A combined system for thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control in geothermal hot spring pools

By installing insulation walls and pulsating heat pipes combined with thermovoltaic power generation devices in the hot spring pool, the problem of utilizing shallow hot spring geothermal resources is solved, the cascade utilization of hot spring thermal energy and water temperature control are realized, the heat extraction efficiency and system stability are improved, and it is suitable for hot spring resorts.

CN119582647BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-30SHENZHEN UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411732843.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-29
Publication Date
2025-09-30
Estimated Expiration
2044-11-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies make it difficult to effectively utilize shallow hot spring geothermal resources, especially medium and low-temperature geothermal resources, resulting in resource waste. Traditional geothermal power generation technology is difficult to apply in the field of shallow hot springs. Construction implementation is difficult, the heat pipe heat extraction is limited, and the system is difficult to operate stably for a long time.

Method used

A combined system of geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control is adopted, and the thermal insulation wall in the hot spring pool is used to separate it into a hot spring power generation cell and a convalescent pool. Combining pulsating heat pipes and thermovoltaic power generation devices, the evaporation section of the pulsating heat pipe works in the hot spring power generation cell, and the condensation section is connected to the cold water radiator to the thermovoltaic power generation chip, which uses temperature difference to generate electricity, and the hot spring water temperature is adjusted through a temperature control valve system.

Benefits of technology

It realizes the cascade utilization of hot spring thermal energy, improves the heat extraction efficiency and system flexibility, is suitable for hot spring resorts, provides electricity supply and regulates water temperature, achieves a win-win situation of green environmental protection and economic benefits, and is suitable for hot spring resorts across the country.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a combined system for thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control in a geothermal hot spring pool, comprising a hot spring pool and a thermovoltaic power generation device. The hot spring pool is provided with an insulation wall, which separates the hot spring pool into a hot spring power generation unit and a hot spring therapy pool via the insulation wall. The thermovoltaic power generation device is provided in the hot spring power generation unit. The hot spring power generation unit is provided with a geothermal water inlet, through which high-temperature geothermal water enters the hot spring power generation unit. The hot spring therapy pool is provided with a temperature control valve system, which is used to control the temperature of the hot water entering the hot spring therapy pool. The present invention innovatively integrates pulsating heat pipes and thermovoltaic power generation technology, fully utilizing natural hot spring thermal energy. Before lowering the temperature to a comfortable human body temperature, it maximizes the temperature difference between hot spring water and cold water, utilizes pulsating heat pipes to effectively increase the heat exchange area and heat extraction, and simultaneously employs thermovoltaic power generation chips to directly convert the hot spring thermal energy into electrical energy, thus achieving the dual functions of hot spring water temperature regulation and geothermal power generation.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of heat energy collection and utilization, and in particular to a combined system for thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control in a geothermal hot spring pool. Background Art

[0002] Currently, existing mature geothermal power generation technologies are mainly used for the development of medium- and deep-layer high-temperature geothermal resources and are difficult to apply to surface hot springs with lower temperatures. my country is mainly based on medium- and low-temperature geothermal resources, especially shallow hot spring geothermal resources, which are rich and widely distributed. Currently, they are mainly developed through extensive models such as bathing and health care, and have not been fully utilized, resulting in a huge waste of resources. In recent years, the development of geothermal energy using gravity heat pipes has received widespread attention at home and abroad. Existing geothermal development usually uses a single ultra-long heat pipe (>1000m). It is necessary to use ultra-long gravity heat pipes to extract high-temperature geothermal heat through deep geothermal drilling. The construction and implementation are difficult, and the limited heat exchange area in the borehole limits the heat extraction of the heat pipe, making it difficult for the system to operate stably in the long term. Due to the low temperature of the surface hot spring heat source, neither traditional geothermal power generation technology nor the emerging single heat pipe heat extraction technology has yet to be directly applied to the shallow hot spring field and is difficult to apply directly. There is an urgent need to develop comprehensive utilization technology solutions for hot spring geothermal power generation.

[0003] Therefore, the present invention provides a geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control combined system to achieve a hot spring cascade utilization and development model that organically combines hot spring power generation with bathing and recuperation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control combined system to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a combined system for thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control in a geothermal hot spring pool, comprising a hot spring pool and a thermovoltaic power generation device; a thermal insulation wall is provided in the hot spring pool, and the hot spring pool is divided into a hot spring power generation cell and a hot spring therapy pool by the thermal insulation wall, and the thermovoltaic power generation device is provided in the hot spring power generation cell; a geothermal water inlet is provided in the hot spring power generation cell, and high-temperature geothermal water enters the hot spring power generation cell through the geothermal water inlet; a temperature control valve system is provided in the hot spring therapy pool, and the temperature control valve system is used to control the temperature of water entering the hot spring therapy pool.

[0006] Preferably, the thermovoltaic power generation device includes a pulsating heat pipe, which includes an evaporation section, an insulation section and a condensation section; the evaporation section of the pulsating heat pipe is arranged in the hot water of the hot spring power generation cell, and the condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe is provided with a cold water radiator, and a plurality of thermovoltaic power generation chips are installed between the condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe and the cold water radiator, and the two sides of the thermovoltaic power generation chip are respectively attached to the condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe and the cold water radiator; the water outlet of the cold water radiator is connected to the hot spring therapy pool through the temperature control valve system.

[0007] Preferably, a microscopic capillary structure is provided on the inner wall of the pulsating heat pipe, and the microscopic capillary structure is arranged along the axial direction of the pulsating heat pipe.

[0008] Preferably, copper sheets are fitted on both sides of the condensing section of the pulsating heat pipe, the thermovoltaic power generation chip is fixedly mounted on the copper sheets by bolts, and the side of the thermovoltaic power generation chip away from the copper sheets is fitted with the cold water radiator.

[0009] Preferably, thermally conductive silicone sheets are provided on both sides of the thermovoltaic power generation chip.

[0010] Preferably, the temperature control valve system includes a cold water temperature control valve, a hot water temperature control valve and a temperature sensor, the cold water temperature control valve and the hot water temperature control valve are both installed on the thermal insulation wall, the hot spring power generation unit and the hot spring therapy pool are connected through the hot water temperature control valve, the cold water temperature control valve is arranged at the water outlet end of the cold water radiator, and the temperature sensor is installed in the hot spring therapy pool.

[0011] Preferably, a plurality of the thermovoltaic power generation chips are connected in parallel or in series to form a thermovoltaic power generation module, and the thermovoltaic power generation module charges the power storage device through a DC-DC converter and a charging protection circuit.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects:

[0013] The combined geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control system provided by this invention targets the widespread and potentially vast development potential of resort hot spring resources. It fully utilizes the natural hot spring heat source and the resort's existing cold water source. Before cooling the natural hot spring to a comfortable temperature for humans, it maximizes the temperature difference between the hot spring's thermal energy and the regulating cold water source. The integrated pulsating heat pipe and thermovoltaic power generation technology directly converts some of the thermal energy into electricity to power resort entertainment equipment, thus achieving a cascaded utilization model for hot spring thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control heating. The coordinated operation of the pulsating heat pipe and thermovoltaic power generation chip not only effectively improves the overall heat extraction efficiency of the equipment, but also enhances system flexibility and technical feasibility. This system is particularly suitable for the combined cascade utilization of thermal energy in shallow-surface hot spring resorts, achieving a win-win situation for both environmental protection and economic benefits.

[0014] This invention utilizes pulsating heat pipe technology based on a microchannel design. Compared to the ultra-long gravity heat pipe technology currently under development for deep geothermal drilling, it offers advantages such as greater flexibility, simplicity, stability, reliability, and higher heat extraction efficiency. Its design and operational characteristics are suitable for hot spring resorts across the country, and it holds broad application prospects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view of the combined system for thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control of a geothermal hot spring pool according to the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 A top view of the combined system for thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control of a geothermal hot spring pool according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the thermovoltaic power generation chip of the pulsating heat pipe condensation section of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a microscopic diagram of the pulsating heat pipe of the geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control combined system of the present invention;

[0020] In the figure: 1. Hot spring pool; 1.1. Hot spring power generation cell; 1.2. Hot spring spa pool; 1.3. Insulation wall; 1.4. Cold water temperature control valve; 1.5. Hot water temperature control valve; 1.6. Temperature sensor; 1.7. Geothermal water inlet; 1.8. Ordinary valve; 2. Thermovoltaic power generation device; 2.1. Pulsating heat pipe; 2.1.1. Microscopic capillary structure; 2.2. Copper sheet; 2.3. Bolt; 2.4. Thermovoltaic power generation chip; 2.5. Cold water radiator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features of the embodiments may be combined with each other. The embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the present invention provides a combined system for thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control in a geothermal hot spring pool, comprising a hot spring pool 1 and a thermovoltaic power generation device 2; a thermal insulation wall 1.3 is provided in the hot spring pool 1, and the hot spring pool 1 is divided into a hot spring power generation cell 1.1 and a hot spring therapy pool 1.2 by the thermal insulation wall 1.3, and the thermovoltaic power generation device 2 is arranged in the hot spring power generation cell 1.1; a geothermal water inlet 1.7 is provided in the hot spring power generation cell 1.1, and a common valve 1.8 is provided in the geothermal water inlet 1.7, and high-temperature geothermal water enters the hot spring power generation cell 1.1 through the geothermal water inlet 1.7; a temperature control valve system is provided in the hot spring therapy pool 1.2, and the temperature control valve system is used to control the temperature of water entering the hot spring therapy pool 1.2.

[0023] When used, the present invention, through the use of the thermovoltaic power generation device 2, can achieve large-scale power generation and regulate the hot spring water temperature in hot spring resorts. The device is relatively compact and suitable for small and medium-sized venues such as hot spring resorts. Furthermore, the thermovoltaic power generation device 2 can effectively draw heat from the hot spring geothermal area and achieve temperature control in the hot spring area, laying the foundation for subsequent on-site applications.

[0024] A further optimized solution is to generate electricity using hot spring thermal energy through a pulsating heat pipe 2.1. The thermovoltaic power generation device 2 includes a pulsating heat pipe 2.1, which includes an evaporation section, an insulation section, and a condensation section. The evaporation section of the pulsating heat pipe 2.1 is arranged in the hot water of the hot spring power generation cell 1.1. The condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe 2.1 is provided with a cold water radiator 2.5. A common valve 1.8 is installed at the inlet end of the cold water radiator 2.5. A plurality of thermovoltaic power generation chips 2.4 are installed between the condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe 2.1 and the cold water radiator 2.5. The two sides of the thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 are respectively attached to the condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe 2.1 and the cold water radiator 2.5. The water outlet end of the cold water radiator 2.5 is connected to the hot spring spa pool 1.2 through a temperature control valve system.

[0025] In a further optimized solution, a microscopic capillary structure 2.1.1 is provided on the inner wall of the pulsating heat pipe 2.1, and the microscopic capillary structure 2.1.1 is arranged along the axis of the pulsating heat pipe 2.1, thereby improving the heat extraction performance of the pulsating heat pipe 2.1 through capillary force.

[0026] To further optimize the solution, in order to ensure that the thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 can fully fit with the pulsating heat pipe 2.1, increase the heat transfer area, and effectively improve the power generation, copper sheets 2.2 are installed on both sides of the condensing section of the pulsating heat pipe 2.1. The thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 is fixed to the copper sheet 2.2 by bolts 2.3, and the side of the thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 away from the copper sheet 2.2 is fitted with the cold water radiator 2.5.

[0027] To further optimize the solution, in order to enhance the heat transfer performance between the pulsating heat pipe 2.1 and the cold water radiator 2.5, thermal conductive silicone sheets are provided on both sides of the thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4.

[0028] To further optimize the plan, in order to achieve uninterrupted power generation in the hot spring at a stable temperature, the temperature control valve system includes a cold water temperature control valve 1.4, a hot water temperature control valve 1.5 and a temperature sensor 1.6. The cold water temperature control valve 1.4 and the hot water temperature control valve 1.5 are both installed on the insulation wall 1.3. The hot spring power generation unit 1.1 and the hot spring therapy pool 1.2 are connected through the hot water temperature control valve 1.5. The cold water temperature control valve 1.4 is set at the water outlet of the cold water radiator 2.5, and the temperature sensor 1.6 is installed in the hot spring therapy pool 1.2.

[0029] To further optimize the solution, multiple thermovoltaic power generation chips 2.4 are connected in parallel or in series to form a thermovoltaic power generation module, which charges the power storage device through a DC-DC converter and a charging protection circuit.

[0030] The combined system of geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control provided by the present invention has the following working principles:

[0031] The present invention utilizes a pulsating heat pipe 2.1 to absorb heat energy from the initial high-temperature water of the hot spring, transfers the heat to a thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 for power generation, and simultaneously maintains a moderate temperature of the hot spring water through a temperature control valve system. Compared with traditional heat pipes, the designed pulsating heat pipe 2.1 and the thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 have a larger heat transfer area. The pulsating heat pipe 2.1 has a microscopic capillary structure 2.1.1 that can extract more heat energy, effectively increasing power generation, and has good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, allowing the equipment to operate stably for a long time.

[0032] Thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 uses temperature differences to generate electricity. The initial high temperature of the hot spring and the cold water in the radiator provide a stable temperature difference. By installing the thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 on the pulsating heat pipe 2.1, this temperature difference can be effectively converted into electricity to power the hot spring resort's street lights, audio equipment, and tourists' mobile phones.

[0033] The entire system design takes into account factors such as the fluctuating hot spring water temperature and ambient temperature. Thermal insulation wall 1.3 and a temperature-controlled valve system are installed in hot spring pool 1 to ensure stable and efficient operation under various conditions. The system monitors hot spring water temperature and power generation efficiency in real time, automatically adjusting the flow of hot and cold water and the equipment's operating status to ensure optimal system performance. Late at night, when there are no visitors, the temperature-controlled valve system can be closed to maximize the use of the hot spring's thermal energy.

[0034] The combined system for thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control of geothermal hot spring pools provided by the present invention is mainly aimed at the development of hot spring geothermal energy in hot spring resorts. It innovatively integrates a pulsating heat pipe 2.1 and thermovoltaic power generation technology, making full use of the high-temperature thermal energy contained in natural hot springs. Before the temperature needs to be lowered to a comfortable temperature for the human body, the natural temperature difference between the natural hot spring and the regulating cold water is maximized. The pulsating heat pipe 2.1 is used to effectively increase the heat exchange area and heat intake. At the same time, a thermovoltaic power generation chip 2.4 is used to directly convert the hot spring thermal energy into electrical energy, providing charging and power supply services for hot spring resort infrastructure, electronic entertainment equipment, etc., and simultaneously realizing the dual functions of hot spring power generation and bathing water temperature control, thereby improving the comprehensive utilization efficiency of hot spring thermal energy and creating a green, friendly and sustainable hot spring resort environment.

[0035] The present invention innovatively proposes pulsating heat pipe technology, which does not require deep geothermal wells. It can flexibly add loops according to actual needs and arrange them around the hot spring pool, thereby increasing the heated area of ​​the evaporation section of the pulsating heat pipe, and then increasing the amount of heat extracted by the pulsating heat pipe, which is suitable for various hot spring resorts. Compared with traditional systems, the loop pulsating heat pipe of the present invention does not need to rely on dedicated geothermal wells, and can directly draw heat from shallow hot spring pools. It has low construction costs and can effectively increase geothermal power generation. In addition, the present invention also has the function of adjusting the temperature of the hot spring pool in real time. It does not require an external cold source. It fully utilizes the temperature difference between the cold and hot sources before adjusting the water temperature to achieve power generation, and then adjusts the temperature of the hot spring pool, further optimizing the stability and efficiency of the power generation process. Thermovoltaic power generation can be used for entertainment equipment such as music and street lights in hot spring resorts, saving energy in hot spring resorts and promoting the sustainable development of the hot spring industry.

[0036] The above are only preferred specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or replacements that can be easily thought of by any technician familiar with this technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control combined system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a hot spring pool (1) and a thermovoltaic power generation device (2); a thermal insulation wall (1.3) is provided in the hot spring pool (1); the hot spring pool (1) is divided into a hot spring power generation cell (1.1) and a hot spring therapy pool (1.2) by the thermal insulation wall (1.3); the thermovoltaic power generation device (2) is provided in the hot spring power generation cell (1.1); a geothermal water inlet (1.7) is provided in the hot spring power generation cell (1.1); high-temperature geothermal water enters the hot spring power generation cell (1.1) through the geothermal water inlet (1.7); a temperature control valve system is provided in the hot spring therapy pool (1.2); the temperature control valve system is used to control the temperature of water entering the hot spring therapy pool (1.2); The thermovoltaic power generation device (2) comprises a pulsating heat pipe (2.1), and the pulsating heat pipe (2.1) comprises an evaporation section, an insulation section, and a condensation section; the evaporation section of the pulsating heat pipe (2.1) is arranged in the hot water of the hot spring power generation cell (1.1); the condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe (2.1) is provided with a cold water radiator (2.5); a plurality of thermovoltaic power generation chips (2.4) are installed between the condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe (2.1) and the cold water radiator (2.5); two sides of the thermovoltaic power generation chip (2.4) are respectively attached to the condensation section of the pulsating heat pipe (2.1) and the cold water radiator (2.5); the water outlet of the cold water radiator (2.5) is connected to the hot spring therapy pool (1.2) through the temperature control valve system; The temperature control valve system comprises a cold water temperature control valve (1.4), a hot water temperature control valve (1.5) and a temperature sensor (1.6); the cold water temperature control valve (1.4) and the hot water temperature control valve (1.5) are both installed on the thermal insulation wall (1.3); the hot spring power generation unit (1.1) and the hot spring therapy pool (1.2) are connected via the hot water temperature control valve (1.5); the cold water temperature control valve (1.4) is arranged at the water outlet of the cold water radiator (2.5); and the temperature sensor (1.6) is installed in the hot spring therapy pool (1.2).

2. The geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control combined system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The inner wall of the pulsating heat pipe (2.1) is provided with a microscopic capillary structure ( 2.1.1), the microscopic capillary structure (2.1.1) is arranged along the axial direction of the pulsating heat pipe (2.1).

3. The geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control combined system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: Copper sheets (2.2) are fitted on both sides of the condensing section of the pulsating heat pipe (2.1), the thermovoltaic power generation chip (2.4) is fixedly mounted on the copper sheets (2.2) via bolts (2.3), and the side of the thermovoltaic power generation chip (2.4) away from the copper sheets (2.2) is fitted on the cold water radiator (2.5).

4. The geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control combined system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: Thermally conductive silicone sheets are provided on both sides of the thermovoltaic power generation chip (2.4).

5. The geothermal hot spring pool thermovoltaic power generation and water temperature control combined system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: A plurality of the thermovoltaic power generation chips (2.4) are connected in parallel or in series to form a thermovoltaic power generation module, and the thermovoltaic power generation module charges the power storage device through a DC-DC converter and a charging protection circuit.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Ultrasonic pulsating heat pipe radiator with temperature difference power generation driving and temperature early warning functions

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