Self-contained in-ground geothermal generator and heat exchanger with in-line pump used in several alternative applications including the restoration of the salton sea
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geothermal energy technologies are limited by the need for shallow hydrothermal reservoirs and inefficient use of heat from hot rocks, and existing methods for desalination and pollution prevention in the Salton Sea have not been practical or effective.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained in-ground geothermal generator and heat exchanger system that uses a closed-loop system to harness geothermal energy from hot rocks, combined with a method for importing seawater and utilizing geothermal energy for desalination and pollution prevention in the Salton Sea, incorporating a portable heat exchange system and in-line pump for efficient energy production and water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional geothermal technologies are used, then electricity can be generated from geothermal energy, but the system is limited to shallow hydrothermal reservoirs and cannot efficiently harness heat from hot rocks
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange system is designed to work with multiple types of geothermal sources including shallow hydrothermal reservoirs, deep hot rocks, and even artificial heat sources like oil well flare stacks and lava flows. The portable heat exchanger can be deployed in various configurations to extract thermal energy from different sources, making the system universally applicable across diverse geothermal environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The geothermal energy generation system is divided into modular components: a portable heat exchanger unit that can be independently deployed, connected to a power generation system. This segmentation allows the heat extraction component to be optimized for different geological conditions while maintaining reliable electricity generation through the standardized power conversion components.
2Productivity
If existing desalination methods are used for the Salton Sea, then water management can be attempted, but the methods are not practical or effective
Solution Approach 1:
The desalination system utilizes the Salton Sea's own geothermal resources to provide the thermal energy needed for evaporation and water separation. The geothermal heat naturally available in the region powers the desalination process without requiring external energy inputs or complex mechanical desalination equipment, making the system both productive and easy to implement.
3Loss of energy
If geothermal heat is not efficiently utilized, then energy waste occurs, but existing methods cannot effectively extract heat from hot rocks
Solution Approach 1:
The portable heat exchanger serves as an intermediary device between the hot rocks and the power generation system. It efficiently transfers thermal energy from the hot rocks through direct contact or close proximity heat exchange, minimizing energy loss while maintaining a relatively simple device structure that can be easily deployed in various geothermal settings.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If pollution prevention methods are not implemented in the Salton Sea, then environmental degradation continues, but existing methods have not been effective
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful concentrated saline water in the Salton Sea into a beneficial resource by using it as a heat transfer medium in the geothermal heat exchange process. The dense saline water efficiently conducts heat from the hot rocks, and the system simultaneously produces fresh water through evaporation, thus converting the pollution problem into an energy and water production opportunity.
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 efficient and continuous production of clean electricity from geothermal energy, desalination of seawater, and pollution prevention in the Salton Sea, overcoming limitations of existing geothermal technologies and providing a sustainable solution for energy and water management.
Implementation Method 1
uses heat from dry hot rocks
Implementation Method 2
heat exchanger system that uses a closed-loop system to harness geothermal energy from hot rocks
Implementation Method 3
self-contained in-ground geothermal generator... for generation of electricity from geothermal source
Implementation Method 4
in-line pump for fluid circulation
Implementation Method 5
desalination of water from a large body of salty water by using heat from geothermal and solar source
Data Source
AI summary
Provided here is a system and method for harnessing geothermal energy for generation of electricity by using complete closed loop heat exchange systems combined with onboard drilling apparatus. The system includes several devices operating separately in many different applications in energy sectors, including Self Contained In-Ground Geothermal Generator; the Self Contained Heat Exchanger; the In-Line-Pump/Generator; and preeminent drilling system for drilling wider and deeper wellbores. The system can be used for harnessing heat from accessible lava flows; harnessing the waste heat from the flame on top of flares stacks and similar cases. Also, included is an architectural solution for the restoration of the terminal lake, the Salton Sea, an area of prevalent geothermal sources, including dividing lake in three sections and importing seawater in central section with pipeline system; providing condition for tourism; treating farmland runoff waters; generating electricity including solar energy; and producing potable water and lithium as byproducts.