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Liquid metal heat exchanger for efficient heating of soils and geologic formations

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1014189
Apparatus for efficient heating of subterranean earth includes a well-casing that has an inner wall and an outer wall. A heater is disposed within the inner wall and is operable within a preselected operating temperature range. A heat transfer metal is disposed within the outer wall and without the inner wall, and is characterized by a melting point temperature lower than the preselected operating temperature range and a boiling point temperature higher than the preselected operating temperature range.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725;
Assignee:
UT-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Number(s):
7,665,524
Application Number:
US Patent Application 11/536,988
OSTI ID:
1014189
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English