread through the entire system and interconnects a plurality of local heat exchange stations, each having different thermal energy loads. A central circulation mechanism (CCM) is also provided for circulating the refrigerant for distribution of thermal energy within the system.
Claims17
A thermal energy system for distribution and recovery of thermal energy within the system, the system comprising:
- a) a single-pipe loop for circulating a two-phase refrigerant within the system;
- b) a central circulation mechanism for circulating the two-phase refrigerant through the single-pipe loop, said central circulation mechanism comprising at least one compressor;
- and
- c) at least two local heat exchange stations, each of said at least two local heat exchange stations comprising at least one local heat exchanger and at least one local thermal unit, and said at least one local heat exchanger being thermally connected to the single-pipe loop and to the at least one local thermal unit for thermal energy exchange therebetween;
- wherein said central circulation mechanism controls the circulation of the two-phase refrigerant for creating different working pressures in said single-pipe loop and for maintaining the two-phase refrigerant at a substantially constant state and temperature at the end of a circulation cycle through the single-pipe loop;
- and
- wherein the thermal energy is distributed and recovered within the system by the two-phase refrigerant.
Use of a thermal energy system comprising:
- a) a single-pipe loop for circulation of a two-phase refrigerant;
- b) a central circulation mechanism for circulating the two-phase refrigerant through the single-pipe loop, said central circulation mechanism comprises at least one compressor;
- and
- c) at least two local heat exchange stations, each of said at least two local heat exchange stations comprising at least one local heat exchanger and at least one local thermal unit, said one local heat exchanger being thermally connected to the single-pipe loop and the at least one local thermal unit for thermal energy exchange therebetween;
- wherein said central circulation mechanism controls the circulation of the two-phase refrigerant for creating different working pressures in said single-pipe loop and for maintaining the two-phase refrigerant at a substantially constant state and temperature at the end of a circulation cycle through the single-pipe loop;
- and
- wherein the thermal energy is distributed within the system by the two-phase refrigerant;
- and wherein the use of the system is for distribution and recovery of thermal energy.
A method for distribution and recovery of thermal energy, the method comprising:
- a) providing a thermal energy system in an environment, wherein the thermal energy system comprises:
- a single-pipe loop for circulation of a two-phase refrigerant;
- a central circulation mechanism for circulating the two-phase refrigerant through the single-pipe loop, said central circulation mechanism comprises at least one compressor;
- and
- at least two local heat exchange stations, each of said at least two local heat exchange stations comprising at least one local heat exchanger and at least one local thermal unit, said one local heat exchanger being thermally connected to the single-pipe loop and the at least one local thermal unit for thermal energy therebetween;
- b) circulating the refrigerant within the thermal energy system;
- c) controlling the circulation of the refrigerant for distribution and recovery of the thermal energy between said at least two local heat exchange stations;
- wherein said central circulation mechanism controls the circulation of the two-phase refrigerant for creating different working pressures in said single-pipe loop and for maintaining the two-phase refrigerant at a substantially constant state and temperature at the end of a circulation cycle through the single-pipe loop;
- and
- wherein the thermal energy is distributed and recovered within the system by the two-phase refrigerant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.