| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080202119 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies - Applicant's preferred embodiment utilizes municipal wastewater effluent to replenish a depleted geothermal field. Condensate produced by expanding steam produced in the geothermal field through a steam turbine-generator may be pooled with cooked water collected from said field, and then directed through a penstock from a higher elevation to a lower elevation where further energy is extracted through a traditional hydroelectric turbine-generator. The cooked water and condensate may be treated to produce potable water and/or distributed for public consumption either before or after being directed to the hydroelectric turbine-generator. The effluent is pumped up to the geothermal field during off-peak periods of electric consumption, and the hydroelectric generation is accomplished during periods of peak electric demand. A fraction of the effluent may be used as cooling water for the steam turbine-generator and its associated condenser before injection into the geothermal field. At least a portion of the pipeline to transport the wastewater effluent is preferably routed along an undisturbed riverbed and/or through an excavated tunnel. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080216478 | INTEGRATION OF A WATER-SPLITTING PROCESS WITH PRODUCTION OF FERTILIZER PRECURSORS - Methods and apparatus for the integration of a water splitting process with the production of fertilizer precursors such as ammonia, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid are provided. At least one of heat and electricity from a power plant are used to split water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Nitrogen gas is provided by air separation. The hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas are used to produce ammonia. The ammonia and oxygen gas are used to produce nitric acid. The oxygen gas, water, and sulfur are used to produce sulfuric acid. Further disclosed is an apparatus for the production of nitric acid comprising a power plant and an apparatus for the production of nitric acid. Also disclosed is an apparatus for the production of sulfuric acid comprising a power plant and an apparatus for the production of sulfuric acid. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20090013690 | Hydrothermal energy and deep sea resource recovery system - A system that utilizes the naturally superheated fluids available from hydrothermal vents to harness the almost limitless quantities of heat energy they contain. It consists of one major system that has three parts: (i) funnel, (ii) pipes, and (iii) any combination of several mechanical attachments. The recovered heat energy will then be used to drive steam turbines or other equipment for electricity generation, water desalination, or any other thermal energy use. It could also be simultaneously or separately fed into resource recovery equipment for the recovery of valuable metals, minerals, and chemicals without system modification. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090071153 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENERGY STORAGE AND RECOVERY - Disclosed herein is a system for generating energy, comprising a first heat exchanger in communication with a first heat source; wherein the first heat exchanger contacts a transfer fluid that comprises a working fluid and an associating composition; and a first energy conversion device comprising a piston in reciprocatory communication with a cylinder; the cylinder comprising an inlet or an outlet valve in operative communication with a cam having multiple lobes; the cam permitting the expansion or compression of the working fluid in the cylinder two or more times in a single cycle. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090094981 | WIND TURBINE GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM - A wind turbine having a tower and a nacelle, includes at least one unit to be heated or cooled. The unit can be housed within the tower or nacelle. A geothermal heat exchanger can be located inside the tower or nacelle. A geothermal cooling circuit provides flow communication between the unit to be heated or cooled and the heat exchanger, and contains a thermal transfer medium flowing between the unit and the heat exchanger for facilitating heating or cooling of the unit. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090107143 | Apparatus and method for producing power using geothermal fluid - The present inventive subject matter is drawn to Apparatus for producing power using geothermal fluid comprising: a geothermal power plant for producing power using geothermal fluid; and heat means apparatus for utilizing heat present in said geothermal fluid to produce hydrogen for use in producing power. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090107144 | Method and system for generating power from a heat source - A method of generating power from a heat source, said method including: compressing ( | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090120090 | Geothermal power generation system and method for adapting to mine shafts - A geothermal power system for production of power, and in particular electrical energy, utilizing naturally occurring geothermal energy sources and a method for identifying and converting manmade and natural geological formations into a substantial source of energy and at the same time providing remediation of environmental and safety hazards. Utilizing surface air that is substantially cooler than the geothermal temperature of the subterranean cavern an induced air flow will be produced. This naturally induced air flow will be harnessed and provide the energy to the system power plants for production of electrical energy. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090205335 | DOMESTIC ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEM - In a domestic energy supply system, the thermal energy of the temperature difference between at least one heat source and at least one heat sink is converted into work by way of a thermal engine. The thermal engine has a fluid cycle with at least two reservoirs, which, in each case as a condenser to be cooled or an evaporator to be heated, are thermally coupled to the heat source or the heat sink. A working temperature difference between the reservoirs of approximately 10° to 200° C. is set at a working temperature of 30° to 280° C. The thermal engine has a hybrid motor in the form of a combination of a pressure media motor and an internal combustion engine, in which firstly a pressure difference of the fluid as a result of the working temperature difference is used for driving purposes and secondly fuel is combusted and converted into work. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling such a system. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090301087 | System and method for producing power from thermal energy stored in a fluid produced during heavy oil extraction - A system and method is disclosed for generating power from thermal energy stored in a fluid extracted during the recovery of heavy oil. The method includes the steps of vaporizing a working fluid in a binary cycle using thermal energy stored in the extracted fluid, converting the vaporized working fluid total energy into mechanical power using a positive displacement expander, and condensing the vaporized working fluid back to a liquid phase. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090320473 | MULTI-HEAT SOURCE POWER PLANT - According to present invention, a method is provided for operating a multi-heat source power plant using a low-medium temperature heat source fluid, wherein the multi-heat source power plant includes a turbine or expander run by an organic motive fluid, comprising preheating the organic motive fluid using the low-medium temperature heat source fluid and thereafter providing further heat from an additional heat source to vaporize the motive fluid which is supplied to the turbine or expander. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090320474 | HEAT RECOVERY FROM GEOTHERMAL SOURCE - Water, air, other fluid flows downwardly through a tube which extends from the surface of an underground mine to a number of conduits arranged in loops which extend into bore holes at or near the bottom of the shaft. The fluid in the conduits remains isolated from the walls of the bore holes to prevent contamination by minerals in the walls. The fluid remains in the conduits while its temperature rises by geothermal action. The heated fluid is then pumped through a second tube to a station at which the ambient temperature is lower than that of the fluid. Thermal energy is extracted from the heated fluid at the station. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090320475 | System and method of capturing geothermal heat from within a drilled well to generate electricity - A closed-loop, solid-state system generates electricity from geothermal heat from a well by flow of heat, without needing large quantities of water to conduct heat from the ground. The present invention contemplates uses for depleted oil or gas wells and newly drilled wells to generate electricity in an environmentally-friendly method. Geothermal heat is conducted from the Earth to a heat exchanging element to heat the contents of pipes. The pipes are insulated between the bottom of the well and the surface to minimize heat dissipation as the heated contents of the pipes travel to the surface. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100000214 | Petroleum-based Thermoelectric Energy Conversion System - A system for generating electrical energy based on a temperature differential between petroleum products extracted from a geothermal reservoir and water from a region of a body of water is disclosed. Some embodiments comprise a submerged pump and a submerged OTEC system, wherein the OTEC system provides locally generated electrical energy to the pump. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100000215 | ZERO EMISSION NATURAL GAS POWER AND LIQUEFACTION PLANT - A zero-emissions power plant receives natural gas from wells at elevated pressure and temperature. Gas is expanded through one or more turbo-expanders, preferably reformed, and sent to a fuel cell where electricity, heat, carbon-dioxide, and water are generated. The carbon-dioxide is compressed by at least one compressor and piped downhole for sequestration. The turbo-expanders have shafts which preferably share the shafts of the compressors. Thus, energy given up by the natural gas in the turbo-expanders is used to run compressors which compress carbon dioxide for downhole sequestration. In one embodiment, the natural gas is applied to heat exchangers in order to generate a stream of liquid natural gas. The remainder of the gas is expanded through the turbo-expanders and processed in the reformer prior to being sent to the fuel cell. A shifter may be used between the reformer and fuel cell. A solid oxide fuel cell is preferred. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100031652 | DEEP SEA GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM - A geothermal energy system utilizes geothermal heat under the floor of a body of water. The system includes at least one well having a top and a bottom. At least one well is drilled to a sufficient depth to access geothermal heat from one or more areas under the floor. The system further includes at least one energy converter operatively coupled to the well. The at least one energy converter is configured to convert the geothermal heat to another form of energy. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100043433 | Heat Balancer for Steam-Based Generating Systems - A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100071366 | Methods and Systems for Electric Power Generation Using Geothermal Field Enhancements - Methods for increasing the enthalpy of a geothermal brine, methods for recovering heat enthalpy stored in a geothermal brine, and methods for the production of a heated brine from a natural geothermal reservoir are provided. The methods may be incorporated into a geosolar electric power generation project to provide a steady and flexible source of renewable energy from a geothermal heat source in combination with solar insolation. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100077749 | ENERGY FROM SUBTERRANEAN RESERVOIR FLUID - A system includes a collection of water at a first elevation, an aquifer at a second elevation lower than the first elevation and one or more fluid communication channels that facilitate fluid communication between the collection of water and the aquifer. A turbine-generator is in one of the fluid communication channels to convert kinetic energy of fluid that has flown out of the collection of water into electrical energy. A fluid collection area is downstream of the turbine-generator that at least temporarily collects fluid that has passed through the turbine-generator. An injection pump is provided to pump fluid that has accumulated in the collection area into the aquifer. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100077750 | Atmospheric temperature difference power generator - This invention consists of a process for utilizing the atmospheric temperature variation with height to produce useful energy. It is accomplished by the use of a lighter than air condensable fluid or mixture of fluids circulating between heat exchangers at different altitudes, with a two phase flow return. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100154417 | Hybrid Power Solar Facilities - A hybrid power plant is disclosed wherein a first power plant produces secondary steam of a first, relatively low temperature using a renewable source of energy such as geothermal or solar. The steam from the renewable source plant is passed through a solar power plant that has an operating temperature higher than that of the first temperature which results in superheating the first temperature steam to the higher temperature in the higher temperature solar power plant. Higher efficiencies are obtained. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100180593 | System for Closed-Loop Large Scale Geothermal Energy Harvesting - This invention applies technologies and processes to effectively harvest geothermal energy on a large scale defined as electrical power production 100 kilowatts and above. This invention uses Seebeck materials hosted in an infrastructure of electrically inert and near thermally and chemically inert polymers and resins to survive in the very hot and chemically active deep well environments while producing large amounts of electrical power. The Seebeck materials are subjected to geothermal heat energy in the range of 0 to 500 degrees Celsius in the deep well which can be a pre-existing man-made or naturally existing hole or one drilled specifically for this purpose. The Seebeck materials convert the geothermal energy directly to electrical power which is transmitted to the surface through a wire array imbedded in our invention. This invention is closed loop below the surface and only interacts with the radiated subterranean geothermal energy (i.e., heat) and is, therefore, of absolute minimum environmental impact to the local geology. Seebeck materials can be metal, crystal, or liquid. Electric current is generated within the Seebeck materials through a temperature gradient which moves electrons resulting in substantial current. The hot-side is the outer structure of the device in the deep well. Electric current is initiated, maintained, and regulated by circulating a “cold”-side fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) down an inner pipe which returns to the surface on the cold side of the Seebeck material and carries exhaust heat to create the hot side for other Seebeck material arrays closer to the surface or to a cooling mechanism at the surface for re-circulation into the deep well. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100199667 | POWER GENERATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A power generation system includes a mixing unit for receiving and combining heated fluid from a heated fluid source and working fluid to form a vapor. The system also includes a condensation unit positioned at a location having a higher elevation than the heated fluid source. The condensation unit receives the vapor from the mixing unit through a first conduit and condenses the vapor into a liquid. The system further includes a turbine positioned at a location having a lower elevation than the condensation unit. The turbine receives the liquid condensed in the condensation unit through a second conduit. The turbine is driven by the liquid to generate electric power. The system also includes a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the liquid driving the turbine to the working fluid provided to the mixing unit. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100205960 | Systems and Methods for Combined Thermal and Compressed Gas Energy Conversion Systems - The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100212316 | Thermodynamic power generation system - A power generation system that includes a heat source loop that supplies heat to a turbine loop. The heat can be waste heat from a steam turbine, industrial process or refrigeration or air-conditioning system, solar heat collectors or geothermal sources. The heat source loop may also include a heat storage medium to allow continuous operation even when the source of heat is intermittent. In the turbine loop a working fluid is boiled, injected into the turbine, recovered condensed and recycled. The power generation system further includes a heat reclaiming loop having a fluid that extracts heat from the turbine loop. The fluid of the heat claiming loop is then raised to a higher temperature and then placed in heat exchange relationship with the working fluid of the turbine loop. The turbine includes one or more blades mounted on a rotating member. The turbine also includes one or more nozzles capable of introducing the gaseous working fluid, at a very shallow angle on to the surface of the blade or blades at a very high velocity. The pressure differential between the upstream and downstream surfaces of the blade as well as the change in direction of the high velocity hot gas flow create a combined force to impart rotation to the rotary member. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100223924 | HEAT ENGINE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A heat engine apparatus for use in association with a borehole and a method of operating a heat engine in association with a borehole. The apparatus includes a first heat exchanger assembly in fluid communication with a proximal segment of the borehole, a second heat exchanger assembly in fluid communication with a distal segment of the borehole, a circulation barrier for providing a seal between the apparatus and the borehole in order to isolate the proximal segment of the borehole and the distal segment of the borehole from each other, and a heat engine associated with the first heat exchanger assembly and the second heat exchanger assembly, wherein the heat engine is a gas phase closed cycle thermodynamic heat engine. The first heat exchanger assembly, the second heat exchanger assembly, the circulation barrier and the heat engine are all adapted to be inserted in the borehole. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100242474 | MULTI-HEAT SOURCE POWER PLANT - According to present invention, a method is provided for operating a multi-heat source power plant using a low-medium temperature heat source fluid, wherein the multi-heat source power plant includes a turbine or expander run by an organic motive fluid, comprising preheating the organic motive fluid using the low-medium temperature heat source fluid and thereafter providing further heat from an additional heat source to vaporize the motive fluid which is supplied to the turbine or expander. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100251710 | SYSTEM FOR UTILIZING RENEWABLE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY - In the system there is a geothermal facility ( | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100269501 | Control system to manage and optimize a geothermal electric generation system from one or more wells that individually produce heat - A control system manages and optimizes a geothermal electric generation system from one or more wells that individually produce heat. The control system includes heat sensors that measure temperature and fluid flow and are placed at critical points in the wells, in piping, in a hot fluid reservoir, in a cold fluid reservoir and in a cooling system. The control system also includes pump and valve controls, generator controls, a network for gathering information and delivering instructions, and a processing module that collects information and communicates control information to each component. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100275596 | SYSTEM FOR EXPLOITING THE THERMAL ENERGY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OCEAN - An apparatus for exploiting the thermal energy at the bottom of the ocean. The apparatus comprises a thermal energy harnessing assembly and a drilling assembly mounted thereto. The thermal energy harnessing assembly includes in-feed tube and out-feed tubes. The drilling assembly has openings in fluid communication with the in-feed tube and a thermal energy capturing conduit in fluid communication with the out-feed tube. When the drilling assembly engages a bottom surface of the ocean and fluid is introduced into the in-feed tube, fluid flows towards the drilling assembly and out of the openings at such a pressure as to drill into the bottom surface of the ocean allowing thermal energy to escape therefrom and to flow into the out-feed tube via the thermal energy capturing conduit. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100300091 | GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING POWER USING THE SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed to geothermal power generation systems. The systems can comprise a first separator is in fluid communication with the geothermal fluid source, the first separator having a high pressure steam outlet and a liquid fraction outlet. A high pressure turbine is in fluid communication with the high pressure steam outlet and is coupled to a first power generator. A high pressure condenser is in fluid communication with the high pressure turbine. A low pressure separator is in fluid communication with the liquid fraction outlet of the first separator, the low pressure separator being capable of separating steam from the liquid fraction outflow and providing low pressure steam through a low pressure steam conduit. A low pressure turbine is in fluid communication with the low pressure steam conduit, the low pressure turbine being coupled to a second power generator. A main condenser is in fluid communication with the low pressure turbine. Methods for generating geothermal power are also discussed. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300092 | GEOTHERMAL ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION METHODS AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEMS - Two Geothermal energy harnessing devices, steam producing System, electricity production Method and heat energy Method are invented for mining renewable geothermal heat energy within a non-polluting, re-circulating, closed cycle intended for electricity generating applications or for other direct or indirect heat uses. The devices, the “Geothermal Energy Collector” and the “Geothermal Energy Exchanger” can work with a Depressurized Mixing Container and a Pressurized Storage Container the entirety of which comprises “THE GEOTHERMAL FLUID HEATING OR STEAM PRODUCTION SYSTEM. The system serves other equipment, such as a phase separator, steam turbine, generator and condenser, which working together with the system comprises either “THE GEOTHERMAL ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION METHOD” or “THE GEOTHERMAL HEAT ENERGY METHOD”. The GEC or GEE can work alone or within a system to add heat to any fluid and to use the heated fluid to supplement any appropriate technology, to produce electricity or for other direct or indirect uses. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300093 | High-temperature dual-source organic Rankine cycle with gas separations - In a dual-source organic Rankine cycle (DORC), the condensed and slightly sub-cooled working fluid at near ambient temperature (˜300 K) and at low-side pressure (0.1 to 0.7 MPa) is ( | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300094 | SYSTEM FOR POWER GENERATION BY MEANS OF A STEAM POWER UNIT, AND METHOD THEREFOR - The invention relates to a system for power generation by means of a steam power unit, having a geothermal system part for utilizing geothermal energy, characterized in that a drying unit for material comprising agents that can evaporate is operationally coupled downstream of the steam power unit. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100319347 | SYSTEM FOR CONVEYING AND DECONTAMINATING GROUND WATER - The invention relates to a system for the exploitation of geothermal heat and for conveying and decontaminating ground water. Said system comprises a main pipe ( | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110000210 | Integrated System for Using Thermal Energy Conversion - In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for using heat to perform work, comprising: operating a first thermodynamic cycle wherein heat for a first working fluid is provided by combustion of a fuel-based (FB) energy source; operating a second thermodynamic cycle wherein heat for a second working fluid is from a combination of a non-fuel-based (NFB) energy source and waste heat from the first thermodynamic cycle. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110061382 | System and Method for Extracting Geothermal Energy From a Potentially Seismically Active Stratum, With Reduced Accompanying Seismic Disturbances - A closed loop system and method for extracting geothermal are disclosed. They do not fracture subterranean rock structures or let fluid into the structures or extract fluid from them, thereby lessening the risk of causing seismic disturbances and pollution of groundwater. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110067399 | GEOTHERMAL POWER SYSTEM - A geothermal system in deep, hot, dry rock has closed loop circulation, in which the water and steam circulating in the system are protected from any direct contact with the base rock. The system has a single L-shaped bore with a casing that lines the wellbore and has a sealed bottom end. A tubing within the casing has an open bottom end. Water or other liquid or gas is injected under pressure into the casing in the space between the casing and the tubing and is heated by the deep hot rock strata, creating heated liquid or gas which flows into the tubing through its open bottom end and is returned to the surface for use for heating, or in a power plant, or other applications. In a reverse configuration, the working fluid is injected into the tubing and is returned via the space between the casing and the tubing. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110100002 | PROCESS TO OBTAIN THERMAL AND KINETIC ENERGY FROM A GEOTHERMAL HEAT SOURCE USING SUPERCRITICAL CO2 - Methods and systems for extracting geothermal energy from an underground hot dry rock reservoir using supercritical carbon dioxide are disclosed. In a first step, the methods and systems utilize a heat exchanger in a binary system to heat a secondary fluid that is used to perform work. In a second step, the supercritical carbon dioxide is transferred to a pseudo turbine (e.g., a free-piston linear engine) to perform additional work through expansion. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110126539 | COMBINED GEOTHERMAL AND SOLAR THERMAL ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE SYSTEM - In a system where the thermal energy of a geothermal fluid is applied to an ORC system, the energy is enhanced by the use of solar energy to thereby increase the temperature of the fluid being applied by the ORC system. A single heat exchanger version provides for direct heat exchange relationship with the geothermal and solar fluids, whereas a two heat exchanger version provides for each of the geothermal and solar fluids to be in heat exchange relationship with the working medium of the ORC system. Control features are provided to selectively balance the various fluid flows in the system. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110138809 | OPERATING A SUB-SEA ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE (ORC) SYSTEM USING INDIVIDUAL PRESSURE VESSELS - A method and system for generating electrical power for sub-sea applications includes assembling each of the main components ( | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138810 | APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING POWER USING GEOTHERMAL LIQUID - Apparatus for producing power using geothermal liquid includes a geothermal power plant for producing power using heat contained in geothermal liquid supplied thereto; and heating means apparatus for heating a solution and producing a heated solution for use in a hydrogen producing unit with heat from heat depleted geothermal liquid exiting a vaporizer of the geothermal power plant, wherein the hydrogen producing unit produces hydrogen for use in producing power. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110167819 | Self-Contained In-Ground Geothermal Generator - A method of using geothermal energy to produce electricity by lowering a geothermal generator deep into a pre-drilled well bore below the Earth's surface. A self contained geothermal generator includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and an electric cable. The condenser includes a distributor chamber, a peripheral chamber and plurality of tubes disposed within the peripheral chamber. The peripheral chamber of the condenser surrounds the turbine, electric generator and distributor chamber departments and is cooled with a separate closed loop system. The condenser cools and converts exhausted steam back in liquid state and returns it back into the boiler for reheating. Water contained within the boiler is converted to high-pressure, super heated steam due to heat from hot rocks contained within a pre-drilled well bore. The steam is used to produce electric energy which is transported up to the ground surface by the electric cable. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110225971 | Method and Device to Remove Hydrogen Sulfide from Steam Condensate in a Geothermal Power Generating Unit - Ammonia sometimes present in geothermal steam increases the solubility of hydrogen sulfide in the steam condensate produced by the surface condenser in a steam cycle geothermal power generating unit by reacting with the hydrogen sulfide to produce nonvolatile ammonium bisulfide. The condenser vent gas also produced contains carbon dioxide. Contacting the steam condensate with the condenser vent gas at a pressure slightly greater than atmospheric causes carbon dioxide to dissolve in the condensate, decreasing pH and converting bisulfide ion back to hydrogen sulfide. Subsequently exposing the acidified condensate to condenser vacuum strips the hydrogen sulfide from the condensate, eliminating the need for further chemical treatment of the condensate to prevent air pollution. Hydrogen sulfide partitioning performance is further improved by converting the hydrogen sulfide in the vent gas to sulfur dioxide before contacting it with the condensate. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110239649 | Steam Characteristics Automatic Measuring Device and Geothermal Power-Generating Device - Provided is a steam characteristics automatic measuring device capable of automatically, ideally also continuously measuring the characteristics of steam taken from a production well, without being affected by interfering components, such as hydrogen sulfide gas and carbon dioxide gas contained in large quantities in steam taken from under the ground, which enables the operator to continuously understand the characteristics of steam and support a smooth operation of a geothermal power plant. The device has a silica monitor for measuring a concentration of silica included in a condensate obtained by cooling steam taken from under the ground; an electrical conductivity meter for automatically measuring the electrical conductivity thereof; a pH meter for automatically measuring the pH value thereof; and a data processing transmitter for automatically transmitting data measured by each of the monitor and meters. A geothermal power-generating device equipped with the steam characteristics automatic measuring device is also provided. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110252796 | ULTRA-HIGH-EFFICIENCY ENGINES AND CORRESPONDING THERMODYNAMIC SYSTEM - A thermodynamic system and method of producing useful work includes providing a working fluid and a fluid pump, or compressor, for pumping the working fluid in a cycle. A thermal input is provided for supplying heat to the working fluid. An expansion device downstream of the thermal input converts motion of the working fluid to useful work. A heat pump is provided. A number of different means of implementing the heat pump are presented, including direct transfer of working fluid mass flow. The heat pump pumps heat from one portion of the working fluid to another portion of the working fluid. For some applications, a regenerator, or recuperator, may be used to transfer heat from a high temperature portion of the working fluid to a lower temperature portion. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110277468 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING POWER USING GEOTHERMAL FLUID - A method for producing power using geothermal liquid produced from geothermal fluid extracted from a geothermal well includes: a) providing a geothermal power plant for producing power indirectly using heat contained in geothermal liquid supplied thereto and produced from geothermal fluid extracted from a geothermal well; and b) providing an indirect heat exchanger means for indirectly heating a solution using heat contained in heat depleted geothermal liquid exiting the geothermal power plant and indirectly transferring heat to the solution producing a heated solution that produces hydrogen for use in producing power. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20120000198 | GEOTHERMAL POWER-GENERATION SYSTEM - [Problem to be solved] To achieve a reduction in facility costs in a geothermal power-generation system. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120006022 | ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE WITH FLOODED EXPANSION AND INTERNAL REGENERATION - A heat engine system configured to extract thermal energy from a heat source, convert a first portion of the thermal energy to work using an expansion device, and reject a second portion of the thermal energy to a heat sink. The system utilizes a second fluid to inhibit a temperature drop of the first fluid within the expansion device. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120023940 | HIGH PERFORMANCE ORC POWER PLANT AIR COOLED CONDENSER SYSTEM - An air-cooled condenser system for an Organic Rankin Cycle power plant includes a support structure formed of a plurality of truss members that are coupled together in a spaced apart orientation to horizontally support a plurality of side-by-side condenser bundles. A plurality of fans are likewise supported by the truss members and are disposed above the condenser bundles to draw air across the condenser bundles. Each fan extends over at least two condenser bundles and preferably at least three bundles. An air plenum is provided to establish a minimum separation between each fan and its corresponding condenser bundles so as to fluidly couple each fan to at least two condenser bundles, while at the same time decoupling the air inlet and air exit for the system, thereby minimizing air recirculation. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120102948 | POWER GENERATION AND SPACE CONDITIONING USING A THERMODYNAMIC ENGINE DRIVEN THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL HEATING AND COOLING - A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120111004 | MODULAR ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEM - A modular energy harvesting system. The system preferably uses an organic Rankine cycle heat engine to recover energy from relatively low-temperature heat sources. The system is both modular and scalable. The components are preferably housed within shipping containers so that they may be easily transported by sea and over land. Two or more power harvesting modules may be assembled on a single site to increase the production capacity in a scalar fashion. Each of the integrated units preferably includes an oil-less turbine and motor. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120117967 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXTRACTING ENERGY - A method and apparatus for efficiently extracting geothermal energy from a subterranean thermal reservoir through a wellbore where the heat exchange fluid is introduced at a slower velocity than the velocity at which the fluid is extracted. The method and apparatus further comprises a gas zone near the top of the wellbore to reduce heat losses of the heat exchange fluid. A portion of the casing of the wellbore can directly contact the subterranean environment for improved thermal conductivity. Alternatively, a thermally conductive wall comprising a thermally conductive material can surround a potion of the casing of the wellbore. Further, the inner and/or outer surface of the pipes and conduits of the disclosed method and apparatus can include features that enhance the surface areas for improved heat transfer efficiency. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120124998 | System and Method for Generating Steam Using a Solar Power Source in Conjunction with a Geothermal Power Source - System and method for generating electrical power using a solar power system comprising pressurized pipes for transporting liquid water in conjunction with a geothermal power source. The pressurized pipes flow through solar collectors which concentrate light on the water flowing through the pipes. The pressurization in the pipes allows for the water to absorb large quantities of energy. The pressurized and heated water is then pumped to a heat exchanger where the thermal energy is released to produce steam for powering a steam turbine electrical generator. Thereafter, the water is returned to the solar collectors in a closed loop to repeat the process. In conjunction with the solar power system, heated water from the geothermal power source is directed through a second pipe that also traverses the heat exchanger to assist in the production of steam for powering the turbine electrical generator. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120144829 | DIRECT EXCHANGE GEOTHERMAL REFRIGERANT POWER ADVANCED GENERATING SYSTEM - A single closed loop direct exchange geothermal power production system that utilizes a refrigerant working fluid in at least one of three primary designs to generate electrical power from deep wells: with a first version of a direct exchange geothermal power generating system operating primarily on refrigerant vapor pressure; with a second version of a direct exchange geothermal power generating system operating primarily on liquid refrigerant gravitational pressure; and with a third version of a direct exchange geothermal power generating system operating primarily on both liquid refrigerant gravitational pressure and refrigerant phase change/expansion from a liquid to a vapor state. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120174581 | Closed-Loop Systems and Methods for Geothermal Electricity Generation - A system includes at least one pipe system defining a closed-loop fluid conduit configured to circulate a fluid into a cased well and through at least a portion of a subterranean thermal reservoir to heat the fluid. The system further includes a thermal power system coupled to the at least one pipe system and configured to generate electricity from heat carried by the fluid. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120234005 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO HARVEST ENERGY FROM THE EARTH - The present disclosure provides an engine assembly that is installed below the surface of the earth to harvest the thermal energy of the earth, using a working fluid in a closed loop system, and convert it into electricity, which can be commercialized at the surface. The subterranean engine comprises a hot region and a cold region, and a working fluid that moves between the two regions. The movement and efficiency of the working fluid operates the pistons that drive a generator coupled to the pistons, thereby generating electricity. The hot region of the engine is primarily powered by the geothermal energy. The engine can further incorporate renewable energy to improve the movement of the working fluid between the hot and cold regions. The system can further be used to store renewable energy below ground. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120260655 | GEOTHERMAL BINARY CYCLE POWER PLANT WITH GEOTHERMAL STEAM CONDENSATE RECOVERY SYSTEM - A geothermal based, binary cycle power plant is provided, comprising: a vaporizer for vaporizing pre-heated organic motive fluid by means of geothermal steam; two organic vapor turbines operating in parallel and coupled to a common generator, each of said turbines being driven by vaporized organic motive fluid supplied to each turbine; two recuperators for heating the organic motive fluid by means of a corresponding organic vapor turbine discharge; and two condensers for condensing heat depleted motive fluid exiting said two recuperators, respectively. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120279220 | HYBRID IMBEDDED COMBINED CYCLE | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120317980 | Universal heat engine - A universal heat engine is disclosed for converting energy from an input heat source to an output. The universal heat engine comprises a heat engine section and an output section. The heat engine section includes a heat engine bore receiving a heat engine piston. A heat engine valve assembly communicates with the heat engine bore for effecting reciprocal motion of the heat engine piston. The output section includes an output bore receiving an output piston. A piston rod interconnects the heat engine piston to the output piston. A control controls the heat engine valve assemblies to operate the heat engine section in accordance with a desired output from the output section. The heat source may comprise the burning of a petroleum product, a solar heat source, geothermal heat source or a byproduct heat source. The output may comprise a static or mobile air conditioning system or an electrical generator. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120324885 | GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT UTILIZING HOT GEOTHERMAL FLUID IN A CASCADE HEAT RECOVERY APPARATUS - A geothermal power system includes a steam turbine and a closed loop working fluid system having a preheater, a vaporizer, a superheater, an expander, a condenser, and a pump and a working fluid disposed to pass sequentially through the preheater, vaporizer, superheater, expander, condenser, and pump. Geothermal fluid is separated into a steam stream and a brine stream. The steam is expanded across the steam turbine to generate power, and thereafter exhaust from the steam turbine passes through the vaporizer to vaporize the working fluid. Geothermal brine is first used to heat vaporized working fluid in the superheater and is then used to preheat liquid working fluid in the preheater. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120324886 | Liquid Ring Rotating Casing Steam Turbine and Method of Use Thereof - A rotating liquid ring rotating casing gas turbine ( | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130014506 | DISTRIBUTION PIPELINE POWER PLANTAANM FLETCHER; PaulAACI RugbyAACO GBAAGP FLETCHER; Paul Rugby GBAANM WALSH; Philip P.AACI SolihullAACO GBAAGP WALSH; Philip P. Solihull GBAANM STEVENS; Aaron J.AACI DerbyAACO GBAAGP STEVENS; Aaron J. Derby GB - A distribution pipeline power plant, comprising:
| 01-17-2013 |
| 20130025278 | CASCADED POWER PLANT USING LOW AND MEDIUM TEMPERATURE SOURCE FLUID - The present invention provides a method for operating a plurality of independent, closed cycle power plant modules each having a vaporizer comprising the steps of serially supplying a medium or low temperature source fluid to each corresponding vaporizer of one or more first plant modules, respectively, to a secondary preheater of a first module, and to a vaporizer of a terminal module, whereby to produce heat depleted source fluid; providing a primary preheater for each vaporizer; and supplying said heat depleted source fluid to all of said primary preheaters in parallel. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130055714 | SELF-CONTAINED IN-GROUND GEOTHERMAL GENERATOR AND HEAT EXCHANGER WITH IN-LINE PUMP - A method of harnessing geothermal energy to produce electricity by lowering a geothermal generator deep into a pre-drilled well bore below the Earth's surface. The Self Contained In-Ground Geothermal Generator (SCI-GGG) includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and produces electricity down at the heat sources and transports it up to the ground surface by cable. The Self Contained Heat Exchanger (SCHE) is integral part of (SCI-GGG) system and can function independently. It consists of a closed loop system with two heat exchangers. No pollution is emitted during production process. There is no need for hydro-thermal reservoirs although not limited to hot rocks. It can be implemented in many different applications. The SCHE also includes an in-line water pump operatively coupled to the closed loop system and can be used in many different applications. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130081393 | CONDENSER FOR AXIAL FLOW EXHAUST TYPE STEAM TURBINE AND GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT HAVING THE SAME - A condenser for an axial flow exhaust type steam turbine having a condenser unit which condenses steam exhausted from the steam turbine as directly contacting cooling water from a spray nozzle, a cooling tower which generates the cooling water as receiving and accumulating water condensed by the condenser unit, a water circulating pipe which supplies water condensed by the condenser unit to the cooling tower, a water return circulating pipe which supplies the cooling water generated by the cooling tower to the condenser unit, and wherein a pump is arranged at the water return circulating pipe. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130091841 | MULTI CYCLE GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT - A multi cycle geothermal power plant ( | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130104545 | GEOTHERMAL ENERGY BATTERY AND EXCHANGER SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEATING AND COOLING | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130167530 | HEAT TAKE-OUT DEVICE - A heat take-out device comprising an external tube, an internal tube and a pressure resistance element is provided. The external tube defines an evaporating region, a condensing region and an adiabatic region. The internal tube is deposed within the external tube and separated from the external tube by a flow channel. The pressure resistance element is deposed within the flow channel and adjacent to a conjoint portion between the adiabatic region and the evaporating region. The length of the pressure resistance element is shorter than that of the adiabatic region. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130199180 | GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM WITH TURBINE ENGINES - A geothermal power generation system configured to generate power by suspending turbine engines over a pit exposing a geothermal energy source is disclosed. The geothermal power generation system may include a support structure sized to a pit and at least one turbine engine hanging below the support structure. One or more turbine engine deployment systems may be configured to move the turbine engine, i.e. raise or lower, such that a distance between the turbine engine and the geothermal energy source changes. In one embodiment, the turbine engine deployment system may be formed from a plurality of cables extending from a rotatable cable drum on the support structure and downward from a plurality of pulleys positioned along the pulley track. The support structure may also include a pulley track extending from the first base to the second base. One or more electrical transmission lines may extend from the turbine engine. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130199181 | CLOSED-LOOP GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM WITH TURBINE ENGINES - A geothermal power generation system configured to generate power by suspending turbine engines over a pit exposing a geothermal energy source is disclosed. The geothermal power generation system may include a support structure sized to a pit and at least one turbine engine hanging below the support structure. One or more turbine engine deployment systems may be configured to move the turbine engine, i.e. raise or lower, such that a distance between the turbine engine and the geothermal energy source changes. In one embodiment, the turbine engine deployment system may be formed from a plurality of cables extending from a rotatable cable drum on the support structure and downward from a plurality of pulleys positioned along the pulley track. The support structure may also include a pulley track extending from the first base to the second base. One or more electrical transmission lines may extend from the turbine engine. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130199182 | GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM WITH TURBINE ENGINES AND MARINE GAS CAPTURE SYSTEM - A geothermal power generation system configured to generate power by suspending turbine engines over a pit exposing a geothermal energy source is disclosed. The geothermal power generation system may include a support structure sized to a pit and at least one turbine engine hanging below the support structure. One or more turbine engine deployment systems may be configured to move the turbine engine, i.e. raise or lower, such that a distance between the turbine engine and the geothermal energy source changes. In one embodiment, the turbine engine deployment system may be formed from a plurality of cables extending from a rotatable cable drum on the support structure and downward from a plurality of pulleys positioned along the pulley track. The support structure may also include a pulley track extending from the first base to the second base. One or more electrical transmission lines may extend from the turbine engine. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130232973 | Geothermal energy collection system - This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130247569 | GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION - A valve arrangement ( | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130283791 | HYDROPOWER AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEM AND METHODS - A hydroelectric and geothermal system includes a fluid communication channel that includes a first portion that extends from the earth's surface toward a subterranean hot area, a second portion connected to the first portion and in thermal communication with the subterranean hot area, and a third portion connected to the second portion and that extends to the earth's surface. A first turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of a fluid flowing substantially under the influence of gravity in the first portion of the fluid communication channel into electrical energy. A second turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of a vapor flowing within or out from the third portion of the fluid communication channel into electrical energy. The system also includes a valve arrangement configured for manipulation to hold the fluid in the second portion of the fluid communication channel in thermal communication with the subterranean hot area to produce the vapor. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130283792 | Device and Method for Energy Supply for a Thermal Power Station System for a Building or a Vessel - A thermal power station system has at least one heat engine connected to at least one work receiver. The heat engine is arranged to be able to utilize a working fluid alternating between liquid and gas phase. In the heat engine is arranged at least one heat exchanger in thermal contact with at least one expansion chamber. A method is for energy supply to a building or a vessel. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130327042 | Thermodynamic power generation system - Disclosed is a power generation system that includes a heat source loop, a heat engine loop, and a heat reclaiming loop. The heat can be waste heat from a steam turbine, industrial process or refrigeration or air-conditioning system, solar heat collectors or geothermal sources. Heat from the heat source loop is introduced into the heat reclaiming loop or heat engine loop. The power generation system further includes a heat reclaiming loop having a fluid that extracts heat from the heat engine loop. The fluid of the heat reclaiming loop is then raised to a higher temperature and then placed in heat exchange relationship with the working fluid of the heat engine loop. The power generating system is capable of using low temperature waste heat that is approximately 150 degrees F. or less. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130333383 | PASSIVE HEAT EXTRACTION AND ELECTRICITY GENERATION - A closed-loop heat exchange system and related methods for harnessing subterranean heat energy from a subterranean zone having a passive heat transfer device with multiple operational modes for targeting hotspots within the subterranean zone and adjusting the rate of energy harnessed according to consumption demands. The system can also have at least one enhanced surface section for increasing the heat exchange efficiency and/or a variable pump for controlling the rate at which the working fluid travels through the passive heat transfer device. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140013744 | UNDERGROUND WATER-MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR MINES - The invention relates to an underground liquid-management system for mines for generating and/or storing energy, for storing and/or cleaning liquids located in the mine, comprising: at least one first store, which is formed by a cavity of the mine, at least one second store, the bottom of which is arranged above the bottom of the first store, at least one line connecting the stores in order to conduct the liquid, at least one pumping device for conveying the liquid through the lines from the first store into the second store, and a geothermal device at least for operating the pump. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140026568 | TRENCH-CONFORMABLE GEOTHERMAL HEAT EXCHANGE RESERVOIRS AND RELATED METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The disclosure describes trench-confirmable geothermal reservoirs that can snugly abut trench walls (that may be of virgin, compacted earth) for facilitating heat exchange and flow liquid from one lower end to an opposing top end, and vice versa, depending on desired heat exchange. The direction can be reversed for summer and winter heat/cooling configurations. A series of the reservoirs may be used for appropriate heat transfer. The water volume of the reservoirs is relatively large and slow moving for good earth heat conduction. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140047836 | System and Method of Capturing Geothermal Heat From Within a Drilled Well to Generate Electricity - A closed-loop, solid-state system generates electricity from geothermal heat from a well by flow of heat, without needing large quantities of water to conduct heat from the ground. The present invention contemplates uses for depleted oil or gas wells and newly drilled wells to generate electricity in an environmentally-friendly method. Geothermal heat is conducted from the Earth to a heat exchanging element to heat the contents of pipes. The pipes are insulated between the bottom of the well and the surface to minimize heat dissipation as the heated contents of the pipes travel to the surface. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140102094 | GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD USING HEAT EXCHANGE BETWEEN WORKING FLUID AND MOLTEN SALT - A geothermal power generation system using heat exchange between working fluid and molten salt includes a heat collecting unit. A plurality of molten salt containing units are disposed in the ground at predetermined intervals from each other. A heat exchanging unit transfers a heat source of the heat collecting unit to the molten salt in the plurality of molten salt containing units. A plurality of working fluid containing units respectively surround the molten salt containing units and are disposed in the ground at predetermined intervals from each other. A turbine unit is connected to the plurality of working fluid containing units, and generates mechanical energy using steam energy that is generated by the plurality of working fluid containing units. A power generating unit is connected to the turbine unit, and generates electrical energy using the mechanical energy. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140102095 | GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM AND METHOD USING HEAT EXCHANGE BETWEEN WORKING GAS AND MOLTEN SALT - A geothermal power generation system using heat exchange between working gas and molten salt includes a heat collecting unit. A plurality of molten salt containing units are disposed in a heat transferring unit at predetermined intervals from each other. A heat exchanging unit transfers a heat source of the heat collecting unit to the molten salt in the plurality of molten salt containing units. The heat transferring unit is disposed in the ground. Working gas which receives the heat source of the molten salt via heat exchange enters and exits the heat transferring unit. A turbine unit is connected to the heat transferring unit, and generates mechanical energy using energy of the working gas. A power generating unit is connected to the turbine unit, and generates electrical energy using the mechanical energy. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140116044 | Deep Sea Thermal Energy Mining - A method and apparatus for heating fluids with the earth's internal energy released through the vents of the ridge expansion zones in the planet's seas. The whole apparatus is conformed of three main parts: components located on a large barge include the main pump, a water filtering system, a pressure regulating valve. The second part contains long concentric tubes of constant diameter handing from the barge and defining outer and inner fluid channels through which cool water flows down while heated water flows up. The third part is a heat exchanger attached at the bottom of the long concentric tubes, which is placed over a thermal vent in the ocean floor. Crust fracturing may be used to stimulate the vent's flow by injecting high pressure water through wells that may be vertical, inclined or directional. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140116045 | GEOTHERMAL ASSISTED POWER GENERATION - In a coal fired power plant ( | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140123643 | EQUIPMENT AND METHOD TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY BY DRAWING HIGH TEMPERATURE GEOTHERMAL - This invention is to give an applicable and effective equipment and method to generate electricity by drawing high temperature geothermal based on principle of heatpipe. It includes an evaporator ( | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140123644 | HEAT-ELECTRICITY COMBINED PRODUCTION SYSTEM THAT UTILIZES SOLAR ENERGY AND GEOTHERMAL HEAT - A heat-electricity combined production system includes: a solar cell module in which a flow path through which a heat source side heating medium heated by solar heat flows, is formed and which generates electricity by solar light; a geothermal heat exchanger that absorbs geothermal heat through the heat source side heating medium; a heat pump including a heat source side heat exchanger that performs heat-exchange between the heat source side heating medium and a refrigerant and a load side heat exchanger that performs heat-exchange between the refrigerant and a load side heating medium; a controller that control the heat source side heating medium to pass through both the solar cell module and the geothermal heat exchanger; and a plurality of pipes that connect the solar cell module, the geothermal heat exchanger and the heat pump. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140150427 | GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM FOR REGULATING TEMPERATURE OF PAVEMENT AND SUPERSTRUCTURES - A geothermal system is provided. The geothermal system may include a superstructure with at least one geothermal concrete layer, a geothermal source, a heat exchange system, a transfer medium, a distribution system having at least one pump, and a plurality of in-feed piping circuitously connected to a plurality of return piping, both embedded within the geothermal concrete layers. The heat exchange system may bring the transfer medium into contact with the geothermal source so as to convey its heat to the transfer medium. The at least one pump may pump the transfer medium throughout the distribution system, wherein the temperature of the superstructure may be regulated. A user may operate the distribution system to provide sufficient transfer medium to cure the geothermal concrete layer at a near ideal heat of hydration. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140165563 | Treated Brine Compositions With Reduced Concentrations of Potassium, Rubidium, and Cesium - This invention relates to treated geothermal brine compositions containing reduced concentrations of silica, iron, and potassium compared to the untreated brines. Exemplary compositions of the treated brine contain a concentration of silica ranging from about 0 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg, a concentration of iron ranging from about 0 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, and a concentration of potassium ranging from about 300 mg/kg to about 8500 mg/kg. Other exemplary compositions of the treated brines also contain reduced concentrations of elements like rubidium, cesium, and lithium. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140174081 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POWER GENERATION USING A HYBRID GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT INCLUDING A NUCLEAR PLANT - A hybrid geothermal power system is discussed. The system includes a geothermal system including power plant ( | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140202151 | Hybrid Air-Cooled Condenser For Power Plants and Other Applications - A hybrid air-cooled condenser system. The system may be provided by converting one among the many air-cooled condensers or condenser bays of a conventional condenser system to an evaporative cooler or condenser. The evaporative condenser may be plumbed in the condenser system to be in series in the vapor path with, upstream or downstream of, the air-cooled condensers. In one embodiment, the working fluid flows from an output or discharge header of the air-cooled section or assembly of the hybrid condensing system to an inlet of the evaporatively cooled section, e.g., to one or more evaporative coolers or condensers. In one modeled geothermal power plant, the condensing load on the air-cooled section was reduced by 50 percent when compared to a fully air-cooled condenser system. The condenser arrangement may be used to improve summer time performance of geothermal power plants. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140260246 | DISPATCHABLE POWER PLANT AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - The present invention provides a method for producing load-following power using low to medium temperature heat source fluid comprising the steps of reducing the power level produced by a Rankine cycle power plant producing load-following power operating on a low to medium temperature heat source fluid during one period of time; storing heat not used during the first period of time; and using the heat stored for producing power during a second period of time. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140260247 | BI-FIELD SOLAR GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM - A bi-field solar geothermal system and method. A ground source geothermal heat pump system comprises two discrete hot and cold loops operated in conjunction with solar panels. Heat acquired from the solar panels is stored in a hot geothermal loop for use during colder weather. The alternative use of cooled fluid, passed through the solar panels, enables removal of heat from a cooled geothermal loop for use during hot summer months. The system comprises a valve system in working communication with the hot geothermal loop and the cold geothermal loop and a control system for controlling the operation of valves and determining when to switch from the hot geothermal loop to the cold geothermal loop. The system further may comprise a hydronics system, an energy recovery ventilation system, sensors for measuring temperature, dew point, flow rates, humidity, occupancy, light levels and other system data and for automatically balancing system operations for maximum efficiency and radiant panels for providing radiant heat to the building or absorbing radiant heat from sources in a structure. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140298806 | Hybrid Thermal Power and Desalination Apparatus and Methods - Rankine Cycle power generation facility having a plurality of thermal inputs and at least one heat sink, where the heat sink includes a thermal chimney or a natural convective cooling tower. In a preferred embodiment, the power facility generates electricity and/or fresh water with a zero carbon footprint, such as by using a combination of solar and geothermal heating to drive a Rankine Cycle heat engine. In one embodiment, a thermal stack is mounted in the base of the thermal chimney, the thermal stack for using waste heat from the plurality of thermal inputs to drive a natural convective flow of air in the thermal chimney, the convective flow having sufficient momentum to drive additional power generation in an air turbine mounted in the chimney and to drive an evaporative cycle for concentratively extracting fresh water from geothermal brines. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20150007565 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING POWER FROM TWO GEOTHERMAL HEAT SOURCES - A method for producing power from two geothermal heat sources includes: separating a first geothermal fluid from a first geothermal heat source into geothermal vapor comprising steam and non-condensable gases, and geothermal brine; supplying the geothermal vapor to a vaporizer; vaporizing a preheated motive fluid using heat from the geothermal vapor, wherein the heat content in the geothermal vapor exiting the flash tank is only enough to vaporize the preheated motive fluid in the vaporizer; expanding the vaporized motive fluid in a vapor turbine producing power and expanded vaporized motive fluid; condensing the expanded vaporized motive fluid to produce condensed motive fluid; and preheating the condensed motive fluid in a preheater using heat from a second geothermal fluid from a second geothermal heat source having a lower temperature and salinity content that the first geothermal fluid, thereby producing the preheated motive fluid, make-up water and heat-depleted geothermal brine. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150033738 | METHOD OF EXTRACTING ENERGY FROM A CAVITY CREATED BY MINING OPERATIONS - An energy-extracting mine ventilation system comprises: a ventilation unit for conditioning the intake air of a mine; a network of pipes installed in at least one cavity of the mine, the network of pipes comprising a geothermal fluid circulating therethrough wherein the network is in contact with a minefill material within the cavity and a rock mass; wherein the minefill material transfers energy between the rock mass of the at least one cavity and the thermal fluid; and a heat exchanger unit in fluid communication with the network of pipes and extracting the energy from the thermal fluid The heat exchanger unit is configured to transfer extracted energy directly or indirectly to the ventilation unit in order to condition the intake air of the mine, The extracted energy can be used in a variety of other applications, such as district heating, acid leaching, and water heating. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150068205 | STEAM TURBINE PLANT - The object of the present invention is to carry out a highly efficient power generation or to efficiently use an exhaust heat of a low temperature. A steam turbine plant includes a steam turbine | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150075164 | CASCADED POWER PLANT USING LOW AND MEDIUM TEMPERATURE SOURCE FLUID - The present invention provides a method for operating a plurality of independent, closed cycle power plant modules each having a vaporizer comprising the steps of: serially supplying a medium or low temperature source fluid to each corresponding vaporizer of one or more first plant modules, respectively, to a secondary preheater of a first module, and to a vaporizer of a terminal module, whereby to produce heat depleted source fluid; providing a primary preheater for each vaporizer; and supplying said heat depleted source fluid to all of said primary preheaters in parallel. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150096298 | PRESSURE POWER SYSTEM - The invention relates to energy conversion and generation systems, and more specifically, to a system and method of generating and converting energy by way of a pressure differential in a working fluid. A Pressure Power System is described comprising a cold sub-system, a warm sub-system, a work extraction system, and a hydraulic pump arranged in a closed loop. The cold sub-system and the warm sub-system are respectively maintained at lower and higher temperatures relative to one another, so that a Working Fluid circulated through the closed loop by the pump, will have different equilibrium vapor pressures in the two sub-systems. The different respective state functions of the Working Fluid results in two different levels of elastic potential energy, and subsequently, a pressure differential between the two sub-systems. A work extraction system is positioned between the two sub-systems to convert the elastic potential energy/pressure differential into useful kinetic energy. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150107243 | Power Tower - System and Method of Using Air Flow Generated by Geothermal Generated Heat to Drive Turbines Generators for the Generation of Electricity - Apparatus is provided having one or more SWEGS that may be configured to heat air in a draft power tower arrangement. In a closed loop, cold fluid may be pumped into the SWEGS and heated to a temperature in a range of e.g., 100° C.-300° C., and hot fluid pumped out of the SWEGS. This fluid flows through a heating element (e.g., a radiator or specially designed heat exchanger) that heats the air in the draft power tower arrangement. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150107244 | SELF-CONTAINED IN-GROUND GEOTHERMAL GENERATOR AND HEAT EXCHANGER WITH IN-LINE PUMP AND SEVERAL ALTERNATIVE APPLICATIONS - A method of harnessing geothermal energy to produce electricity without polluting the environment by using universal portable closed loop systems is provided. The Scientific Geothermal Technology, The Self Contained In-Ground Geothermal Generator; The Self Contained Heat Exchanger; and The IN-LINE PUMP consist of several designs and variations complementing each other and/or operating separately in many different applications in energy sectors. The system can be used for harnessing heat from established lava (tube) flows; harnessing the waste heat from the flame on top of flare stacks; and other situation where a source of heat is difficult to access or is not suitable for relatively heavy equipment of a power plant or power unit. Also, included is an exemplary use for restoration of the Salton Sea which implements the Scientific Geothermal Technology for exchanging water from a salty terminal lake with oceanic water and for production of electricity and fresh water. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150113986 | COMBINED POWER AND HEAT PUMP SYSTEM USING A COMMON WORKING FLUID - A thermodynamic system and method for performing work includes a working fluid and a fluid pump for pumping the working fluid through a cycle. A thermal input supplies heat to the working fluid. An expansion device downstream of the thermal input converts at least the heat of the working fluid to useful work. A heat exchanger downstream of the expansion device has a first portion to transfer heat from downstream said expansion device to a second portion at or upstream of said thermal input. A conversion device expands the working fluid with constant enthalpy from a higher to a lower pressure. The conversion device may be part of a heat pump pumping heat from one portion of said working fluid to another portion of the working fluid. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150113987 | INTEGRATED RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ASSET SYSTEM - An integrated renewable energy and asset system is provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises: an existing parking lot positioned adjacent to a building structure, wherein the existing parking lot has an associated pattern; bore holes that are formed into the existing parking lot, wherein the bore holes are organized based on the pattern of the existing parking lot; vertical columns inserted into at least a first portion of the bore holes, wherein: crossbeams are installed on an upper portion of a vertical column to form a support structure; and a canopy is connected to the crossbeams, wherein the canopy is formed from multiple attached photovoltaic modules and thermal tubes are integrated with the photovoltaic modules; geothermal tubes that capture thermal energy are inserted into at least a second portion of the bore holes, wherein each of the thermal tubes and each of the geothermal tubes is connected to a geothermal heat pump and wherein each of the thermal tubes is connected to the geothermal heat pump; and a hardware processor that is configured to: receive sensor information from sensors disposed on the canopy; determine whether to direct at least a portion of the thermal energy captured using the geothermal tubes to the solar thermal panels based on the received sensor information; and cause the heat captured using the geothermal tubes to be directed to the solar thermal panels based on the determination. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150121867 | SCALE SUPPRESSION APPARATUS, GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATION SYSTEM USING THE SAME, AND SCALE SUPPRESSION METHOD - A scale suppression apparatus capable of suppressing in a low-priced manner the generation of silica-based scale and calcium-based scale in the influent water containing at least a silica component and a calcium component, a geothermal power generation system using the same, and a scale suppression method are provided. The scale suppression apparatus includes a chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit injecting liquid containing a chelating agent and an alkaline agent into a pipe arrangement through which influent water such as geothermal water or the like flows, and a controller controlling a pump and a valve of the chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit. The controller controls the injection of the chelating agent and the alkaline agent and stops of the injection based on the signal output from a scale detection unit for detecting a precipitation state of the scale. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150135709 | CASCADED POWER PLANT USING LOW AND MEDIUM TEMPERATURESOURCE FLUID - The present invention provides a method for operating a plurality of independent, closed cycle power plant modules each having a vaporizer comprising the steps of serially supplying a medium or low temperature source fluid to each corresponding vaporizer of one or more first plant modules, respectively, to a secondary preheater of a first module, and to a vaporizer of a terminal module, whereby to produce heat depleted source fluid; providing a primary preheater for each vaporizer; and supplying said heat depleted source fluid to all of said primary preheaters in parallel. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150300327 | Enhanced Geothermal Systems and Methods - The present invention relates to systems and methods of intelligently extracting heat from geothermal reservoirs. One geothermal well system includes at least one injection well extending to a subterranean formation and configured to inject a working fluid into the subterranean formation to generate a heated working fluid. At least one production well extends to the subterranean formation and produces the heated working fluid from the subterranean formation. A production zone defines a plurality of production sub-zones within the subterranean formation and provides fluid communication between the at least one injection well and the at least one production well. Each production sub-zone is selectively accessed in order to extract heated working fluid therefrom and thereby provide a steady supply of heated working fluid to the surface. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150345482 | GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT FACILITY, METHOD FOR OPERATING A GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT FACILITY, AND METHOD FOR INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF A GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANT FACILITY - The disclosure relates to a geothermal power plant facility, in particular utilizing the ORC method, wherein an and aspect thereof is that, for condensing the working fluid leaving a turbine, an air-cooled condenser and a water-cooled condenser are provided, which are connected in parallel to one another. A further aspect of some embodiments is a method for operating a geothermal power plant facility, wherein a step of the method is the separation of the working fluid to be condensed and the subsequent separate relay of the partial volume flows of the working fluid to an air-cooled condenser, on the one hand, and to a water-cooled condenser, on the other hand. Finally, a further aspect of some embodiments is a method for retrofitting a conventional geothermal power plant facility, additionally incorporating a water-cooled condenser which is connected in parallel to an air-cooled condenser. | 12-03-2015 |
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