WO2008106700A1

WO2008106700A1 - System for configuring earth probes

Info

Publication number: WO2008106700A1
Application number: PCT/AT2008/000070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Armin Amann; Wilhelm Sonderegger
Original assignee: A & S Umwelttechnologie Ag
Priority date: 2007-03-06
Filing date: 2008-03-03
Publication date: 2008-09-12
Also published as: CA2679918A1; AU2008222571B2; US20100059198A1; AU2008222571A1; CN101680687A; EP2118584A1; JP2010520387A; CN101680687B

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for configuring earth probes (1) for receiving thermal energy from the earth and/or for discharging thermal energy into the earth, comprising a conductor system having a feed and a return line, which are connected to each other at the lower end of the earth probe (1), the system comprising probe modules (11, 12), which each form a section (15, 16) of the feed and/or return line of the earth probe (1) and which can be connected to each other at least by means of a positive and/or non-positive connection, preferably a plug-in connection, and a base piece (13), which forms a section of the conductor system of the earth probe (1), the section connecting the feed line to the return line, and which can be connected to the probe modules (11, 12) via at least one positive and/or non-positive connection, preferably a plug-in connection.

Description

System for training of ground probes

The invention relates to a system for the formation of ground probes for receiving thermal energy from the ground and / or for the delivery of thermal energy to the ground, which have a conduit system with a forward and a return line, which at the bottom of the ground probe with each other are connected. Further, the invention relates to a geothermal system for receiving thermal energy from the ground and / or for the delivery of thermal energy to the soil, which has at least one trained geothermal probe, which can be flowed through by a heat transfer medium forward and return lines, and supply and discharge lines includes, of which the heat transfer medium of the respective ground probe can be fed and discharged from this.

Geothermal probes for the extraction of geothermal energy, which in contrast to surface collectors protrude into the depths of the ground, are known in different embodiments. In addition to ground probes, which are sunk directly into the ground, in particular rammed or vibrated, embodiments are known which are used in a borehole introduced into the ground or are inserted into a cavity which is present in a component introduced into the ground, for example in a rammed steel or concrete pipe, a rammed-in pilot or a foundation. Geothermal probes also used in in-situ concrete are known.

The built-in ground probe is connected via a feed and a discharge line with an energy utilization system for heat and / or cold, for example with a heat pump, wherein a circuit for the heat transfer medium is formed. If a single geothermal probe is insufficient to receive and / or deliver the required energy, a ground probe system with multiple geothermal probes is formed. Conventionally, the geothermal probes are each connected via separate feed and discharge lines to a common distributor / collector. Thus, in such a system, a plurality of parallel probe circuits each having a single ground probe are formed. Or distribution and collection pipes are laid along the probe locations, to which then the individual ground probes are connected in parallel, usually by the Tichelmann method.

EP 1 486 741 B1 discloses a ground probe in which an outer tube is sunk by ramming into the ground. This outer tube consists of several assembled pipe sections. The compound is preferably designed as a tight push-in socket connection. The outer tube introduced into the bottom is subsequently fitted with a lining tube which may consist of individual pieces of pipe which are inserted piece by piece into the outer tube and are tightly connected by means of welding. to become. Instead, a corrugated plastic hose with the required overall length can be used as lining pipe. The space between the outer tube and the lining tube is potted in the sequence with a pouring mass. Furthermore, an already assembled inner tube is inserted into the lining tube. The inner tube forms the outgoing line for a heat transfer medium, while the intermediate space between the inner tube and the lining tube forms the return line for the heat transfer medium. The production of such a geothermal probe is associated with a considerable on-site installation effort.

A geothermal probe to be introduced into a borehole in the ground is known, for example, from AT 007 510 U1. Within an outer tube formed as a corrugated tube, an inner tube is arranged, whereby the return line for the heat transfer medium are formed. The heat probe is designed as a prefabricated unit and can be brought to the construction site in the rolled-up state. For a particular geothermal probe with a desired length, a prefabricated unit of this length must be formed. A trained in an analogous manner, introduced into a concrete foundation element of a structure geothermal probe is known from AT 007 887 U1.

In addition to so-called "coaxial systems" in which the forward and return lines are formed by ineianderliegende, especially coaxially arranged tubes, so-called "U-probes" are known in which the forward and return lines are formed by juxtaposed tubes. In addition to single-U probes with a single return line, double-U probes with two forward and two return lines are known. Such a U-probe can be seen for example from EP 582 118 A1. The forward and return lines are connected at their lower end by elbow pieces or other foot parts, which deflect the heat transfer medium by 180 ° with each other. At the upper end of the Hinleitungen and at the upper end of the return lines, a respective head piece is attached, which is connected by welding or gluing with the lines and having a connection for connection to the supply line or for connection to the discharge line for supplying and discharging a heat transfer medium. The forward and return lines of the ground probe are formed by continuous long tubes.

Another U-probe is known for example from EP 1 006 322 A2. To introduce the geothermal probe into the ground, a pipe formed from a plurality of pipe sections is first driven into the ground. In the inner cavity of the rammed pipe, the piping system is introduced and connected to an end piece at the lower end of the rammed pipe. The rammed pipe is pulled out of the ground in the sequence, apart from the tail.

The object of the invention is to provide a system for the formation of geothermal probes of the type mentioned, with the earth probes of different lengths can be formed in a simple manner, this with a low installation cost on the Building site. According to the invention, this is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1.

To form geothermal probes, a system according to the invention includes probe modules. A probe module represents a portion of the longitudinal extent of the earth probe to be produced, wherein it forms a portion of the forward or return line of the line system or the forward and return line of the earth probe Two probe modules are each connected by at least one positive and / or non-positive connection, preferably plug connection or plug-in coupling, connectable to each other, wherein the respective sections of the forward and / or return lines of the two probe modules are interconnected. The formation of a plug connection can be made directly by plugging together the sections of the forward and / or return line of the two probe modules, wherein between the two sections of the outward and / or between the two sections of the return line a plug connection is formed. Instead, at least one coupling piece may be present, which is plugged together with the two sections of the forward line to be connected or with the two sections of the return line to be connected, wherein in each case a plug connection is formed.

In a plug connection or plug-in coupling, the parts to be joined together. To secure the mated state different positive and / or non-positively acting elements can be used, latching devices are preferred. But also plug with clamping rings, plug with clamping ring cone, plug with snap spring rings or plug with union nuts are used, for example. The plug-in connection or plug-in coupling can be separable (detachable) or inseparable (eg by latching elements).

Instead of a connector could also be used another type of positive and / or non-positive connection, for. B. a screw connection.

Furthermore, the system comprises a foot piece, which forms a portion of the earth probe pipe system connecting the return pipe and which can be connected to a respective one of the probe modules by means of at least one positive and / or non-positive connection, preferably a plug connection of the lead system is connected to the respective section of the forward and / or return line of the probe module. The formation of the connector can be done directly by mating the portion of the conduit system of the foot with the respective portion of the forward and / or return of the probe module, wherein between the portion of the conduit system of the foot and the respective section of the forward and / or return line of the probe module a respective connector is formed. Instead, at least one coupling piece may be present, which is plugged together both with the portion of the conduit system of the foot piece and with the respective portion of the forward and / or return line of the probe module, wherein in each case a plug connection is formed. Instead of a plug connection Furthermore, another type of positive and / or non-positive connection could be used, for. B. a screw connection.

Depending on the number and / or length of the special modules used in the formation of a ground probe, ground probes of different lengths can thus be formed, with the ground probe being terminated at its lower end by an attached foot piece. By the invention thus a relatively few prefabricated units comprehensive modular system (= system according to the modular principle) can be provided by which geothermal probes of different lengths can be formed with low installation costs. Soil probes differ from surface collectors in that they protrude into the depths of the soil, preferably vertically or in an angle range of 10 ° with respect to the vertical. Insertion angles of up to 45 ° with respect to the vertical are possible. The length of a ground probe is usually in the range between 5m and 75m, usually in the range between 15m and 45m.

In the simplest case, a ground probe formed by means of the system according to the invention can also have only a single probe module, to which a foot piece is connected at its lower end, preferably by a plug connection. Preferably, a ground probe includes two or more probe modules.

By providing probe modules in different, for example four, standard lengths, high flexibility of the system can be achieved.

Preferably, at least one plug-in connection designed as a latching connection is provided between two probe modules. Preferably, at least one plug connection designed as a latching connection is present between the respective probe module and the foot piece.

In one exemplary embodiment, ground probes can be formed by a system according to the invention, the forward and return lines of which lie in one another, in particular coaxially with one another (= pipe-in-pipe formation). In another embodiment, geothermal probes can be formed whose at least one forward and return line run side by side (U-probe design).

Another object of the invention is to provide a ground probe system of the type mentioned, for which a simplified installation with high flexibility to adapt to the respective requirements is achieved. According to the invention, this is achieved by a ground probe system having the features of claim 20.

By forming the inlet and outlet lines of each other by means of positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably connectors, connectable line pieces, the inlet and outlet lines can be easily adapted to the prevailing conditions, the assembly cost is low. Preferably Line pieces of different lengths available, whereby a particularly high flexibility can be achieved.

For connecting a respective ground probe with the supply line leading to this probe and the discharge line leading away from this probe, one is preferably at the upper end of the uppermost probe module (in the case of forming the probe from several probe modules) or at the upper end of the single probe module of the respective one Ground probe connected probe head available. Here, the probe head with the forward and return line of the ground probe via positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably connectors, connected and the supply and discharge with the probe head also by means of positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably connectors, connected.

Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below with reference to the attached drawing. In this show:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a ground probe system according to the invention with a plurality of earth probes connected in series.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is a longitudinal center section and a cross section (section line A-A of Fig. 2) by a ground probe module for forming a ground probe according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal center section of two assembled Erdsondenmodulen in

Connection area;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal center I cut through a plugged onto a probe module foot piece; 6 shows a longitudinal center section through a probe head plugged onto a probe module;

7 shows a second embodiment of a ground probe with a probe head connected to the upper end, the ground probe in longitudinal section. Fig. 8 is a cross section taken along the line B-B of Fig. 7;

9 shows a longitudinal section through a probe module for forming a ground probe according to a third embodiment of a ground probe;

Fig. 10 is a cross section taken along the line C-C of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal center section of two assembled probe modules this

Embodiment, in the connection area; Fig. 12 is a cross section taken along the line D-D of Fig. 11; 13 shows a longitudinal center section of a foot piece according to this embodiment, which is assembled with a probe module according to FIGS. 9 to 12; 14 shows a longitudinal center section of a probe head according to this embodiment, which is assembled with a probe module according to FIGS. 9 to 12; 15 shows a fourth embodiment of a ground probe with a probe head connected to the upper end, in side view;

16 shows a longitudinal middle section of an upper section of a ground probe with line sections which are connected to the probe head; 17 shows a cross section through a probe module according to another embodiment of a ground probe, section line FF of FIG. 18; Fig. 18 is a longitudinal center section taken along the line EE of Fig. 17; 19 shows two assembled probe modules of the embodiment according to FIGS. 17 and 18 in the connection area, in the longitudinal center section.

From Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a ground probe system for receiving thermal energy from the soil and / or for the delivery of thermal energy to the soil. The earth probe system according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of ground probes 1 connected in series. For supply and discharge of a heat transfer medium to or from a respective ground probe 1 is a connecting line system with lines formed by individual line pieces 2-8. The line piece 2 forms at least a portion of the feed line to the first of the series probes 1 and can at its not shown in FIG. 1 end directly or via one or more further line pieces to a power plant (heat, cold), for example to a heat pump, or connected to a distributor / collector. A distributor / collector is used in particular when a plurality of probe circuits are present, for example, a second probe circuit or a plurality of probe circuits may be present, which is connected in parallel to the first probe circuit and is designed, for example, in the same way.

The line piece 3 forms the discharge line from that shown in Fig. 1 of the earth probes connected in series 1 and the supply line for the second earth probe 1. The same applies to the line pieces 4 and 5. The line pieces 6-8, via connectors 9, 10 with each other are connected, form at least a portion of the discharge line of the last of the series earth probes 1, wherein the line piece 8 may be connected directly or via one or more further, not shown in Fig. 1 line pieces with the energy utilization system or the manifold / collector.

The ground probes 1 are each formed from a plurality of plugged-together probe modules 11, 12 and a plugged onto the lower end of the lowermost probe module 11 foot piece 13. For example, as shown, three probe modules 11 having a greater length and a probe module 12 having a smaller length may be present.

The ground probes 1 are connected in the embodiment shown in each case via a probe head 14 with their supply and discharge line forming line pieces 2-8. Here, the probe heads 14 are placed on the upper ends of the uppermost probe modules 12 and connected via plug connections with the respective line pieces 2-6.

In the following, a first exemplary embodiment of a system for forming ground probes will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. A probe module 11 of the system is shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Prefabricated probe modules are preferably present in various standardized lengths, for example in four different lengths.

A respective probe module 11 forms a portion of the longitudinal extension of the ground probe 1 and of this probe module 11, a portion of the line system of the ground probe 1 is formed, in this embodiment, both a portion 15 of the heat transfer medium from top to bottom transporting Hinleitung and a section 16 the heat transfer medium from bottom to top transporting return line is formed. The sections 15, 16 are in this case formed by coaxially arranged one inside the other pipe sections.

The probe module 11 has an outer tube piece 17, from which the portion of the line system formed by the probe module 11 is received. The intermediate space 18 between the outer pipe piece 17 and the outer pipe section of the pipe system is filled at least over the greater part of its length with a highly thermally conductive pouring mass 19. In particular, a volume-resistant, cement-bonded pouring mass 19 can be used, preferably concrete. The filling extends over the entire longitudinal extent of the probe module 11, except for end sections.

The outer pipe section forming the section 16 of the return line can be designed, for example, as a smooth pipe, which is provided with protruding outwardly projecting studs 20. By the knobs 20 a centering of the outer pipe section in the outer pipe section 17 is achieved. Other embodiments of the outer tube piece, such as with short interrupted longitudinal webs or spirally longitudinal webs are conceivable and possible, with or without centering function relative to the outer tube piece 17. The centering function, for example, by longitudinal widening or by separate between the outer tube piece 17 and the portion 16 arranged parts are effected. For example, the outer pipe section of the pipe system can also be formed by a corrugated pipe.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner tube piece forming a section 15 of the forward line has strips 21 which run in the longitudinal direction and project in a star shape outwards in a cross-section. These serve above all to support the outer pipe section forming the section 16 of the return line, if in the course of the service life of the ground probe the outer pipe section 17 should lose its supporting function, in particular due to corrosion. The section 16 of the return line forming outer pipe section should indeed be formed relatively thin walls in view of the desired good heat transfer. In addition, the inner tube piece is centered by the strips 21 in the outer tube piece.

The inner tube piece could also have a cross-sectional shape other than the one shown, for example short, slightly transversely positioned strips with short gaps or short, interrupted webs which run wavy in the longitudinal direction or are short-circuited. ze, interrupted webs, which extend helically in the longitudinal direction. The support function of the outer pipe section could also be omitted with a correspondingly long-term stable design of the outer pipe section 17. The centering in Außenrohr- piece could also be effected by separate inserts. The inner tube piece could then also be designed, for example, as a smooth tube or as a corrugated corrugated tube. As an inner tube piece, which provides a centering function in the outer tube piece and possibly also a support function for the outer tube piece, a smooth tube could be used with external knobs.

The probe modules 11 are formed so that they can be plugged together, with the sections 15, 16 of the forward and return lines of the two probe modules 11 being plugged together when the probe modules 11 are plugged together. For this purpose, the probe module 11 for forming a respective connector at one end of a plug part and at the other end a socket part of this connector.

Two plugged-together probe modules 11 are shown in Fig. 4. To form the plug-in connection between the sections 15 of the outgoing line, a pipe socket 22 is attached at the lower end of the inner pipe section, for example by material bonding by welding or gluing. Shaped and / or frictional connections are also conceivable and possible. The pipe socket forms the male part of the connector and can be inserted with a small clearance in the upper portion of the upper end of the inner tube piece of the underlying probe module 11, said upper portion of the inner tube piece forms the female part of the connector. A complete tightness of this internal connector is not required here with respect to the heat transfer medium.

To form the plug-in connection between the sections 16 of the return line, a plug part 23 with a reduced diameter is attached to the lower end of the outer tube piece of a respective probe module 11, for example by material bonding by welding or gluing. Also, a positive and / or frictional connection is conceivable and possible, this compound is formed for the heat transfer medium to the outside tight and pressure resistant. The plug part 23 has two reductions in its outer diameter towards its free end. The region of the first reduction of the outer diameter forms an outer sealing surface for an externally applied sealing ring 24 in the region of the second reduction of the outer diameter outwardly projecting locking tongues 25 are formed.

At the upper end of the outer tube piece forming the portion 16 of the return line, a sleeve 26 made of stainless steel is pressed onto this from the outside. This sleeve has a seal 24 inserted into a groove. To introduce the plug part, the sleeve is conically shaped at the socket inlet. The plug sleeve is pressed tightly with the return line 16 and a stop 28. The stop 28 causes the latching with the locking tongues 25th Of course, other designs of plug parts and socket parts can be used, for example those made of plastic with the assumed sealing and locking function.

The lower end of the section 16 thus forms the plug part and the upper end of the section 16, the socket part for forming a plug connection between the sections 16 of two mating plug-in modules 11, wherein the plug connection is formed as a latching connection.

To form a plug connection between the outer tube pieces 17 of two probe modules inserted one at the other, a tube socket 29 with a reduced diameter is attached to the lower end of the outer tube piece 17, for example, by welding or gluing. A positive and / or frictional connection is likewise conceivable and possible. In the nested state of two probe modules 11, this pipe socket 29, which forms the plug part of the plug connection for the outer pipe section, projects into the upper end section of the outer pipe section 17 of the underlying probe module 11, which forms the socket part of the plug connection. As a result, the outer tube pieces 17 of the nested probe modules 11 are centered against each other, which is particularly important for the inner connectors and for a possible full-surface support during ramming or vibrating the ground probe.

Each probe module thus has the same trained socket parts at the top and plug parts at the bottom. The connectors could also be designed in a different manner than described. For example, the plug part and socket part could also be reversed for one, both or all three plug connections. Furthermore, coupling pieces could also be used for one, two or all three plug-in connections, which can be plugged together on both sides with the respective pipe piece so that actually two plug-in connections are present in each case. Such coupling pieces are shown in Fig. 19 (51, 52); the connectors are only in the case of the connection of the sections 16 of the return line tight. Another type of coupling pieces is also shown in Fig. 11 (39, 43). In these coupling pieces, the connections of both sections 15 and 16 are formed tight.

To be able to form geothermal probes of different lengths in a flexible manner probe modules 11, 12 are present, which are different lengths, but otherwise are the same.

For closing the lower end of the lowermost probe module 11, a plug-on foot piece 13 is provided, from which the forward and return line is connected to each other. For this connection of the forward and return line, the foot piece 13 in the embodiment of FIG. 5, a piece of pipe 30, which at its lower end, in the with a probe module 11 mated state of the foot at a distance below the lower end of the pipe socket 22 of the probe module 11 is closed by a cover 31. The plug connection between the pipe section 30 and the section 16 of the return line of the probe module 11 is formed in the same manner as the already described plug connection between two sections 16 of the return line of plugged-together probe modules 11

The foot piece 13 has a tube piece 30 receiving outer tube piece 32. The plug connection between the outer tube piece 32 and the outer tube piece 17 of the probe module 11 is the same as the already described plug connection between the outer ßenrohrstücken 17 of two assembled probe modules 11 is formed.

At the lower end of the outer pipe piece 32, for example, a plate-shaped ramming piece 33 for ramming or vibrating the ground probe 1 is attached. The plate-shaped ramming piece 33 can, for example, also have a conical structure or a tip at the bottom.

To produce a buried soil probe 1, a foot piece 13 is first attached to the lower end of a probe module 11 and then these two parts are sunk, in particular by ramming or vibrating. As a result, the next upper probe module 11 is plugged in and the mated parts are in turn sunk. This is repeated until the desired length of the ground probe 1, with appropriate lengths of the probe modules 11, 12 are selected.

For connecting the forward line and return line of the ground probe 1 with the feed line to and the discharge line from the ground probe, a probe head 14 which can be plugged onto the uppermost probe module 12 is present. The probe head 14 has nested tube pieces which form first and second terminals 34, 35 for forming plug-in connections with the sections 15, 16 of the forward and return line of the underlying probe module 12. The end portions of the terminals 34, 35 are in this case in the same manner as the lower end portions of the portions 15, 16 of a respective probe module 11, 12 formed to form the already described for the mating of two probe modules 11 connectors.

The probe head 14 further has third and fourth ports 36, 37 for forming plug connections with the supply and discharge line to and from this ground probe 1. An end portion of a supply line is indicated in Fig. 6 by dashed lines. In the exemplary embodiment shown, these plug connections are formed in the same way as the plug connections between the sections 16 of the return lines of two special modules 11, 12.

The probe head 14 has a passage 38 connecting the third connection 36 with the fourth connection 37, as a result of which a bypass with respect to the ground probe 1 is formed. det is, of which a part of the heat transfer medium is guided past the ground probe 1, so a bypass for this part of the heat transfer medium is formed. Here, the opening cross-sectional area of the passage 38 is substantially smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of both the first and second ports 34, 35. Preferably, the opening cross-sectional areas of the first and second ports 34, 35 are each two to one hundred times larger than the opening cross-sectional area of the passage 38. a range between 4: 1 and 40: 1 is particularly preferred.

By forming such a passage 38, the total amount of circulation of the heat transfer medium in relation to the desired probe flow can be selected and adjusted. In addition, as a side effect results in a simple venting of two or more earth probes connected in series with their filling with a heat transfer medium. Conveniently, the passage 38 in this case connects the third and fourth ports 36, 37 at the upper ends of their passage openings.

The passage 38 is formed by an opening of an intermediate wall between the third port and the fourth port. In this opening, an insert 54 may be present to adjust the flow. The insert 54 may for example be screwed or plugged. Depending on the type of probe and probe length, a suitable insert 54 can be used prior to assembly of the probe head, with inserts 54 having different passage cross sections (= opening cross-sectional areas) being present. Instead, for example, a fixed mounted passage with adjustable opening cross-sectional area could be present.

The plug connections 9, 10 (FIG. 1) between the line pieces 6, 7, 8 are preferably formed in the same way as the plug connections between the feed and discharge line and the third and fourth connection 36, 37 of the probe head 14. A respective line piece 2 - 8 thus has at one end a plug part and at the other end a socket part of the connector.

Conceivable and possible, for example, would be a plug-in connection of the pipe sections 2 - 8 via an intermediate coupling piece. In this case, the line sections 2-8 could be formed at both ends in the same way, so on both sides as a plug part or both sides as a female part of the connector, and the coupling piece could form on both sides of the corresponding counterpart of the connector. The connection to the third and fourth terminals 36, 37 of the probe head 14 would also be made in this case via a coupling piece.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a ground probe 1 designed in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment with an attached probe head 14. This ground probe 1 here comprises two plugged-together probe modules 11 of equal length. Of course, probe modules 11 of different lengths and / or a different number of probe modules 11 could also be present. The difference to the previously described embodiment consists in that the ground probe 1 is formed without an outer tube and a filling compound filled between the outer tube and the conduit system. The individual probe modules 11 and the foot piece 13 are thus formed without outer tube pieces and pouring compound filled in between. This embodiment of the ground probe 1 is suitable, for example, for insertion into a hole introduced into the ground, which has been produced, for example, by drilling, ramming, displacing, by a flushing method or combinations thereof, wherein after the introduction of the ground probe into the space between the ground hole and Erdsonde a pouring mass is filled. Likewise, the geothermal probe can be inserted into a cavity of a part introduced into the earth, for example a steel pipe or concrete pipe, or a pilot or foundation, which has been sunk off, in particular by ramming or vibrating.

The space between the ground probe and the earth probe receiving part is also poured with a pouring mass. Furthermore, incorporation into in-situ concrete during its liquid state is possible.

Another embodiment will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. For parts analogous to the previous embodiments, the same reference numerals are used. The geothermal probe is designed here as a so-called U-probe with side-by-side forward and return lines. A probe module 11 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The probe module comprises adjacent pipe sections which form sections 15, 16 of the forward and return lines. The pipe sections, for example, as shown formed as corrugated pipes, but could also be formed in a different form, for example in the form of smooth tubes or otherwise structured pipes, such as pipes with outwardly and / or inside projecting nubs.

The sections 15, 16 of the forward and return lines are received by an outer tube piece 17. The outer tube piece 17 projects beyond the sections 15, 16 at its two ends, but this depends on the configuration of the connector described below, which could also be formed in other ways, for example in an analogous manner as for the outer tube pieces of the coaxial Line system of the embodiments described above.

The space between the sections 15, 16 and the outer tube piece 17 is filled at least over a major part of its length with a pouring mass 19, which may be formed in the same manner as already described.

For flexible formation of geothermal probes of different lengths e- benso different lengths of probe modules 11 are available.

The probe modules 11 can be connected to one another by plug connections, as shown in FIG. 11. To connect the sections 15, 16 of two probe modules 11 are here used by pieces of pipe couplings 39, which are preferably formed for the connection of the sections 15 and 16 for the connection of the sections in the same way. A respective coupling piece 39 is preferably connectable with its upper end to the portion 15 and the portion 16 of the upper probe module 11 by a plug connection and connectable at its lower end to the portion 15 and the portion 16 of the lower probe module 11 by a plug connection. All connections are preferably made in the same way.

For example, such a connector is formed as shown by the fact that the sections 15, 16 are provided with end pieces 40, the locking tongues having inwardly projecting locking lugs 41. In the circumferential direction, at least two such locking tongues are present, which are released by slots in order to achieve a resilient design. Opposite the end of the slot further in the direction of the center of the section 15 or 16 lying is a sealing surface to rest one on the respective

End portion of the coupling piece 39 arranged seal 42 is formed. The coupling piece 39 further has in the respective end portion a, for example, by an annular groove, formed locking recess for the engagement of the locking lugs 41.

To connect the outer pipe pieces 17 of two assembled probe modules 11 is a coupling piece 43, which is formed for example of steel-reinforced plastic. The coupling piece 43 can be inserted into the ends of the outer pipe pieces 17 of the probe modules 11 to be connected. The insertion depth may be limited by stops 44, 45. The coupling piece 43 has through channels for the passage of the coupling pieces 39.

The coupling piece 43 thus forms plug-in connections with the outer tube pieces 17 of the two probe modules 11 to be connected, wherein the outer tube pieces 17 are centered relative to one another. In the connected state, the ends of the outer tube pieces 17 rest on one another.

The connectors for connecting the sections 15, 16 and the outer tube pieces 17 could also be formed in a different manner than shown. For example, the sections 15, 16 and / or the outer tube pieces 17 could also be connected directly by plug connections without the aid of coupling pieces 39, 43. Conveniently, at least one of the connectors, preferably a respective connector for the sections 15, 16, as the two parts interconnected by the connector in the closed state form-locking interconnected latching connection is formed.

The foot piece 13 shown in Fig. 13 is here formed by an arcuate pipe section, which with its one end to the portion 15 of the forward line and at its other end to the portion 16 of the return line of the probe module 11 by a respective connector is connected. The connectors are formed in the same manner as the connectors of the coupling pieces 39 with the sections 15 and 16 when connecting two probe modules 11, so preferably in turn positively locked in the closed state.

Instead, the foot piece 13 could be formed for example by a pot with two connecting pieces, which are connectable via such connectors to the sections 15, 16.

The outer tube piece of the lowermost probe module 11 protrudes down beyond the foot piece 13. At the end, for example, a plate-shaped ramming piece 33 is connected to the outer tube piece 17 to einzurammen or feed the ground probe 1 in the ground. The ramming piece 33 may also have a pyramidal or pointed shape downwards.

FIG. 14 shows a probe head 14 connected to the uppermost probe module 11. The first and second ports 34, 35 for connection to the sections 15, 16 of the forward and return lines are formed by pieces of pipe whose end portions are formed in the same manner as the end portions of the coupling pieces 39 to plug-in connections with the sections 15, 16 form.

The third and fourth terminals 36, 37 are formed in the manner already described with reference to FIG. 6. As also already described, between the third and fourth ports 36, 37 there is a passage 38 which is formed as an opening in a partition wall 46 and which has functions already described, such as the choice of probe flow and venting.

Another embodiment of a ground probe with a plugged-on probe head is shown in FIG. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, this geothermal probe has no external pipe lying outside the forward and return line. The ground probe is analogous to the earth probe shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for insertion into an existing, hole-shaped opening, see. the types of applications described in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8.

The probe modules 11 are here in the form of line pieces, which can form either a portion 15 of the forwarding of the ground probe or a portion 16 of the return of the probe. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the forward line and the return line each have two probe modules 11 of the same length. Of course, probe modules 11 of different lengths can be used to adjust the length of the ground probe as already described, and / or a different (even number) number of probe modules can be provided for achieving the desired length. The connections between the probe modules 11 are not shown in detail in FIG. 15. For example, a respective probe module 11 at one end could have a design such as the sections 15, 16 of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14 and at the other end a construction such as the coupling pieces 39 of this embodiment described above.

The lowermost probe module 11, which forms a section of the outfeed line 15, and the lowermost probe module 11, which forms a section of the return line 16, are connected to one another by a foot piece 13, whereby the forward and return lines of the ground probe 1 are connected to one another. The connection of the foot piece 13 with the probe modules 11 via plug connections, which are formed in the same manner as the connections between the probe modules 11.

The upper end of the probe module 11, which forms the uppermost portion 15 of the forward line, and the upper end of the probe module 11, which forms the uppermost portion 16 of the return line, are connected to first and second terminals 34, 35 of a probe head 14. In this case, plug connections are formed in the same way as the plug connections between probe modules 11.

The probe head 14 further has third and fourth ports for forming connectors with a supply and a discharge line. The third and fourth ports 36, 37 are connected together via a passage 38 in the manner already described.

FIG. 16 shows an upper section of a ground probe, for example in the form of a U-shaped probe, with a probe head attached, to which line sections 5, 6, 7 are plugged to form supply and discharge lines. The connection of the probe head 14 with the ground probe 1 is shown only schematically, but may for example be formed the same as shown in Fig. 14. The plug connections between the conductor pieces 5, 6 and the third and fourth terminals 36, 37 of the probe head 14 are likewise designed in the same way in the form of latching connections. The same connectors are also formed between individual line sections 6, 7, wherein the supply and / or discharge line to or from the ground probe 1 from a plurality of mated line sections 5 - 7 is formed.

The pipe sections 5-7 are formed in the form of corrugated pipes. Despite their good bendability, they have sufficient stability against the earth pressure acting on them. For example, the same corrugated pipes, to which a plug part is attached at one end and a socket part of the plug connection at the other end, can be used as a line piece of the supply and discharge line to or from the ground probe 1 and as a section 15, 16 and return of the geothermal probe are used. For connection of pipe sections 3 - 5 with each other and for connecting line sections 3 - 5 with the third and fourth terminals 36, 37 of the probe head 14, in turn, couplings can be used, the ends of which are mated with the parts to be joined. The line pieces 5 - 7 could have in this case at both ends an identically designed connector part.

A probe module according to a further embodiment is explained below with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. The difference from the probe module explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 is that a reinforced concrete tube is used as the outer tube piece 47, which adjoins the outer tube piece of the section of the conduit system of the probe module 11 forming the portion 16 of the return line. For this purpose, a basket made of reinforcing steel 48, 49, which surrounds the outer pipe section of the pipe system, is poured out with concrete in a tubular formwork. The longitudinally extending rod-shaped reinforcing steel parts 48 extend beyond the concrete-poured area and at their ends a pipe socket 50 is welded in each case made of steel. For connecting two probe modules 1 1 coupling pieces 51, 52 are used, which are plugged together at both ends with the sections 15, 16 of the forward and return lines to be joined. The mating with the outer pipe pieces coupling piece 52 is locked with these and sealed by a respective seal 24 pressure-resistant.

The front ends of the probe modules of FIG. 17, 18, 19 with the pipe socket 50 made of steel are connected when mated by a steel sleeve 53 and centered to each other.

The flow direction of the heat transfer medium has been described in the case of the probe modules with a coaxial structure so that the forward line through the inner tube and the return line through the outer tube takes place. It goes without saying that the flow direction for the heat transfer medium can also take place in the reverse direction.

Instead of the connectors described in the embodiments, other positive and / or non-positive connections could be used, for example, screw.

If in the context of this document of a positive and / or non-positive connection is mentioned, such could also be referred to as a positive and / or non-positive coupling. Such a connection or coupling can be releasably (separable) after closing or, for example by latching elements, insoluble. Furthermore, the connection or coupling can be formed without tools closable. L egende to the reference numbers:

1 ground probe 26 sleeve

2 line piece

3 line piece 28 stop

4 pipe section 29 pipe socket

5 pipe section 30 blank

6 pipe section 31 cover

7 line piece 32 outer pipe piece

8 pipe section 33 Rammstück

9 connector 34 first connection

10 plug connection 35 second connection

11 probe module 36 third connection

12 Probe module 37 fourth connection

13 feet 38 passage

14 Probe head 39 Coupling piece

15 Section 40 Tail

16 Section 41 Latch

17 outer pipe section 42 gasket

18 gap 43 coupling piece

19 pouring mass 44 stop

20 knob 45 stop

21 Bar 46 Partition

22 pipe socket 47 outer pipe piece

23 Plug part 48 Reinforcing steel

24 Seal 49 Reinforcing steel

25 latching tongue 50 pipe socket

51 coupling piece

52 coupling piece

53 steel sleeve

54 use

Claims

claims:

1. A system for forming geothermal probes (1) for absorbing thermal energy from the ground and / or for the delivery of thermal energy to the ground, which have a line system with a forward and a return line at the lower end of the ground probe (1 ) are interconnected, characterized in that the system probe modules (11, 12), of which in each case a portion (15, 16) of the forward and / or return line of the ground probe (1) is formed and by at least one form / or force-fit connection, preferably plug-in connection, are connectable to each other, and a foot piece (13) which forms a connecting the back with the return portion of the line system of the ground probe (1) and with the probe modules (11, 12) by means of at least a positive and / or non-positive connection, preferably plug connection, is connectable.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the system comprises probe modules (11, 12) of different lengths.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a respective probe module (1) both a portion (15) of the outgoing and a portion (16) of the return line of the ground probe (1) is formed, wherein in the connected state of two Probe modules (11, 12) the portions (15) of the outgoing line and / or the portions (16) of the return line by positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably

Plug connections are connected.

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sections (15, 16) of the forward and return line have a nested, preferably coaxial arrangement.

5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sections (15, 16) of the forward and / or return line of two probe modules (11, 12) for forming a plug connection are directly plugged together.

6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sections (15, 16) of the forward and / or return line of two probe modules by a coupling piece (39) are connectable to each other, which with the sections (15) of Hinleitung or with the sections (16) of the return line of the two probe modules (11, 12) can be plugged together.

7. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outward and return line of the ground probe (1) run side by side. ^•

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the probe modules (11, 12) have an outer tube piece (17), within which a portion of the conduit system of the ground probe (1) is accommodated, which tube pieces, of which Sections (15, 16) of the forward and return line are formed.

9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the outer tube pieces (17) of two probe modules (11, 12) by at least one positive and / or non-positive connection, preferably plug-in connection, are connectable to each other.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that both the forward and the return line by at least one positive and / or non-positive connection, preferably plug-in connection, are connectable to each other.

11. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in the connection of two probe modules (11, 12) at one end of the outer tube piece (17) of a respective probe module (11, 12) mounted pipe socket (29) in the other end of the probe module (11, 12) to be connected to this probe module (11, 12) can be inserted.

12. System according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a coupling piece (43) is present, which in the two ends of the outer pipe pieces (17) of the probe modules to be connected (11, 12) can be inserted.

13. System according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that a gap (18) between the outer tube piece (17) of a respective probe module (11, 12) and the conduit system of the probe module (1 1, 12) over at least a majority of its Longitudinal extent with a, preferably cement-bonded, pouring mass (19) is filled.

14. System according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the foot piece (13) has an outer tube piece (32), within which the portion of the conduit system of the ground probe (1) is arranged, of which the forwarding of the ground probe with the Return of the ground probe is connectable.

15. System according to claim 14, characterized in that in the connected state of the foot piece (13) with a probe module (11, 12) the outer tube piece (32) of the foot piece (13) with the outer tube piece (17) of the probe module (11, 12). by at least one positive and / or non-positive connection, preferably plug connection, is connected.

16. System according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that two interconnected probe modules (11, 12) by at least one in the closed

Condition latched connector are positively connected together.

17. System according to claim 16, characterized in that in an ineinanderliegen-, preferably coaxial, arrangement of the forward and return lines, the portions (16) of the return of the interconnected probe modules are positively connected to each other by a latched in the closed state connector.

18. System according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that outer pipe pieces

(17) of two interconnected probe modules (11, 12), within which a respective portion of the conduit system of the ground probe (1) is received, are positively connected to one another via a plug-in connection latched in the closed state.

19. System according to claim 1, characterized in that a foot piece (13) connected to a probe module (11, 12) is positively connected to the probe module (11, 12) by at least one plug-in connection latched in the closed state ,

20. System according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the system comprises a probe head (14), the first and second terminals (34, 35) for forming positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably connectors, with the Forward and return line of the ground probe (1) and third and fourth terminals (36, 37) for forming positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably plug-in connections, with the supply and discharge line to and from the earth probe (1) ,

21. System according to claim 20, characterized in that the probe head (14) has a third to the fourth terminal (36, 37) connecting passage (38) from which a bypass with respect to the ground probe (1) is formed.

22 Erdsondenanlage for receiving thermal energy from the ground and / or for the delivery of thermal energy to the soil, which at least one, in particular by a system according to one of claims 1 to 21, trained geothermal probe, which can be flowed through by a heat transfer medium a conduit system Having return lines, and a connecting line system (2-10), by means of which the heat transfer medium of a respective ground probe (1) via a supply to this probe (1) leading supply line is fed and via which the heat transfer medium from a respective ground probe (1) via one of this earth probe (1) leading away Discharge line is discharged, characterized in that the supply and discharge lines from each other by means of positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably connectors, connectable line pieces (2-8) are formed.

23. Ground probe system according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one of the supply and discharge lines more by means of positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably connectors (9, 10), interconnected line pieces (6-8).

24. Ground probe system according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the supply and discharge lines by means of positive and / or non-positive connections, preferably connectors (9, 10), connectable line pieces (2-8) of different lengths.

25. Earth probe system according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the line pieces (2-8) as well as probe modules (11, 12) for forming portions (15) of the forward line or for forming portions (16) of the return of at least one ground probe (1) can be used.

26. Earth probe system according to one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that the earth probe system comprises at least two earth probes connected in series (1).

27. Earth probe system according to one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that at least one ground probe (1) comprises at least two probe modules (11, 12)