Energy production for complex geothermal waters
US4202177A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 1977 |
| Grant date | May 13, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of obtaining energy in useful form utilizing complex geothermal waters as a source of energy, the method comprising the steps of initially maintaining pressure on the hot geothermal waters to prevent vaporization, directly contacting the hot waters with at least one immiscible working fluid to effect a transfer of the heat energy from the geothermal waters to the working fluid. The heat transfer contact is preferably made in a multiple stage counter-current contact centrifuge, mixer-settlers, or a column. Solid phase heat transfer between the water and fluid may alternatively be employed such as by the use of heat pipes. The heated working fluid is thereafter separated from the geothermal waters, subjected to multiple stage vaporization and the resulting vapors are channeled to a turbine or similar working device to produce electricity. The spent working vapors are cooled and/or condensed to be recycled within the system. Optionally, dissolved chemicals present in the complex waters may be recovered from the cooled waters after the heat transfer and separation steps of the foregoing process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.