Method and apparatus for producing power from geothermal fluid
US6298663A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E20/16
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for utilizing geothermal fluid comprising a two-phase mixture of geothermal steam and brine produced by a production well, includes an input conduit connecting the production well with the separator which separates the geothermal fluid into high pressure geothermal steam and geothermal brine. A connecting conduit connects the separator to a geothermal power plant which produces power from the high pressure geothermal steam. The input conduit is shorter than said connecting conduit to reduce pressure losses due to two-phase flow in the input conduit. The geothermal power plant includes a topping steam turbine coupled to a generator, and a flow control mechanism for applying the high pressure geothermal steam to the topping steam turbine which is constructed and arranged to drive the generator and produce exhaust steam at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. A secondary separator receives the exhaust steam and produces condensate and dry low pressure steam which is applied to a condensing steam turbine coupled to a generator for producing power and exhaust steam that is below atmospheric pressure. The flow control system is effective to maintain a substantially con…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.