Steam turbine closed loop geo-thermal cooling

Abstract

A power generation system for generating electricity using a steam turbine engine that yields high-pressure steam has been developed using a preferably non-toxic coolant circulating in a closed loop that passes through a rock and earth aquifer, for directly and / or indirectly condensing the low-pressure steam from the low-pressure side of the steam turbine into a liquid phase for re-circulation to the steam turbine, whereby the coolant acts to dissipate the heat from the low-pressure steam through the aquifer to the rock and earth encasing the aquifer. In one embodiment a containment shroud is employed to recycle condensing water utilized to condense the condensing vapor emitted from a steam condenser. In a second embodiment a sealed steam condenser is utilized through which the low-pressure steam passes, and water (or other suitable fluid) from an enclosed condensing water reservoir, through which the coolant is circulated, is employed to condense the low-pressure steam in the steam condenser. In yet another embodiment, the coolant is introduced directly into the steam condenser. In a further embodiment an intermediate refrigeration system pump is employed together with the coolant, for condensing the low-pressure steam.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Applicant claims priority with respect to the instant application to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 086,845 filed Aug. 8, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 148,808 filed Jan. 30, 2009. Each of the aforementioned priority applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to the field of steam turbines, and, in particular, employing preferably a non-toxic coolant that is circulated through a closed loop system passing through a rock and earth aquifer for condensing low-pressure steam from the low-pressure side of a steam turbine employed for generating electricity.[0004]2. The Prior Art / The Issues[0005]Conventional commercial electrical power generation is often achieved using a heat engine such as a steam turbine in which high-pressure steam is expanded in a turbine driving a generator to produce electricity. Frequentl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026]Geo-Cool technology uses a high boiling (BP) point heat transfer fluid to cool the steam quench water and condense it to the liquid phase where, as described in this document, it is reclaimed and recycled rather than allowing it to be vented to the atmosphere. A high BP heat transfer fluid is used because it will rise to a higher temperature without vaporizing. Vapor in the heat transfer system would result in blocked flow, similar to vapor lock in an automobile's fuel system. It also will absorb more heat and thereby increase the efficiency of the heat transfer process.

[0029]1. a new and useful system and method for conservation of and substantially minimizing the amount of water that is drawn;

[0032]4. a new and useful system and method for reducing operating costs for power plants that must treat surface water to produce steam condensing water;

[0034]6. a new and useful system and method for in some applications entirely eliminating the need for cooling water, and;

[0035]7. a new and useful system and method for minimizing the amount of water employed reducing the amount of potential pollution of water systems.

Problems solved by technology

Water from many of these aquifers is unsuitable for consumption or irrigation and could be used as for heat transfer to the rock encasing the aquifer.

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