Geothermal power systems and processes
AssigneeSage Geosystems Inc.
InventorsLev M. RING, Robert Lance COOK, Douglas SIMPKINS
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A geothermal power system is configured to convert pressure energy of a geothermal fluid into electricity using a first generator, and convert heat energy of the geothermal fluid into electricity using a second generator. The first generator is coupled to a turbine, through which the geothermal fluid passes. The second generator is coupled to an expander of a binary cycle power plant. A working fluid of the binary cycle power plant is heated by the geothermal fluid before passing through the expander. The geothermal fluid is produced from a subterranean formation. In some aspects, the geothermal power system is operated such that a fracture located in the subterranean formation is maintained in an open condition.
Claims20
A method of operating a geothermal power system, comprising:
- producing a first fluid from a subterranean formation;
- converting pressure energy of the first fluid into electricity using a first generator;
- and
- converting heat energy of the first fluid into electricity using a second generator.
A method of operating a geothermal power system, comprising:
- producing a first fluid from a subterranean formation;
- flowing the first fluid through a turbine coupled to a first generator;
- generating electricity using the first generator;
- transferring heat energy from the first fluid to a second fluid at a heat exchanger;
- conveying the second fluid from the heat exchanger and through an expander coupled to a second generator;
- and
- generating electricity using the second generator.
A geothermal power system, comprising:
- a binary cycle power plant configured to operate with a working fluid, the binary cycle power plant including:
- a heat exchanger;
- an expander fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger;
- and
- a first generator coupled to the expander;
- a turbine configured to operate with a geothermal fluid, the turbine fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger;
- and
- a second generator coupled to the turbine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.