Water Cycling System with Compressor Virtual Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems, particularly those utilizing geothermal and hydroelectric sources, face inefficiencies and environmental challenges in harnessing energy from non-condensable gases and corrosive steam sources, and lack effective methods for combining water treatment and power generation efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A water cycling system with a compressor-driven turbine generator, featuring a circuitous loop with a head differential of at least 50 feet, where compressed air is introduced below the top level to create a virtual head, driving a water-driven turbine for electricity generation, and optionally incorporating geothermal heat exchange for enhanced energy utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If geothermal fluid is extracted and passed through heat exchange devices for power generation, then electric power is produced, but non-condensable gases and corrosive steam sources create environmental challenges and system inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of compressed air (which would normally be wasted or require separate handling) into a beneficial force by using it to create a virtual head that drives water through the turbine. The compressed air from the compressor, instead of being a waste product, becomes the motive force that elevates water to the turbine inlet, thereby generating electricity while eliminating the need for separate air handling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water cycling system with the power generation system by integrating the compressor-driven virtual head mechanism directly into the water loop. The compressed air outlet is positioned in the upwardly flowing side of the loop, combining the air compression function with the water elevation function, and the turbine is positioned to utilize this combined flow for electricity generation.
2Power
If water is circulated through a loop with head differential to drive turbine, then electricity is generated, but system complexity increases with compressor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the compressor serves dual purposes: it compresses air for the virtual head mechanism and simultaneously drives the water circulation through the loop. The compressed air outlet positioned in the upwardly flowing side of the loop serves both to create the virtual head and to drive water flow, eliminating the need for separate pumps or motors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sustaining where the compressor's compressed air automatically drives the water circulation without requiring external power sources or additional mechanical drive systems. The virtual head created by compressed air self-regulates the water flow through the loop, and the turbine generates electricity from this self-driven flow, creating a self-service power generation system.
3Power
If compressed air outlet is positioned below top level in upwardly flowing side, then virtual head is created to drive turbine, but system design becomes more specific regarding component positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing compressed air into the water loop to create a virtual head. The compressed air outlet is positioned in the upwardly flowing side of the loop at a specific depth below the top level, allowing the air to rise and create a pressure differential that drives water through the turbine. This pneumatic mechanism replaces traditional mechanical pumps and provides a more flexible positioning approach for component installation.
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 effectively generates electricity by leveraging the compressor's motive force to create a virtual head, increasing power output and allowing for efficient energy conversion from geothermal sources while addressing environmental concerns and combining water treatment and power generation in a single process.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor subsystem including at least one air compressor having a compressed air outlet with the air outlet located below the top level in the upwardly flowing side of the loop
Implementation Method 2
at least one electric power generating water-driven turbine located within the loop
Data Source
AI summary
A water cycling system with compressor motive force and with turbine electric power generation, includes: (a) a water piping subsystem that has a circuitous loop means for continuously or intermittently circulating water in a loop, the loop having an upward flowing side and a downward flowing side, the loop having a bottom level and a top level with a head differential of at least fifty feet between the bottom level and the top level; (b) an air compressor subsystem including at least one air compressor having a compressed air outlet with the air outlet being located below the top level in the upwardly flowing side of the loop; and, (c) at least one electric power generating water-driven turbine located within the loop. In some instances the subsystem of piping is part of a water well; in other instances, part of a geothermal well; in yet other instances a different system, such as an above-ground system, e.g. a water tower.