Modular mobile heat generation unit for generation of geothermal power in organic rankine cycle operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems face challenges in constructing and modifying power generation systems at remote hydrocarbon production sites due to the lack of durability in high-pressure heat exchangers and the complexity of deploying systems quickly and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular heat exchange assembly is developed for ORC operations, comprising a mobile heat generation unit with high-pressure heat exchangers and a fluid recirculation system, allowing for easy transportation and installation at hydrocarbon production sites, which can efficiently transfer heat from high-pressure or high-temperature wellhead fluids to a working fluid to generate electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional geothermal power generation systems are constructed with high-pressure heat exchangers and power systems, then they can withstand high pressures and substantial heat flows, but they cannot be constructed and modified quickly and efficiently in remote hydrocarbon production sites
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including heat exchange modules, power generation modules, and fluid recirculation modules. Each module can be independently constructed, transported, and assembled on-site, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining the reliability of high-pressure heat exchangers within each module.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular components are pre-assembled and tested in controlled environments before being transported to remote sites. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site construction time and complexity, allowing quick deployment of reliable high-pressure heat exchange systems in remote hydrocarbon production locations.
2Productivity
If modular mobile heat generation units are used for easy transportation and installation, then construction speed improves, but the complexity of designing and integrating high-pressure heat exchangers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-pressure heat exchanger system is segmented into standardized modular units with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation reduces integration complexity by providing repeatable assembly procedures while maintaining the ability to withstand high pressures through engineered module design.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized pressure and temperature parameters are established for modular interface connections. By defining standard operating parameters and connection protocols, the complexity of integrating high-pressure heat exchangers into mobile modules is reduced through parameter normalization and standardization.
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 modular system enables flexible and efficient power generation, capable of supplying electrical power to in-field equipment, grid structures, and energy storage devices, overcoming the limitations of existing ORC systems by providing a transportable and customizable solution for remote sites.
Implementation Method 1
transferring heat from high-pressure or high-temperature wellhead fluids to a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
change phases from a liquid to a vapor
Implementation Method 3
pump configured to pump a flow of working fluid through the heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating electrical power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation include one or more heat exchangers incorporated into mobile heat generation units, and which will receive a heated fluid flow from one or more heat sources, and transfer heat therefrom to a working fluid that is circulated through an ORC unit for generation of power. In embodiments, the mobile heat generation units comprise pre-packaged modules with one or more heat exchangers connected to a pump of a recirculation system, including an array of piping, such that each mobile heat generation unit can be transported to the site and installed as a substantially stand-alone module or heat generation assembly.