Method of and apparatus for producing power from solar ponds
US4894993A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S203/18
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Power is produced by a power plant using a salt-water solar pond comprising an upper wind-mixed layer, a halocline and a lower convective heat storage layer. The power plant includes a heat engine for utilizing heat present in the heat storage layer of the solar pond and a condenser, which preferably is cooled by liquid droplets. In accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention the power plant is positioned within the solar pond and a flash evaporator is used in the heat engine to produce steam which is supplied to a turbine connected to a generator, the heat depleted steam exiting from the turbine and being cooled by liquid droplets in a direct-contact condenser. The size of the droplets is selected such that the heat extracted in the condenser penetrates the majority of the liquid content of most of the droplets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.