Geothermal power generation system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geothermal power generation systems require high outlet temperatures of hot springs (above 85°C) and rely on refrigerants to vaporize and drive generators, limiting their efficiency and applicability.

Innovation Solution

A geothermal power generation system utilizing a heat collecting cover with a heat conducting, thermoelectric conversion, and heat dissipation layers, along with a control mechanism to adjust its position or venting capacity based on temperature, eliminating the need for refrigerants and optimizing energy conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If refrigerant-based heat exchange is used, then power generation can be achieved, but the system requires high outlet temperatures (above 85°C) and complex pipeline structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature range for power generationVSAvoidpipeline structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the refrigerant component from the geothermal power generation system. By removing the refrigerant-based heat exchange mechanism, the system no longer requires the complex parallel pipeline structures and high temperature thresholds (85°C+) that were necessary for refrigerant vaporization, thereby expanding adaptability to lower temperature sources while reducing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical refrigerant vaporization system with a direct thermal conversion system. Instead of using refrigerant pipelines that require mechanical heat transfer through phase change, the system directly converts thermal energy to electrical energy, eliminating the need for complex pipeline networks and high temperature requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If refrigerant vaporization is used to drive generator, then electricity can be generated, but energy conversion efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss in heat exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the inefficient mechanical refrigerant vaporization process with a direct thermoelectric conversion system. This substitution eliminates multiple energy conversion stages (thermal to mechanical via vaporization, then mechanical to electrical), reducing energy losses and improving overall productivity by directly converting heat to electricity through the thermoelectric effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the refrigerant as an intermediary substance in the heat exchange process. By removing this intermediate step, the system avoids energy losses associated with refrigerant phase changes and heat transfer inefficiencies, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency and reducing energy loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If parallel pipelines for hot spring water and refrigerant are used, then heat exchange can occur, but the system cannot operate at lower temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperature rangeVSAvoidapplicability to different geothermal sources

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the refrigerant component that imposed the 85°C+ temperature requirement. By eliminating the refrigerant-based heat exchange mechanism, the system can operate effectively at lower temperatures, expanding its applicability to a broader range of geothermal sources including those below 85°C

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent fundamentally changes the operating temperature parameter by replacing the refrigeration cycle with direct thermoelectric conversion. This parameter change allows the system to operate efficiently at lower temperatures, thereby improving adaptability to different geothermal sources with varying temperature characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances energy conversion efficiency and expands the temperature range for effective power generation, allowing operation at lower temperatures and improving system adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

The hot spring water transfers heat energy to the refrigerant pipeline through thermal conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a thermoelectric conversion layer, and a heat dissipation layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric conversion: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260078932A1Geothermal power generation system

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 WORLD TREASURE GREEN ENERGY CO LTD

AI summary

A geothermal power generation system comprises: a heat collecting cover, comprising a cap and an opening, wherein the cap comprises a heat conducting layer, a thermoelectric conversion layer, and a heat dissipation layer, from inside to outside, wherein the opening faces a geothermal well; a thermometer, capable of measuring a collector temperature of the heat conducting layer; a lifter; a control circuit, controlling a height of the heat collecting cover apart from the geothermal well via the lifter according to the collector temperature.