Multi-heat source power plant using geothermal and solar pre-heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-temperature geothermal fluids and solar energy are not efficiently utilized in power generation due to high costs and inefficiencies in existing technologies, leading to underexploitation of geothermal resources and reliance on expensive storage or fossil fuels in solar power plants.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that pre-heats an organic motive fluid using low-medium temperature geothermal fluids and further heats it with solar energy to vaporize and superheat the fluid for power generation, optimizing the use of both heat sources in a multi-heat source power plant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If low-temperature geothermal fluids are used for power generation, then the amount of heat required increases, but the cost of the power plant per kW increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heat sources (geothermal fluids at different temperatures, solar energy) into a single integrated power generation system. Low-temperature geothermal fluids are used for preheating, medium-temperature fluids for vaporization, and solar energy for supplementary heating, thereby improving overall heat utilization efficiency while distributing costs across multiple resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different temperature ranges of geothermal fluids to different functional components with matching temperature requirements. Low-temperature fluids (80-150°C) are specifically directed to preheating heat exchangers, while medium-temperature fluids (150-250°C) are used in vaporization heat exchangers, optimizing local heat transfer efficiency and reducing overall system costs
2Use of energy by moving object
If sensible heat from low-temperature sources is used for vaporization at constant temperature, then the effectiveness decreases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermodynamic parameters of the working fluid by using organic fluids with lower boiling points than water. This allows the fluid to be vaporized at lower temperatures using sensible heat from low-temperature geothermal sources, thereby improving energy utilization without requiring complex multi-stage heat exchanger configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the heat utilization process into distinct functional stages: preheating stage using low-temperature geothermal fluids, vaporization stage using medium-temperature geothermal fluids, and supplementary heating stage using solar energy. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently with appropriate heat exchanger designs
3Duration of action of stationary object
If solar power plants use expensive storage or fossil fuels to provide continuous power, then the power availability improves, but the operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges solar energy with geothermal energy to create a hybrid system where geothermal fluids provide continuous base-load power while solar energy provides supplementary power during daytime. This combination eliminates the need for expensive energy storage systems or fossil fuel backup, as the geothermal component ensures continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural heat from geothermal reservoirs to provide continuous power without requiring external energy storage or backup fuel sources. The geothermal field naturally replenishes heat, and the system automatically adjusts to utilize available heat at different temperatures for various stages of the power generation cycle
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 economical power generation by efficiently utilizing low-medium temperature geothermal fluids and solar energy, reducing the size and cost of heat exchangers and solar collectors, and maintaining power output even during low solar radiation hours or at night.
Implementation Method 1
pre-heating the organic motive fluid with a low-medium temperature heat source fluid in a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
solar energy collecting means suitable to directly or indirectly heat the pre-heated organic motive fluid for vaporizing
Implementation Method 3
heating and vaporizing the pre-heated organic motive fluid
Implementation Method 4
a turbine or expander run by an organic motive fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for increasing the efficiency of a multi-heat source power plant includes a thermal collector having access to heat from a solar collector as a heat source for heating a fluid to a first temperature; a second heat source for heating the fluid; a heat exchanger that transfers heat to the fluid which is heated to said first temperature, to raise the temperature of the fluid to a higher temperature; and a power generation cycle using the fluid, heated to the first temperature, as a motive fluid.