Energy transfer unit

Abstract

An energy transfer wilt suitable for a geothermal heating system is formed from a plurality of modules. Each module has a frusto conical baffle overlying a heat exchange core to direct fluid radial across the core. A chimney is provided centrally in the baffle to promote radial flow. The modules may be located within a housing and ports are provide to allow flow in to the housing adjacent each of the cores.

1 . An energy transfer unit comprising a plurality of heat exchange modules, each of the modules having a support structure to support tubing extending between an inlet header and an outlet header, each of said modules being stacked one above the other, with the headers interconnected to provide a common inlet and a common outlet for the modules. 
     
     
         2 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 1  wherein runs of said tubing are arranged in parallel between the inlet and outlet. 
     
     
         3 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 2  wherein the tubing is spirally wound between said inlet header and said outlet header. 
     
     
         4 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 1  wherein each of said modules has a frusto conical baffle extending across said tubing. 
     
     
         5 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 4  wherein said a support structure is integrated with said baffle to support said tubing. 
     
     
         6 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 4  wherein said baffles are connected to said headers, and said headers maintain said baffles in spaced relationship to provide a passage between adjacent baffles to promote flow between the baffles and over the tubing. 
     
     
         7 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 4  wherein a skirt is provided at the periphery of said baffle and inclined at a different angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said unit than said baffle. 
     
     
         8 . The energy transfer unit according to any one of  claims 4  wherein said baffle has a centrally located aperture to accommodate radial flow along said baffle. 
     
     
         9 . An energy transfer unit having a heat exchange core and a baffle juxtaposed over the core to direct fluid from a thermal reservoir radially relative to said heat exchange core. 
     
     
         10 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 9  wherein the baffle is inclined to the direction of flow of fluid. 
     
     
         11 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 10  wherein said baffle directs the fluid to a chimney. 
     
     
         12 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 10  wherein said baffle terminates at a central aperture. 
     
     
         13 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 12  wherein a time is provided at said aperture. 
     
     
         14 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 13  wherein ports are provided in said tube to permit flow between said baffle and said tube. 
     
     
         15 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 9  wherein said heat exchange core includes an array of tubing extending between an inlet and an outlet. 
     
     
         16 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 15  wherein said tubing is supported by spars secured to said baffles. 
     
     
         17 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 16  wherein said tubing is spirally wound between said inlet and said outlet. 
     
     
         18 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 9  wherein said heat exchange core and baffle are located within a housing. 
     
     
         19 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 18  wherein a plurality of heat exchange cores and baffles are arranged in said housing and spaced along a longitudinal axis of said housing. 
     
     
         20 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 19  wherein a tube extends along said housing and has ports therein to allow flow of fluid between the underside of said baffle and said tube. 
     
     
         21 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 20  wherein an uppermost of said baffles has a collar encompassing said tube. 
     
     
         22 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 21  wherein said collar an tube extend through said housing. 
     
     
         23 . The energy transfer unit according to  claim 18  wherein ports are provided in said housing to permit flow of fluid to each of said heat exchange cores.