초록 ▼

A method and equipment for increasing the efficiency of a heat pump is the subject of the present invention. The method comprises providing an underground pathway for air travel, forcing a quantity of air through the pathway for operation of the heat pump, and directing air emanating from the underg

A method and equipment for increasing the efficiency of a heat pump is the subject of the present invention. The method comprises providing an underground pathway for air travel, forcing a quantity of air through the pathway for operation of the heat pump, and directing air emanating from the underground pathway to the heat pump inlet. The equipment of the invention comprises a heat pump, an underground conduit presenting an elongated path for accommodating the flow of air therethrough for heat exchange purposes with the earth, with the outlet of the underground conduit being disposed for directing air toward the heat pump.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of operating a heat pump having only a single inlet for air from which heat is to be extracted, said air inlet being disposed outside of a building to be heated or cooled, said method comprising: providing an underground pathway for air travel, said pathway having an inlet and an outlet and

A method of operating a heat pump having only a single inlet for air from which heat is to be extracted, said air inlet being disposed outside of a building to be heated or cooled, said method comprising: providing an underground pathway for air travel, said pathway having an inlet and an outlet and being located at a level beneath the surface of the ground where the temperature is substantially constant; coupling said underground pathway outlet with said heat pump inlet whereby air for said heat pump is provided solely by said pathway; and forcing a quantity of air through said pathway for operation of said heat pump.