US2011303388A1PendingUtilityA1

System and Method for Using Recyclables for Thermal Storage

45
Assignee: MITTELMARK MARTINPriority: Feb 28, 2009Filed: Feb 27, 2010Published: Dec 15, 2011
Est. expiryFeb 28, 2029(~2.6 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Martin MittelmarkPaul St. JohnHenry T. Nordberg
F24S 60/30F28D 20/0043Y02E10/40Y02E60/14F28D 20/0056
45
PatentIndex Score
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Claims

Abstract

A thermal storage system ( 100 ) and related method, comprising: a thermal collector ( 101 ); a thermal storage sink ( 102 ); at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 ) for transporting thermal energy from the thermal collector to the thermal storage sink for storage therein; at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 11 ) for transporting the thermal energy from the thermal storage sink to an indoor-air space for use therein; a thermal storage liquid ( 21 ) within the thermal storage sink; and baled waste tires ( 14 ) for enhancing thermal storage. Also, a thermal storage sink and related method comprising: a sink ( 102 ); liquid ( 21 ) within the sink; and at least one recyclable material comprising baled tires ( 14 ) for at least one of the following functions: providing insulation, providing a free flow of liquid therethrough, providing thermal mass, providing structural support to a said sink, resisting settling of a surface above said sink, buffering shock to said sink, protecting pipes or conduits located within or serving said sink, averting deflection, eliminating or reducing costly drilling, reducing a need for plastic tubing, eliminating casing, reducing thermal sink construction costs.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A thermal storage system ( 100 ), comprising:
 a thermal collector ( 101 );   a thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 );   at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) for transporting thermal energy from said thermal collector ( 101 ) to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for storage therein;   at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to an indoor-air space ( 901 ) for use therein;   a thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ); and   baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) for enhancing thermal storage.   
     
     
         2 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising a liner ( 18 ) for substantially containing said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         3 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , wherein said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) are within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) are substantially around a perimeter of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         5 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , wherein said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) are both within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) and around a perimeter of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         6 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) outside of said liner ( 18 ) relative to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         7 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) positioned about an outer perimeter of said a thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for insulating said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) from its outside environs ( 504 ). 
     
     
         8 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) positioned to provide structural support to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         9 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) positioned within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for adding thermal mass to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         10 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , wherein said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) is underground ( 504 ). 
     
     
         11 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , said at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) utilizing said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal collector ( 101 ) to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         12 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , said at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) utilizing said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to the indoor air space ( 901 ). 
     
     
         13 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , said at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) utilizing a liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) other than said thermal storage liquid ( 21 , 26 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal collector ( 101 ) to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         14 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , said at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) utilizing a liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) other than said thermal storage liquid ( 21 , 26 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to the indoor-air space ( 901 ). 
     
     
         15 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , wherein at least part of said thermal collector ( 101 ) is above said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         16 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising at least some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) baled into substantially rectangular parallelepipeds. 
     
     
         17 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising at least some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) baled such that open centers of said tires align to form a substantially pipelike configuration, thereby forming pipelike passages within these pipelike bales ( 14 ). 
     
     
         18 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 waste tires placed around at least part of said conduits  8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ), outside of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ), with at least some air spaces ( 503 ) between said waste tires and said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ), whereby:   said waste tires ( 14 , 301 ) and air spaces ( 503 ) insulate said conduit  8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 )s from exchanging heat with ground proximate thereto; and   simultaneously, said waste tires ( 14 , 301 ) and air spaces ( 503 ) protect said conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 )s from damage due to ground shifting or heaving.   
     
     
         19 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising at least a portion of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) running through spaces within said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ). 
     
     
         20 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising at least a portion of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) running through spaces between said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ). 
     
     
         21 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising at least some recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) placed above a top liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) line ( 16 ) of said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ). 
     
     
         22 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 21 , said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) insulating said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         23 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 21 , wherein:
 said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) is substantially non-organic;   said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) is substantially non-biodegradable; and   said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) also provides structural support to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         24 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising a vapor barrier ( 13 ) above a top liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) line ( 16 ) of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for preventing liquid  20 , 21 , 26 ) or vapor from entering said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) from above. 
     
     
         25 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a protective barrier placed above a top liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) line ( 16 ) of said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for preventing materials ( 5 ) above said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from falling into said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 );   said protective barrier ( 7 ) comprising protective barrier materials ( 7 ) selected from at least one of the protective barrier material group consisting of: a geogrid ( 7 ), tar paper ( 7 ), and a filter fabric ( 7 ).   
     
     
         26 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising concrete blocks ( 404 ) substantially containing at least some of baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ). 
     
     
         27 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising baled waste plastic ( 402 , 403 ) substantially filling portions of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         28 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one air pump ( 202 ) for purging liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from portions of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) which are subjected to freezing temperatures during cold weather, in response to expecting said cold weather. 
     
     
         29 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) comprising water ( 21 ). 
     
     
         30 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , wherein a thermal transport liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) used to transport said thermal energy through at least some of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) is selected from the thermal transport liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) group consisting of at least one of: glycol, antifreeze, brine ( 26 ), and water ( 21 ). 
     
     
         31 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , at least part of said thermal collector ( 101 ) comprising a surface ( 2 ) selected from at least one of the surface group consisting of: a driveway ( 2 ), a roadway ( 2 ), a parking lot ( 2 ), and a walkway ( 2 ). 
     
     
         32 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 31 , further comprising said at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) for further transporting thermal heat energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to said thermal collector ( 101 ) to melt frozen precipitate upon said surface ( 2 ), in response to weather conditions requiring said frozen precipitate to be melted. 
     
     
         33 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , said thermal collector ( 101 ) comprising solar collectors ( 101 ). 
     
     
         34 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 1 , further comprising a firefighting conduit ( 24 ) for using said thermal storage liquid ( 21 , 26 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to fight a fire. 
     
     
         35 . A thermal storage system ( 100 ), comprising:
 a thermal collector ( 101 );   a thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) located at least partially underground ( 504 );   at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) for transporting thermal energy from said thermal collector ( 101 ) to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for storage therein;   at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to an indoor-air space ( 901 ) for use therein;   a thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ); and   recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         36 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 35 , wherein:
 said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) is substantially non-organic;   said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) is substantially non-biodegradable; and   said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) also provides structural support to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         37 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 35 , said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) comprising ground recycled glass ( 502 ). 
     
     
         38 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 35 , said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) comprising construction debris ( 501 ). 
     
     
         39 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 35 , said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) comprising waste plastic ( 402 , 403 ). 
     
     
         40 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 35 , further comprising at least one air pump ( 202 ) for purging liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from portions of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) which are subjected to freezing temperatures during cold weather, in response to expecting said cold weather. 
     
     
         41 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 35 , at least part of said thermal collector ( 101 ) comprising a surface ( 2 ) selected from at least one of the surface group consisting of: a driveway ( 2 ), a roadway ( 2 ), a parking lot ( 2 ), and a walkway ( 2 ). 
     
     
         42 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 41 , further comprising said at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) for further transporting thermal heat energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to said thermal collector ( 101 ) to melt frozen precipitate upon said surface, in response to weather conditions requiring said frozen precipitate to be melted. 
     
     
         43 . The system ( 100 ) of  claim 35 , further comprising a firefighting conduit ( 24 ) for using said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to fight a fire. 
     
     
         44 . A thermal storage method, comprising:
 transporting thermal energy from a thermal collector ( 101 ) to a thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for storage therein, using at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) therefor;   transporting said thermal energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to an indoor-air space ( 901 ) for use therein, using at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) therefor;   providing a thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ); and   enhancing thermal storage using baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ).   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising substantially containing said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ), using a liner ( 18 ) therefor. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising providing said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising providing said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) substantially around a perimeter of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising providing said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) both within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) and around a perimeter of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising:
 providing at least some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) outside of said liner ( 18 ) relative to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising insulating said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) from its outside environs ( 504 ) by positioning some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) about an outer perimeter of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising positioning some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) to provide structural support to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising adding thermal mass to said thermal storage sink by positioning some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) is underground ( 504 ). 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising utilizing said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal collector ( 101 ) to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) via said at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ). 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising utilizing said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to the indoor-air space ( 901 ) via said at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ). 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising utilizing a liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) other than said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal collector ( 101 ) to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) via said at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ). 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising utilizing a liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) other than said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for transporting said thermal energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to the indoor air space ( 901 ) via said at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ). 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein at least part of said thermal collector ( 101 ) is above said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising providing at least some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) baled into substantially rectangular parallelepipeds ( 301 ). 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising baling at least some of said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ) such that open centers of said tires align to form a substantially pipelike configuration ( 14 ,  1001 ), thereby forming pipelike passages within these pipelike bales ( 14 , 1001 ). 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising:
 placing waste tires ( 402 , 403 ) around at least part of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ), outside of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ), with at least some air spaces ( 503 ) between said waste tires ( 14 , 301 ) and said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ):   said waste tires ( 14 , 301 ) and air spaces ( 503 ) thereby insulating said conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 )s from exchanging heat with ground ( 504 ) proximate thereto; and   simultaneously, said waste tires ( 14 , 301 ) and air spaces ( 503 ) thereby protecting said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) from damage due to ground shifting or heaving.   
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising running at least a portion of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) running through spaces within said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ). 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising running at least a portion of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) through spaces between said baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ). 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising placing at least some recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) above a top liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) line ( 16 ) of said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ). 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 64 , insulating said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) using said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ). 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein:
 said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) is substantially non-organic;   said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) is substantially non-biodegradable; and   said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) also provides structural support to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising preventing liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) or vapor ( 13 ) from entering said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) from above, using a vapor barrier ( 13 ) situated above a top liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) line ( 16 ) of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising:
 placing a protective barrier ( 7 ) above a top liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) line ( 16 ) of said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for preventing materials ( 5 ) above said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from falling into said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ); wherein:   said protective barrier ( 7 ) comprises protective barrier materials selected from at least one of the protective barrier material group consisting of: a geogrid ( 7 ), tar paper ( 7 ), and a filter fabric ( 7 ).   
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising providing concrete blocks ( 404 ) substantially containing at least some of baled waste tires ( 14 ,  301 ). 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising substantially filling portions of said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) with baled waste plastic ( 402 , 403 ). 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising purging liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from portions of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) which are subjected to freezing temperatures during cold weather, using at least one air pump ( 202 ) therefor, responsive to expecting said cold weather. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 44 , said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) comprising water ( 21 ). 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising selecting a thermal transport liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) used to transport said thermal energy through at least some of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) from the thermal transport liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) group consisting of at least one of: glycol ( 20 ), antifreeze ( 20 ), brine ( 26 ), and water ( 21 ). 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 44 , at least part of said thermal collector ( 101 ) comprising a surface ( 2 ) selected from at least one of the surface group consisting of: a driveway ( 2 ), a roadway ( 2 ), a parking lot ( 2 ), and a walkway ( 2 ). 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 74 , further comprising further transporting thermal heat energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to said thermal collector ( 101 ) to melt frozen precipitate upon said surface via said at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ), in response to weather conditions requiring said frozen precipitate to be melted. 
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 44 , said thermal collector ( 101 ) comprising solar collectors ( 101 ). 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 44 , further comprising using said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to fight a fire, using a firefighting conduit ( 24 ) therefor. 
     
     
         78 . A thermal storage method, comprising:
 transporting thermal energy from a thermal collector ( 101 ) to a thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for storage therein, using at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) therefor;   transporting said thermal energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to an indoor-air space ( 901 ) for use therein, using at least one thermal delivery conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) therefor;   providing a thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ); and   providing recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein:
 said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) is substantially non-organic;   said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) is substantially non-biodegradable; and   said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) also provides structural support to said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 78 , said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) comprising construction debris ( 501 ). 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 78 , said recyclable fill material comprising construction debris. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 78 , said recyclable fill material ( 14 , 301 , 402 , 403 ) comprising waste plastic ( 402 , 403 ). 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 78 , further comprising purging liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from portions of said conduits ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ) which are subjected to freezing temperatures during cold weather, using at least one air pump ( 202 ) therefor, responsive to expecting said cold weather. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 78 , at least part of said thermal collector ( 101 ) comprising a surface ( 2 ) selected from at least one of the surface group ( 2 ) consisting of: a driveway ( 2 ), a roadway ( 2 ), a parking lot ( 2 ), and a walkway ( 2 ). 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 84 , further comprising further transporting thermal heat energy from said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to said thermal collector ( 101 ) to melt frozen precipitate upon said surface ( 2 ) via said at least one thermal storage transport conduit ( 8 , 11 , 12 , 22 , 1108 , 1302 , 1503 , 1505 ), in response to weather conditions requiring said frozen precipitate to be melted. 
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 78 , further comprising using said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to fight a fire, using a firefighting conduit ( 24 ) therefor. 
     
     
         87 . A thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ), comprising:
 a sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 );   liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ); and   at least one recyclable material comprising baled tires ( 14 , 301 ) for at least one of the following functions: providing insulation, providing a free flow of liquid therethrough, providing thermal mass, providing structural support to a said sink, resisting settling of a surface above said sink, buffering shock to said sink, protecting pipes or conduits located within or serving said sink, averting deflection, eliminating or reducing costly drilling, reducing a need for plastic tubing, eliminating casing, reducing thermal sink construction costs.   
     
     
         88 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , further comprising a refill chamber ( 1301 ) for refilling said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) when said liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) is removed therefrom for transporting said thermal energy. 
     
     
         89 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , further comprising at least some of said baled tires ( 14 ,  301 ) baled into at least one of: pipe like bales ( 14 ), rectangular bales ( 301 ), square bales ( 301 ). 
     
     
         90 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , further comprising rectangular tire bales ( 301 ) situated on at least one side of its perimeter. 
     
     
         91 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , wherein:
 said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) is connected with an acclimation sink ( 1202 ); and   said liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) after utilization for transporting thermal energy to said indoor-air space ( 901 ) is returned to said acclimation sink ( 1202 ) and prevented from reentering said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) until a temperature of water in said acclimation tank is detected to be substantially equal to that of liquid in said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         92 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , further comprising a fluidic attachment of said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to at least one of a well ( 1501 ) or underground stream ( 1504 ) for replenishing any fluid taken from said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         93 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , further comprising a firefighting conduit ( 24 ) for using said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to fight a fire. 
     
     
         94 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) further comprising at least 10,000 gallons of liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) therein during at least 90 days of the year. 
     
     
         95 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , further comprising at least one additional recyclable material selected from the group consisting of: construction debris ( 501 ), baled waste plastic ( 402 , 403 ), and waste glass ( 502 ). 
     
     
         96 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , said bailed tires ( 301 ) substantially covering a roof of said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for insulating said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) from temperatures above ground. 
     
     
         97 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , comprising a thermal added ( 102 ) sink. 
     
     
         98 . The thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) of  claim 87 , comprising a geothermal ( 1000 ) sink. 
     
     
         99 . A method of using a thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ), comprising:
 providing a sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 );   providing liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ); and   using least one recyclable material comprising baled tires ( 14 , 301 ) for at least one of the following functions: providing insulation, providing a free flow of liquid therethrough, providing thermal mass, providing structural support to a said sink, resisting settling of a surface above said sink, buffering shock to said sink, protecting pipes or conduits located within or serving said sink, averting deflection, eliminating or reducing costly drilling, reducing a need for plastic tubing, eliminating casing, reducing thermal sink construction costs.   
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 99 , further comprising refilling said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) when said liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) is removed therefrom for transporting said thermal energy, using a refill chamber ( 1301 ) therefor. 
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 99 , further comprising at least some of said baled tires ( 14 ,  301 ) baled into at least one of: pipe like bales ( 14 ), rectangular bales ( 301 ), square bales ( 301 ). 
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 99 , further comprising situating rectangular tire bales ( 301 ) on at least one side of a perimeter of said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ). 
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 99 , further comprising:
 connecting said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) with an acclimation sink ( 1202 ); and   after utilizing said liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) for transporting thermal energy to said indoor-air space ( 901 ), returning said liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) to said acclimation sink ( 1202 ) and preventing said liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) from reentering said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) until a temperature of water in said acclimation tank is detected to be substantially equal to that of liquid in said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ).   
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 99 , further comprising replenishing any fluid taken from said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) using a fluidic attachment of said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) to at least one of a well ( 1501 ) or underground stream ( 1504 ) therefor. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 99 , further comprising fight a fire using said thermal storage liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) within said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ), via using a firefighting conduit ( 24 ) therefor. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 99 , said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) further comprising at least 10,000 gallons of liquid ( 20 , 21 , 26 ) therein during at least 90 days of the year. 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 99 , further comprising using at least one additional recyclable material selected from the group consisting of: construction debris ( 501 ), baled waste plastic ( 402 , 403 ), and waste glass ( 502 ). 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 99 , further comprising substantially covering a roof of said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) for insulating said sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) from temperatures above ground, using said bailed tires ( 301 ) therefor. 
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 99 , said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) comprising a thermal added ( 102 ) sink. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 99 , said thermal storage sink ( 6 , 102 , 1000 ) comprising a geothermal ( 1000 ) sink.

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