Geothermal Power Plant Integrated with Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing hydrogen using geothermal energy are expensive and inefficient, with geothermal power plants operating at a fixed production level, and room temperature electrolysis requiring high energy, making them cost-ineffective and inflexible to meet varying power demands.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that integrate geothermal energy with electrolysis by using geothermal heat to preheat a solution for electrolysis, producing hydrogen and oxygen, which can be stored and used to adjust power generation according to demand, utilizing the pressure of these gases for pumping geothermal fluids and generating power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If geothermal power plants operate at a constant flow rate, then the system is simple to operate, but the production level is fixed and cannot meet varying power demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the geothermal fluid flow rate variable rather than constant. The system adjusts the flow rate dynamically based on power demand conditions, allowing the plant to operate efficiently during both peak and off-peak hours. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while enabling adaptability to varying demand through controlled variable flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of geothermal fluid flow rate from a fixed constant to a variable parameter. By adjusting this parameter according to power demand, the system achieves both ease of operation and adaptability. The flow rate is modified within specific ranges to optimize efficiency while meeting varying electrical power requirements.
2Device complexity
If room temperature electrolysis is used, then the equipment is simple, but the energy requirements are high making it expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the electrolysis process from room temperature to elevated temperatures (utilizing geothermal heat). This parameter change reduces the energy requirement for electrolysis by approximately 20-30% while maintaining relatively simple equipment. The geothermal heat source provides the necessary thermal energy, making the process more cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses geothermal heat to preheat the electrolyte solution, allowing the electrolysis process to operate at elevated temperatures without requiring additional external heating equipment. The geothermal resource essentially serves itself by providing both the process heat and the electrical power (through turbines), reducing overall energy requirements and equipment complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If geothermal heat is used to preheat solution for electrolysis, then energy requirements are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the geothermal power generation system with the electrolysis hydrogen production system into a single integrated facility. The geothermal fluid serves dual purposes: generating electrical power through turbines and providing process heat for electrolysis. This combination reduces overall system complexity compared to operating two separate systems, while significantly reducing energy requirements for hydrogen production.
Solution Approach 2:
The geothermal fluid is given multiple functions: it generates electrical power through the turbine system, heats the electrolyte solution for electrolysis, and can be adjusted in flow rate to meet varying power demands. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and equipment, thereby reducing overall complexity while achieving energy 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
This integration increases efficiency, allows for flexible operation during peak and off-peak hours, reduces energy requirements, and eliminates the need for high-pressure hydrogen and oxygen storage, enabling the use of geothermal energy more effectively and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
heating means apparatus for heating a solution for use in electrolysis with heat from geothermal fluid
Implementation Method 2
electrolysis means apparatus for producing hydrogen by electrolysis of said heated solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventive subject matter is drawn to an apparatus for producing power using geothermal liquid comprising: a geothermal power plant for producing power using heat contained in geothermal liquid supplied thereto; and heating means apparatus for heating a solution and producing a heated solution for use in an electrolysis unit with heat from heat depleted geothermal liquid exiting a vaporizer of the geothermal power plant, wherein the electrolysis unit produces hydrogen for use in producing power.