An intelligent heat pump system having a dual heat exchanger structure includes a heat source side heat exchange member, a heat pump, an external expansion valve, a refrigerant-water heat exchanger, a heat storage tank, and a target side end unit. A refrigerant flows through the heat pump, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger, and the target side end unit, and in a non-air-conditioning state for the target site, circulates between the heat pump and the refrigerant-water heat exchanger, so that cooled or heated water is stored in the heat storage tank. In an air-conditioning state for the target site, the heat pump and the heat storage tank supply cooling and heating to the target site, so that the power consumption for normal operation is reduced in order to improve the operation efficiency of the intelligent heat pump system.

A refrigeration and/or heat transfer device includes a heating section and cooling section, a release member, and a one-way check valve affixed together in a continuous loop so working fluid may flow in one direction therein. The heating section absorbs heat and transfers such heat to the working fluid, thereby heating, expanding and increasing pressure upon the working fluid therein. The pressurized working fluid is released in a regulated manner from the heating section to the cooling section, thereby carrying the heat away. The released working fluid cools and transfers its heat to the surroundings within the cooling section. As released working fluid enters the cooling section, such fluid displaces already cooled working fluid, pushing such fluid through the one-way check valve back into the heating section to absorb heat. The working fluid may undergo a phase change or remain in a single phase throughout to enhance heat transfer.

A heat transfer system includes a conduit having open first and second ends, first and second thermal exchange segments disposed in-between and in fluid communication with the ends, and a means for adding fluid to the first end. The first thermal exchange segment is disposed underneath and in thermal communication with the ground, a body of water, or other location with a different temperature. The first and second ends are arranged above all other section of conduit and relative to one another so that they are communicating vessels and a change in fluid level in one changes the fluid level in the other. The means for adding fluid to the first end of the conduit causes fluid to flow freely from the first end to the second end and fluid level to rise in the second overcoming any hydrostatic pressure in the system without a pump disposed along the conduit.

A borehole is bored to a borehole target depth in a site and a geothermal heat exchanger is inserted into and then secured in the borehole at the desired depth. Once the heat exchanger has been secured in the borehole, the heat exchanger has a closed distal end and an open proximal end and has at least one fluid path between the closed distal end and the open proximal end, with installation fluid disposed in the fluid path(s). After securing the heat exchanger in the borehole and before excavation of a portion of the site immediately surrounding the borehole, the heat exchanger is temporarily sealed by installing, through the open proximal end, at least one respective internal seal in each fluid path. For each fluid path, the internal seal(s) will be disposed below a respective notional subgrade depth and excavation of the site immediately surrounding the borehole can proceed.

A system for extracting geothermal heat energy includes a geothermal well in surrounding crust material, extending from a well top part down to a well bottom part at a depth where the surrounding crust material has elevated geothermal temperatures. The geothermal well further includes a heat medium contained within geothermal well walls. The heat medium is heated at the well bottom part by heat extracted from the surrounding crust material, evaporating and rising, carrying heat energy towards the well top part A heat extractor extracts the heat energy available at the well top part carried by the heat medium. At least one heat conductive path is provided in the surrounding crust material, the heat conductive path extending outwardly from the geothermal well into the crust material to conduct geothermal heat from the crust material surrounding the path towards the well bottom part.

A system for extracting geothermal heat energy includes a geothermal well in surrounding crust material, extending from a well top part down to a well bottom part at a depth where the surrounding crust material has elevated geothermal temperatures. The geothermal well further includes a heat medium contained within geothermal well walls. The heat medium is heated at the well bottom part by heat extracted from the surrounding crust material, evaporating and rising, carrying heat energy towards the well top part A heat extractor extracts the heat energy available at the well top part carried by the heat medium. At least one heat conductive path is provided in the surrounding crust material, the heat conductive path extending outwardly from the geothermal well into the crust material to conduct geothermal heat from the crust material surrounding the path towards the well bottom part.

The disclosure relates to a thermosiphon system operable to consistently maintain the permafrost and active frost layer in a frozen condition to adequately support buildings and other structures. During cooler seasons, the thermosiphon system uses a passive refrigeration cycle to efficiently maintain the frozen layers using the cold air. When the air temperature rises during the warmer months, the system transitions into an active refrigeration mode that uses a refrigeration system to minimize thawing or degradation of the permafrost and active frost layers.

Disclosed is a system for optimizing energy utilization in a multi-building development or community. In an embodiment, the system has a passive energy loop comprising a continuous liquid filled pipe. A plurality of energy transfer points connect a plurality of buildings in the development onto the passive energy loop. A system control center adapted to control the plurality of energy transfer points to extract excess thermal energy from or input required thermal energy to each of the plurality of buildings, thereby to optimize the energy utilization and minimize greenhouse gases produced by the system.

Disclosed is a system for optimizing energy utilization in a multi-building development or community. In an embodiment, the system has a passive energy loop comprising a continuous liquid filled pipe. A plurality of energy transfer points connect a plurality of buildings in the development onto the passive energy loop. A system control center adapted to control the plurality of energy transfer points to extract excess thermal energy from or input required thermal energy to each of the plurality of buildings, thereby to optimize the energy utilization and minimize greenhouse gases produced by the system.

A geothermal plant, for extracting energy from a geothermal reservoir located below the ocean bottom, includes a floating platform; a riser that extends from a well drilled into the geothermal reservoir, to the floating platform; an electrical pump having a mechanical actuation part located in a bore of the riser, and an electronic part located outside the riser, wherein the electrical pump is configured to pump a geothermal liquid from the geothermal reservoir to the floating platform; and a power plant located on the floating platform and configured to use a steam produced by the geothermal liquid to generate electrical power. The electrical pump is placed at a depth of the riser where the geothermal liquid is in a single-phase.