Coaxial circulation-type power generation device and coaxial circulation-type power generation method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geothermal power generation systems face inefficiencies due to the use of steam as a moving medium, which leads to corrosion, erosion, and scale adhesion, reducing long-term usability and power generation capacity, especially when using hot springs as the heat source.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial circulation power generation device utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide as the moving medium, which circulates between a high-temperature zone and a low-temperature zone, employing a moving medium reservoir with rotor blades and a densification device to enhance power generation efficiency and mitigate corrosion issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is used as the moving medium in geothermal power generation, then the system can utilize heat from hot springs, but corrosion, erosion, and scale adhesion occur reducing long-term usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the moving medium by using supercritical carbon dioxide instead of steam. This parameter change eliminates the harmful effects of corrosion, erosion, and scale adhesion while maintaining the ability to transfer thermal energy effectively for power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs carbon dioxide as an inert moving medium that does not react corrosively with system components. The inert nature of CO2 creates a chemically stable environment that prevents the harmful interactions between steam and equipment, thereby improving long-term reliability.
2Productivity
If steam from hot springs is used as the moving medium, then power generation can proceed, but impurities and varying pH cause corrosion and scale adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by substituting steam with supercritical carbon dioxide. This substitution eliminates impurities and pH variability issues while maintaining the thermodynamic properties necessary for effective power generation, preventing loss of generation capacity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses carbon dioxide that can be continuously circulated and reused in the closed-loop system, replacing the degrading steam system. The CO2 maintains its chemical stability throughout operation, avoiding the progressive degradation seen with steam systems.
3Productivity
If additional wells are drilled to improve power generation efficiency, then more thermal energy can be utilized, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermodynamic parameters of the moving medium to supercritical state, which enhances heat transfer efficiency and enables effective utilization of thermal energy from a single well. This parameter change eliminates the need for additional wells while maintaining or improving power generation efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves power generation efficiency by effectively utilizing thermal energy from a heat source zone, reducing the need for additional pumping and maintaining chemical stability, thus extending the system's lifespan and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a moving medium supply unit (104) for supplying the moving medium to the moving medium storage tank (102)... a process for conducting and circulating the moving medium, which has become supercritical by the time it reaches the bottom of the moving medium reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a power generation unit (105) that generates electricity from a driving force of the moving medium flowing between a low-temperature zone above and the high-temperature zone below the moving medium reservoir, wherein the outer pipe and the inner pipe installed in the moving medium reservoir are equipped with rotor blades that rotate in opposite directions
Implementation Method 3
The moving medium supply unit (104) is equipped with a densification device to compress and cool the moving medium and change it to a high-density state
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Issue to be resolved: To provide a power generation device and a power generation method capable of improving power generation efficiency and circulate and use a moving medium. Resolution: A power generation unit is equipped with a moving medium storage tank located in a pit formed in a heat source zone, a moving medium supply unit for supplying the moving medium to the moving medium storage tank, and a power generator that generates power by driving the moving medium flowing between a low-temperature zone above the moving medium storage tank and a high-temperature zone below the moving medium storage tank. The coaxial circulation power generator includes an outer pipe connected to the moving medium supply unit and an inner pipe for circulating the moving medium, and the outer and inner pipes installed in the moving medium storage tank are equipped with rotating blades that rotate in opposite directions around the direction of flow of the moving medium.