Patent · US Expired

Method of and apparatus for producing power using geothermal fluid

US5664419A · kind A · utility

25Cited by
4References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 24, 1994
Grant dateSep 9, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 24, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/10
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Power is produced using a two-phase geothermal fluid, utilizing a separator for separating the geothermal fluid into a steam branch and a brine branch. A vaporizer, containing an organic fluid, is responsive to the steam in the steam branch for producing vaporized organic fluid and cooled steam. A preheater receives the brine in the brine branch and steam condensate from the vaporizer for transferring sensible heat to the organic fluid before the brine and steam condensate are disposed of. An organic vapor turbine is responsive to the vaporized organic fluid produced by the vaporizer for generating electricity and producing organic vapor that exits the turbine. A recuperator is provided for receiving the organic vapor that exits the turbine and heating liquid organic fluid, thereby producing heat depleted organic fluid. A condenser is responsive to the heat depleted organic fluid for condensing the same into liquid organic fluid. Finally, a pump is provided for pumping liquid organic fluid in the condenser back into the vaporizer through the recuperator and the preheater.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.