In-Ground Geothermal Generator With Closed-Loop Steam Condensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geothermal energy utilization is limited to shallow hydrothermal reservoirs, and there is a need for an effective method to harness the vast heat resources accessible through current drilling technology in deeper hot rock formations.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, in-ground geothermal generator system that includes a boiler, turbines, a gearbox, an electric generator, a condenser, and a cooling system, which can be lowered into pre-drilled wells to utilize heat from hot rocks, producing continuous electric energy and using a closed-loop cooling system to efficiently manage heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional geothermal power plants are built, then electricity can be generated from shallow hydrothermal reservoirs, but the technology cannot effectively harness heat from deep hot dry rock formations
Solution Approach 1:
The geothermal generator is divided into multiple separable components including a boiler section, turbine section, generator section, and condenser section that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to various geological conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The generator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate with steam from hydrothermal reservoirs, convert heat from hot dry rock formations, and generate electricity through different operational modes. This multi-functionality enables adaptation to diverse geological conditions without requiring entirely different systems
2Quantity of substance
If wells are drilled deep into hot dry rock formations, then access to vast heat resources is achieved, but the cost and technical difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The generator components are prepared and assembled on the surface before being lowered into the well. The boiler section is pre-filled with water, and all components are tested and configured in advance, reducing the complexity of in-situ assembly and making deep well installation more feasible
Solution Approach 2:
The generator components are designed to be nested within each other or placed sequentially in the well bore. The boiler, turbine, generator, and condenser sections can be lowered in a coordinated manner, with smaller components fitting within or alongside larger ones, optimizing space utilization in deep wells
3Loss of energy
If a closed-loop cooling system is implemented, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the system requires additional water circulation infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is integrated with the generator components, with the condenser section directly incorporated into the generator assembly. The cooling water circulation system is merged with the steam cycle, allowing heat rejection to occur within the same well bore, reducing the need for separate surface cooling infrastructure
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 system enables the production of relatively cheap and clean electric energy from geothermal resources, not limited to shallow reservoirs, and can replace fossil fuels and nuclear power, offering a sustainable energy solution for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
converting heat into superheated steam
Implementation Method 2
steam is used to produce electric energy
Implementation Method 3
turbines, an electric generator
Implementation Method 4
The shaft from the turbines to the generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy
Implementation Method 5
condenser with a system of tubes for returning water back into the boiler
Implementation Method 6
cooling system which comprises a separate system of close loop tubes, which are connected with heat exchanger on ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A self contained geothermal generator includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and an electric cable. The condenser includes a distributor chamber, a peripheral chamber and plurality of tubes disposed between the chambers. The peripheral chamber of the condenser surrounds and cools turbine, elective generator and selector of the condenser departments. The condenser cools and converts exhausted steam back in liquid state and returns it back into boiler for reheating. In a method of using the geothermal generator, water contained within the boiler is converted to high-pressure, super heated steam due to heat from hot rocks contained within a pre-drilled well below the Earth's surface. The steam is used to produce electric energy which is transported up to the ground surface by the electric cable. A plurality of geothermal generators may be used in a “binary” power plant through system of several heat exchangers.