Geothermal source on-site power generation plant with computing facility and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data centers face challenges with high electricity costs and environmental impacts due to their reliance on non-renewable energy sources, and low-temperature geothermal resources have been underutilized due to low operating efficiency and high costs, making them economically unviable for power generation.
Innovation Solution
On-site power generation using a hydraulic heat engine driven by low-temperature geothermal resources (typically 140°F to 212°F) to produce electricity for electronic signals processing facilities, eliminating the need for long-distance power transmission and leveraging efficient immersion cooling systems to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If low-temperature geothermal resources are used for power generation, then environmental impact is reduced and renewable energy is utilized, but operating efficiency is very low and cost of electricity produced is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary organic fluid between the low-temperature geothermal water and the power generation cycle. The geothermal water heats the organic fluid in a heat exchanger, which then expands through an expansion device to generate power. This intermediary allows efficient energy transfer from low-temperature sources while maintaining high system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the working fluid by using organic fluids with specific thermodynamic properties that are optimized for low-temperature heat sources. The organic fluid undergoes phase change and temperature transformations that maximize energy extraction from geothermal water at temperatures below conventional thresholds.
2Use of energy by moving object
If geothermal power plants are located in remote areas with significant geothermal resources, then renewable energy generation is enabled, but significant expense and effort are required to create adequate connections to the power grid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the geothermal power generation system with existing remote facilities such as data centers, mining operations, or industrial plants. By merging the power generation function with facilities that already require electricity at remote locations, the system eliminates the need for separate grid connection infrastructure while providing renewable energy directly where it is consumed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables remote facilities to generate their own electricity on-site using local geothermal resources. This self-service approach allows facilities to become energy self-sufficient, eliminating dependence on external grid connections and reducing infrastructure requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional data centers are located in areas with lower cost electricity, then electricity costs are reduced, but adequate power supply infrastructure is required and electrical transmission infrastructure constraints remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables data centers to generate their own electricity using on-site geothermal resources, making them energy self-sufficient. This eliminates the need to locate in areas with cheap electricity or invest in transmission infrastructure, as the facility produces its own power regardless of location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal power generation solution that can be deployed at any location with geothermal resources, regardless of local electricity costs or grid infrastructure. The system adapts to different locations by utilizing locally available geothermal resources, providing both power generation and thermal utilization functions.
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 approach enables the economic viability of low-temperature geothermal resources for high-value electronic signals processing, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and grid burdens while minimizing energy costs and space requirements, with a power utilization efficiency as low as 1.07.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic heat engine, the hot water from the geothermal resource being in fluid communication with the heat engine
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic heat engine utilizes heat exchangers to transfer thermal energy from the geothermal resource to the heat engine working fluid
Implementation Method 3
The working fluid undergoes thermal expansion (without phase change from liquid to gas) which drives a piston of the hydraulic heat engine
Implementation Method 4
An onsite cooling system or cold water resource provides cooling water which causes the working fluid to contract and re-positions the piston for another cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing electrical data and signals which comprises locating a site with a geothermal hot water resource which feeds hot water to an on-site heat engine that drives an on-site electricity generator which provides electrical power to an array of microprocessors, located in an enclosure structure, that processes data transmitted from a remote location at high speeds. The processed data is transmitted back to the remote locations at high speeds.