Geothermal Patents (Class 60/641.2)
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Systems for generating energy from geothermal sources and methods of operating and constructing same
Patent number: 12203453Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and a method for generating energy from geothermal sources. The system includes an injection well and a production well extending underground into a rock formation, a first lateral section connected to the injection well and a second lateral section connected to the production well, the first and second lateral sections connected with a multilateral connector, defining a pressure-tested downhole well loop within the rock formation and in a heat transfer arrangement therewith. The downhole well loop cased in steel and cemented in place within the rock formation. The downhole well loop to receive working fluid capable of undergoing phase change between liquid and gas within the downhole well loop as a result of heat transferred from the rock formation. The system also includes a pump to circulate working fluid, a turbine system to convert the flow of working fluid into electricity, and a cooler.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2024Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Roda Energy CorporationInventors: Curtis Cook, Shane Engelking, Neal Gartner, Jeff Peterson -
Patent number: 12135016Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and a controller for controlling generation of geothermal power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation in the vicinity of a wellhead during hydrocarbon production to thereby supply electrical power to one or more of in-field operational equipment, a grid power structure, and an energy storage device. In an embodiment, during hydrocarbon production, a temperature of a flow of wellhead fluid from the wellhead or working fluid may be determined. If the temperature is above a vaporous phase change threshold of the working fluid, heat exchanger valves may be opened to divert flow of wellhead fluid to heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer from the flow of wellhead fluid to working fluid through the heat exchangers, thereby to cause the working fluid to change from a liquid to vapor, the vapor to cause a generator to generate electrical power via rotation of an expander.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2024Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: ICE Thermal Harvesting, LLCInventors: Adrian Benjamin Bodishbaugh, Carrie Jeanne Murtland
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Patent number: 12085313Abstract: Excess energy generated from renewable energy (solar or wind sources) is used to heat a liquid which is injected into a naturally-occurring permeable, porous subterranean reservoir where it heats constituent reservoir grain matrix, thereby storing energy and modifying the reservoir's storage capacity and transmissibility, and energy is recovered, as demands require, by producing hot reservoir fluids whose heat is transformed into electric power. By using water heated to at least 250° F., thermal stresses are induced to create a measurable increase of units of permeability (at least double, but up to tenfold or more), as well as an increase in porosity (up to 10 volume %) between a pair of wells located more than fifty meters apart as the reservoir is heated to in excess of approximately 500° F.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Inventors: Eric L. Berger, Paul E. Harness, Frank Lawrence
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Patent number: 12049875Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and a controller for controlling generation of geothermal power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation to thereby supply electrical power to one or more of in-field operational equipment, a grid power structure, and an energy storage device. In an embodiment, during hydrocarbon production, a temperature of a flow of heated fluid from a source or working fluid may be determined. If the temperature is above a vaporous phase change threshold of the working fluid, heat exchanger valves may be opened to divert flow of heated fluid to heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer from the flow of wellhead fluid to working fluid through the heat exchangers, thereby to cause the working fluid to change from a liquid to vapor, the vapor to cause a generator to generate electrical power via rotation of an expander.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2023Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: ICE Thermal Harvesting, LLCInventors: Adrian Benjamin Bodishbaugh, Carrie Jeanne Murtland
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Patent number: 12025014Abstract: There is provided a pit initiation evaluation system or the like capable of predicting pit initiation effectively and at low cost. In a pit initiation evaluation system of an embodiment, a pit initiation evaluation unit creates and retains, based on a dry-wet alternate time data, a deposit impurity concentration data, and a pit initiation data on pitting corrosion initiated in each of a plurality of turbine stages when an operation is actually performed in the steam turbine, a pit initiation evaluation table presenting a relationship between a dry-wet alternate time, a deposit impurity concentration, and pit initiation. Further, the pit initiation evaluation unit is configured to evaluate, by using the pit initiation evaluation table, pitting corrosion to be initiated in each of the plurality of turbine stages in an operation planned for the steam turbine.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2022Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: TOSHIBA ENERGY SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Yuka Tsukada, Kazuhiro Saito, Yusuke Suzuki, Yoshikazu Ninomiya, Osamu Tanaka, Yasuteru Kawai, Shinichi Terada, Makoto Sasaki
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Patent number: 11965419Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-energy complementary system for a co-associated abandoned mine and a use method. The multi-energy complementary system for a co-associated abandoned mine includes a mining mechanism, a grouting mechanism and an energy mechanism. In the present invention, the mining of coal and uranium resources is realized through the mining mechanism, the subsidence and seepage reduction of the stratum is realized through the grouting mechanism, and the effective utilization of waste resources is realized through the energy mechanism. Finally, with the efficient cooperation of the three mechanisms, safe and efficient development and utilization of co-associated resources in the full life cycle are realized, and the purposes of green and efficient mining of coal and uranium resources and secondary development of a coal seam goaf are achieved, thereby facilitating the realization of dual-carbon goals and the development of low-carbon green energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: ANHUI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Tong Zhang, Liang Yuan, Yanfang Li, Zegong Liu, Ming Tang, Xin Yang, Xiang Yu, Shuai Liu, Xin Lv
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Patent number: 11959356Abstract: Wellbore synthesis techniques are disclosed suitable for use in geothermal applications. Embodiments are provided where open hole drilled wellbores are sealed while drilling to form an impervious layer at the wellbore/formation interface. The techniques may be chemical, thermal, mechanical, biological and are fully intended to irreversibly damage the formation in terms of the permeability thereof. With the permeability negated, the wellbore may be used to create a closed loop surface to surface geothermal well operable in the absence of well casing for maximizing thermal transfer to a circulating working fluid. Formulations for the working and drilling fluids are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.Inventors: Matthew Toews, Paul Cairns, Peter Andrews, Andrew Curtis-Smith, Jonathan Hale
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Patent number: 11824361Abstract: A control method and system for a distribution network with distributed mobile energy storage systems is disclosed which relates to the power field. The present invention manages the multiple distributed mobile energy storage systems in the distribution network in a unified way, to improve the flexibility of the distribution network, and enable the distributed mobile energy storage systems to fully smooth new energy generation fluctuations, implement peak cut, facilitate grid auxiliary services, and improve the power quality. The control method includes: acquiring, by a sub-station coordination system, data of the distributed mobile energy storage systems; receiving, by a master-station dispatching system, the data of the distributed mobile energy storage systems, and obtaining external data; generating, by the master-station dispatching system, a control instruction; and controlling, by the sub-station coordination system, the distributed mobile energy storage systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignees: Electric Power Science & Research Institute of State Grid Tianjin Electric Power Company, State Grid Tianjin Electric Power Company, State Grid Corporation of ChinaInventors: Shiqian Ma, Yi Ding, Xuejun Shang, Guodong Li, Xianxu Huo, Tianchun Xiang, Xudong Wang, Tianhao Wang, Lei Wu
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Patent number: 11480160Abstract: A hybrid geothermal electrical power generation system that utilizes the heat from a deep geothermal reservoir to vaporize a working fluid, such as steam, CO2 or an organic fluid. The vaporized working fluid is used to turn a turbine connected to an electrical power generator. A solar collector may be used to increase the temperature of the working fluid during sunlight hours and a thermal storage unit may be utilized to increase the temperature of the working fluid during the night. A supercritical CO2 power generation cycle may be used alone or in combination with a steam turbine power generation cycle to utilize all of the heat energy. A vapor compression cycle, a vapor absorption cycle may be utilized to provide heating and cooling. A low temperature shallow geothermal reservoir may be used as a heat exchanger to regulate or store excess heat.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignees: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS, King Abdullah City for Atomic & Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE)Inventors: Esmail M. A. Mokheimer, Mohammad Raghib Shakeel
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Patent number: 11462939Abstract: An energy harvesting system is positionable at an ocean surface to harvest energy from a hydrothermal vent surrounded by cooler ocean water. The system includes an energy storage device positionable proximate to the ocean surface. A cable capable of conducting electrical energy is joined to the energy storage device. An energy harvesting structure is joined to provide electrical energy to the cable. The energy harvesting structure can be positioned proximate to the hydrothermal vent to harvest energy therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Inventors: Robert Kuklinski, Anthony A Ruffa
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Patent number: 11396828Abstract: Techniques for cogeneration of heat and power are disclosed. A cogeneration system includes: a conduit loop configured to carry a working fluid using a Rankine cycle; a valve system disposed along the conduit loop, including valves configured to manage flow of the working fluid through a chamber; a backflow vapor line disposed along the conduit loop, configured to direct working fluid in a gaseous state to the chamber, such that the working fluid in the gaseous state displaces working fluid in a liquid state in the chamber and the working fluid in the liquid state advances through the conduit loop without requiring a mechanical pump; and a heat exchanger disposed along the conduit loop, configured to extract heat from the working fluid and direct the heat to a practical use.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: Dylan M. ChaseInventor: Dylan M. Chase
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Patent number: 11391183Abstract: An ORC power generation apparatus for generating power by using new renewable thermal energy, includes: a housing, which has a front cover with a fluid inlet and a rear cover with a fluid outlet and is provided as structure insulated and sealed off from external air; a plurality of turbines which use an organic compound as a working fluid and having turbine shafts, each of which has one end portion penetrating a bored hole and a bearing provided in the center of the front cover of the housing so as to protrude outward, and has the other end portion coupled to a bearing provided in the center of the rear cover of the housing; and heat suppliers provided inside the housing and provided at the front of a working fluid inlet hole of each of the plurality of turbines.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Inventor: Jung-Hong Jin
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Patent number: 11365652Abstract: A binary geothermal system comprising: —an organic Rankine cycle having at least one supply pump for feeding an organic working fluid, in liquid phase, of at least one heat exchanger for heating the organic working fluid until its transformation vapor phase and to its eventual overheating, an expansion turbine to expand the organic working fluid vapor, a condenser bringing in a liquid phase the organic working fluid, —a geothermal source comprising a geothermal liquid and a geothermal vapor, the organic working fluid is vaporized directly or indirectly through a flow of geothermal vapor in the heat exchanger and is preheated by a flow of geothermal liquid in a first pre-heater, and the organic working fluid is preheated also in a second pre-heater which exploits the thermal energy contained in a flow rate formed by the gas mixture and by the geothermal vapor fraction which is not condensed.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: TURBODEN, S.p.A.Inventors: Mario Gaia, Roberto Bini, Andrea Duvia
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Patent number: 11280322Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and a controller for controlling generation of geothermal power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation in the vicinity of a wellhead during hydrocarbon production to thereby supply electrical power to one or more of in-field operational equipment, a grid power structure, and an energy storage device. In an embodiment, during hydrocarbon production, a temperature of a flow of wellhead fluid from the wellhead or working fluid may be determined. If the temperature is above a vaporous phase change threshold of the working fluid, heat exchanger valves may be opened to divert flow of wellhead fluid to heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer from the flow of wellhead fluid to working fluid through the heat exchangers, thereby to cause the working fluid to change from a liquid to vapor, the vapor to cause a generator to generate electrical power via rotation of an expander.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2021Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: ICE THERMAL HARVESTING, LLCInventors: Adrian Benjamin Bodishbaugh, Carrie Jeanne Murtland
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Patent number: 11274663Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and a controller for controlling generation of geothermal power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation in the vicinity of a wellhead during hydrocarbon production to thereby supply electrical power to one or more of in-field operational equipment, a grid power structure, and an energy storage device. In an embodiment, during hydrocarbon production, a temperature of a flow of wellhead fluid from the wellhead or working fluid may be determined. If the temperature is above a vaporous phase change threshold of the working fluid, heat exchanger valves may be opened to divert flow of wellhead fluid to heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer from the flow of wellhead fluid to working fluid through the heat exchangers, thereby to cause the working fluid to change from a liquid to vapor, the vapor to cause a generator to generate electrical power via rotation of an expander.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2021Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: ICE Thermal Harvesting, LLCInventors: Adrian Benjamin Bodishbaugh, Carrie Jeanne Murtland
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Patent number: 11156386Abstract: A method for controlling temperature maxima and minima from the heel to toe in geothermal well lateral sections. The method includes disposing at least a pair of wells proximately where thermal contact is possible. Working fluid is circulated in one well of the pair in one direction and the working fluid of the second well is circulated in as direction opposite. to the first. In this manner temperature equilibration is attainable to mitigate maxima and minima to result in a substantially more uniform temperature of the working fluids in respective wells and the rock formation area there between. Specific operating protocol is disclosed having regard to the temperature control for maximizing thermal energy recovery.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Eavor Technologies Inc.Inventors: Paul Cairns, Matthew Toews, John Redfern
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Patent number: 11137169Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for storing excess energy from at least one energy producing source, as thermal energy, using an existing geologic formation. First and second storage zones formed in a geologic region may be used to store high temperature and medium high temperature brine. When excess energy is available from the energy producing source, a quantity of the medium high temperature brine is withdrawn and heated using the energy supplied by the energy source to form a first new quantity of high temperature brine, which is then injected back into the first storage zone. This forces a quantity of medium high temperature brine present in the first storage zone into the second storage zone, to maintain a desired quantity of high temperature brine in the first storage zone and a desired quantity of medium high temperature brine in the second storage zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Thomas A. Buscheck, Ravindra Shrikrishna Upadhye
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Patent number: 11131484Abstract: The disclosed technology includes methods of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid. In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Inventor: David Alan McBay
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Patent number: 11098926Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Inventor: Nikola Lakic
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Patent number: 10969179Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for exchanging thermal energy between a drain liquid and a source liquid for heating or cooling of the source liquid. One method for heating a source liquid may involve transferring heat from a drain liquid using a heat pump. A system may include a refrigerant, a source liquid and a drain liquid, two or more heat exchangers that facilitate an exchange of thermal energy, and a means for transporting the refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Inventors: Sunil Sinha, Gopal Basak
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Patent number: 10934895Abstract: Provided herein are heat engine systems and methods for transforming energy, such as generating mechanical energy and/or electrical energy from thermal energy. The heat engine systems may have one of several different configurations of a working fluid circuit. One configuration of the heat engine system contains at least four heat exchangers and at least three recuperators sequentially disposed on a high pressure side of the working fluid circuit between a system pump and an expander. Another configuration of the heat engine system contains a low-temperature heat exchanger and a recuperator disposed upstream of a split flowpath and downstream of a recombined flowpath in the high pressure side of the working fluid circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: ECHOGEN POWER SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Timothy Held, Joshua Giegel
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Patent number: 10920753Abstract: An electronic signals processing facility which includes a site with a geothermal hot water resource which feeds hot water to an on-site heat engine that drives an on-site electricity generator which provides electrical power to an array of microprocessors, located in an enclosure structure, that processes data transmitted from a remote location at high speeds. The processed data is transmitted back to the remote locations at high speeds.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Eagle Quill IP Group LLCInventors: Gregory B. Stewart, Vincent B. Bunting, Glenn T. Tucker, Gregory B. Raplee, Brian Hageman
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Patent number: 10907861Abstract: A geothermal well with communicating vessels, formed of an internal piping transferring an inflow down to a level of the depth of the well, and an external piping coaxial to the internal piping and with a diameter that permits ascent of the fluid upward from the distal end of the well, wherein a flange on the internal piping engages a collar connected to the external piping via spacers, wherein detection sensors generate information on oscillations of the pipings, wherein an automatic safety valve avoids overpressures, and a driven regulation valve generates information on fluid pressure, and wherein software monitors fluid circulation within the well and operates the inlet pump and the regulation valve to dampen the oscillations and prevent microseisms.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Inventors: Aurelio Pucci, Umberto De Luca
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Patent number: 10829676Abstract: This invention relates to treated geothermal brine compositions containing reduced concentrations of lithium, iron and silica compared to the untreated brines. Exemplary compositions contain concentration of lithium ranges from 0 to 200 mg/kg, concentration of silica ranges from 0 to 30 mg/kg, concentration of iron ranges from 0 to 300 mg/kg. Exemplary compositions also contain reduced concentrations of elements like arsenic, barium, and lead.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: TERRALITHIUM LLCInventors: Stephen Harrison, John Burba, III
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Patent number: 10626709Abstract: Methods and systems for lifting wellbore fluids in a subterranean well towards a surface include providing a closed water system free of fluid communication with the wellbore fluids, the closed water system having a water storage tank located outside of a high temperature zone of the subterranean well. Water from the water storage tank is circulated into the high temperature zone of the subterranean well to form a steam. A downhole steam turbine is rotated by the steam to drive a submersible pump system in fluid communication with the wellbore fluids and the wellbore fluids are lifted towards the surface with the submersible pump system. The steam exiting from the steam turbine is directed towards the water storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Faisal M. Al-Dossary
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Patent number: 10577981Abstract: A system includes a waste heat recovery heat exchanger configured to heat a heating fluid stream by exchange with a heat source in a crude oil associated gas processing plant. The system includes a modified Goswami cycle energy conversion system including a first group of heat exchangers configured to heat a first portion of a working fluid by exchange with the heated heating fluid stream and a second group of heat exchangers configured to heat a second portion of the working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Mahmoud Bahy Mahmoud Noureldin, Akram Hamed Mohamed Kamel
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Patent number: 10527026Abstract: A method or apparatus that uses a fluid in a closed loop well system to extract heat from geothermal resources that are located in or near high-temperature, low-permeable geologic formations to produce power. In some embodiments, the closed loop system may include one or more heat exchange zones, where at least a portion of the one or more heat exchange zones may be disposed within a subterranean region having a temperature of at least 350° C. The subterranean region may be within a plastic zone or within 1000 meters of the plastic zone, the plastic zone having a temperature gradient of at least 80° C. per kilometer depth.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: GreenFire Energy Inc.Inventors: Mark P. Muir, Brian S. Higgins, Joseph A. Scherer, Alan D. Eastman
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Patent number: 10422587Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical relay fluid storage barrel installed with fluid inlet and fluid outlet for whole or in part placement into natural thermal energy body in vertical or downward oblique manner, wherein a thermal energy exchanger is installed inside the relay fluid storage barrel temporarily storing thermal conductive fluid for external flow, the thermal energy exchanger is installed with fluid piping for the thermal conductive fluid passing through, to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the relay fluid storage barrel, and the fluid in the relay fluid storage barrel performs heat exchange with the natural thermal energy body.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 10394290Abstract: A geothermal system is disclosed for cooling a plurality of computer processing devices which includes a first heat exchanger in thermal communication with a plurality of computer processing devices, wherein the first heat exchanger includes a heat absorbing fluid structured to receive heat from the plurality of computer processing devices. The geothermal system further includes a chiller in selective flow communication with the first heat exchanger, wherein the chiller is structured to selectively receive at least a portion of the heat absorbing fluid. The geothermal system further includes a geothermal field structured to exchange heat in the heat absorbing fluid with a geological heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: G I Patents LLCInventor: James R. Hardin
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Patent number: 10132299Abstract: This invention consists mainly of a long sloped tunnel, a deep hydroelectric/geothermal power plant and hot rocks transforming water into steam. Advanced tunnelling machines are able to reach lengths and depths never possible before with the old drilling method. The drop height of the water for the hydroelectric power plan is for instance over 10 km and the gained water pressure over 1000 bar feeding special high pressure water turbines or big hydraulic water motors driving again generators. After passing the water turbines the water is pressed with a rest pressure of about 250 bar into hot rocks generating high pressure overheated steam for steam turbines in a range of gig watts. Then the steam rises up in the sloped tunnel as in a chimney, cools down, condensate to water and starts the entire process again.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Inventor: Wolfhart Hans Willimczik
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Patent number: 10132199Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal to energy conversion method and system using a Rankine cycle equipped with a heat pump, wherein heat pump (2) is integrated in the Rankine cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLESInventor: Claude Mabile
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Patent number: 10070565Abstract: An electric power converter includes a laminated body, a capacitor, a case, and a pressing member. The laminated body is formed by laminating semiconductor modules and cooling pipes. The pressing member presses the laminated body in a laminating direction of the laminated body. The case has outer wall portions that form an outer shell, and partition wall portions formed in the case and are connected to the outer wall portions. The capacitor has capacitor elements and a sealing member. The sealing member is filled in a capacitor housing space in a state where the capacitor elements are sealed. Pressing force of the pressing member is applied to an interposing partition wall portion interposing between the laminated body and the capacitor among the partition wall portions. A thickness of the interposing partition wall portion is made thinner than any other parts of the outer wall portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Yukinori Mizuno
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Patent number: 10047975Abstract: A system and method for performing at least one thermal response test for a medium. At least one request signal indicative of at least one request to perform the thermal response test is received. On the basis of the at least one request, at least one control signal is generated for causing at least one parameter of a fluid circulating through the medium to be acquired. The at least one measurement is indicative of a thermal property of the medium. The at least one control signal is then output to a hydraulic system.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: ÉNERGIE-STAT INC.Inventor: Patrice Kwemo
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Patent number: 10002683Abstract: A hazardous material storage bank includes a wellbore extending into the Earth and including an entry at least proximate a terranean surface, the wellbore including a substantially vertical portion, a transition portion, and a substantially horizontal portion; a storage area coupled to the substantially horizontal portion of the well bore, the storage area within or below a shale formation, the storage area vertically isolated, by the shale formation, from a subterranean zone that includes mobile water; a storage container positioned in the storage area, the storage container sized to fit from the wellbore entry through the substantially vertical, the transition, and the substantially horizontal portions of the wellbore, and into the storage area, the storage container including an inner cavity sized enclose hazardous material; and a seal positioned in the wellbore, the seal isolating the storage portion of the wellbore from the entry of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Deep Isolation, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Muller, Elizabeth Muller
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Patent number: 9933172Abstract: The disclosure describes trench-confirmable geothermal reservoirs that can snugly abut trench walls (that may be of virgin, compacted earth) for facilitating heat exchange and flow liquid from one lower end to an opposing top end, and vice versa, depending on desired heat exchange. The direction can be reversed for summer and winter heat/cooling configurations. A series of the reservoirs may be used for appropriate heat transfer. The water volume of the reservoirs is relatively large and slow moving for good earth heat conduction.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventor: Gary Scott Peele
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Patent number: 9920749Abstract: A method for producing power from two geothermal heat sources includes: separating a first geothermal fluid from a first geothermal heat source into geothermal vapor comprising steam and non-condensable gases, and geothermal brine; supplying the geothermal vapor to a vaporizer; vaporizing a preheated motive fluid using heat from the geothermal vapor, wherein the heat content in the geothermal vapor exiting the flash tank is only enough to vaporize the preheated motive fluid in the vaporizer; expanding the vaporized motive fluid in a vapor turbine producing power and expanded vaporized motive fluid; condensing the expanded vaporized motive fluid to produce condensed motive fluid; and preheating the condensed motive fluid in a preheater using heat from a second geothermal fluid from a second geothermal heat source having a lower temperature and salinity content that the first geothermal fluid, thereby producing the preheated motive fluid, make-up water and heat-depleted geothermal brine.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Lucien Y. Bronicki
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Patent number: 9816401Abstract: A system includes a waste heat recovery heat exchanger configured to heat a heating fluid stream by exchange with a heat source in a crude oil associated gas processing plant. The system includes a modified Goswami cycle energy conversion system including a first group of heat exchangers configured to heat a first portion of a working fluid by exchange with the heated heating fluid stream and a second group of heat exchangers configured to heat a second portion of the working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Mahmoud Bahy Mahmoud Noureldin, Akram Hamed Mohamed Kamel
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Patent number: 9725652Abstract: A system includes a heat exchange system and a power generation system. The heat exchange system includes first, second, and third heat exchangers each operable as a continuous source of heat from a delayed coking plant. The first and second heat exchangers heat first and second fluid streams to produce heated first and second fluid streams, respectively. The heated second fluid stream has a lower temperature and a greater quantity of heat than the heated first fluid stream. The third heat exchanger heats a third fluid stream to produce a heated third fluid stream that includes the heated first fluid stream and a hot fluid stream. The heated third fluid stream has a lower temperature than the heated first fluid stream. The power generation system generates power using heat from the heated second and third fluid streams.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Mahmoud Bahy Mahmoud Noureldin, Hani Mohammed Al Saed
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Patent number: 9671138Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a plurality of independent, closed cycle power plant modules each having a vaporizer comprising the steps of: serially supplying a medium or low temperature source fluid to each corresponding vaporizer of one or more first plant modules, respectively, to a secondary preheater of a first module, and to a vaporizer of a terminal module, whereby to produce heat depleted source fluid; providing a primary preheater for each vaporizer; and supplying said heat depleted source fluid to all of said primary preheaters in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Dany Batscha, Rachel Huberman
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Patent number: 9567250Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing of produced water as steam released into the atmosphere. After wastewater is prepared for disposal by suitable filtering and/or treatment, it flows into a preheating tank where it is heated prior to disposal by liquid filled preheating coils extending from the heating tank which are heated by burner boxes. From the preheating tank, the preheated water flows into evaporation coils, where it is heated above boiling and released as steam. Water flowing into the tank passes adjacent the evaporation and preheating coils near the burner boxes. The preheating coils may contain antifreeze which can be circulated to prevent freezing of the preheat tank when not in use or to maintain the temperature of the preheat tank. The system may be moved with the preheat tank filled with preheated water to facilitate the use another location.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Inventor: William Olen Fortner
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Patent number: 9541309Abstract: A geothermal loop in-ground heat exchanger for energy extraction including an outer tubular casing and an inner tubular portion spaced from the outer tubular casing to define an injection space wherein a working fluid is injected into the injection space at a first temperature, T1 while the heat exchanger is located in a geothermal heat reservoir and the working fluid exits through the inner tubular portion at a second temperature, T2 which is greater than T1.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Controlled Thermal Technologies Pty Ltd.Inventor: Rodney Grahame Colwell
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Patent number: 9388797Abstract: A method for producing power from geothermal fluid includes: separating the geothermal fluid in a flash tank into geothermal vapor comprising steam and non-condensable gases, and geothermal brine; supplying the geothermal vapor to a vaporizer; vaporizing a preheated motive fluid in the vaporizer using heat from the geothermal vapor to produce heat-depleted geothermal vapor and vaporized motive fluid, wherein the heat content in the geothermal vapor exiting the flash tank is only enough to vaporize the preheated motive fluid in the vaporizer; expanding the vaporized motive fluid in a vapor turbine producing power and expanded vaporized motive fluid; condensing the expanded vaporized motive fluid in a condenser to produce condensed motive fluid; and preheating the condensed motive fluid in a preheater using heat from the heat-depleted geothermal vapor and the geothermal brine, thereby producing the preheated motive fluid, make-up water and heat-depleted geothermal brine.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Lucien Y. Bronicki
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Patent number: 9335428Abstract: Catastrophic earthquakes cause tremendous loss to people, especially when they occur unprepared. Imminent prediction of the earthquake with occurrence time, location and magnitude may give people time to prepare for it and minimize the loss. Unfortunately, imminent prediction of the earthquakes, especially those without foreshocks, is very difficult if not impossible. This invention discloses a method and system that work around the difficulty of the imminent prediction of the earthquake. Instead of trying to predict the occurrence, it triggers the earthquake artificially at a known time so that evacuation and other preparations can be accomplished prior to the triggering time of the earthquake to reduce the loss caused by the earthquake. The artificial triggering of the earthquakes may be implemented by at least one underground nuclear explosion.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Inventor: Xin Jin
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Patent number: 9209495Abstract: A system and method for the thermal management of a battery-based energy storage is described. One embodiment includes a thermal management system for a battery-based energy storage system, the thermal management system comprising a residual heat source, such as a geothermal heat source, and a battery-based energy storage system thermally connected to the residual heat source The thermal connection between the energy storage system and the residual heat source may be direct (i.e., the energy storage system may be adjacent to, partially located within, or fully located within the residual heat source) or indirect (e.g., the energy storage system and residual heat source may use a heat conduit to transfer heat). In embodiments using a heat conduit to transfer heat, the thermal management system may further comprise a control system for controlling the circulation of a fluid in the heat conduit in order to regulate the temperature of the energy storage system.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: LAVA ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Randy Allen Normann, Guy Letendre
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Patent number: 9145872Abstract: An engine for harvesting energy stored in water vapor includes a vortex chamber coupled to an extraction unit and also to a vortex induction unit, the vortex induction unit configured to induce a vortex of water vapor in the chamber and the extraction unit configured to harvest energy from the flow of water provided by the chamber. A method of operation is provided. Additionally, and electrical generation system is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Inventor: John M. Cotton
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Patent number: 9121392Abstract: A geothermal power generation system using heat exchange between working fluid and molten salt includes a heat collecting unit. A plurality of molten salt containing units are disposed in the ground at predetermined intervals from each other. A heat exchanging unit transfers a heat source of the heat collecting unit to the molten salt in the plurality of molten salt containing units. A plurality of working fluid containing units respectively surround the molten salt containing units and are disposed in the ground at predetermined intervals from each other. A turbine unit is connected to the plurality of working fluid containing units, and generates mechanical energy using steam energy that is generated by the plurality of working fluid containing units. A power generating unit is connected to the turbine unit, and generates electrical energy using the mechanical energy.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCESInventors: Byoung Ohan Shim, Hyoung Chan Kim, Chanhee Park
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Patent number: 9108151Abstract: A process for converting carbon dioxide into solid material, which process comprises the steps of: (a) direct thermal activation of magnesium silicate hydroxide mineral feedstock by combustion of fuel to produce an activated feedstock; (b) separation from the activated feedstock of metal oxides at least substantially excluding magnesium oxide and magnesium silicate to produce a residual activated feedstock; (c) before or after said separation step suspension of the activated feedstock in a solvent to form a slurry; and (d) contacting the slurry of residual activated feedstock with carbon dioxide to convert the carbon dioxide into magnesium carbonate.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: ORICA EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventor: Geoffrey Frederick Brent
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Patent number: 9109582Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fluids with the earth's internal energy released through the vents of the ridge expansion zones in the planet's seas. The whole apparatus is composed of three main parts: components located on a large barge include the main pump, a water filtering system, a pressure regulating valve. The second part contains long concentric tubes of constant diameter handing from the barge and defining outer and inner fluid channels through which cool water flows down while heated water flows up. The third part is a heat exchanger attached at the bottom of the long concentric tubes, which is placed over a thermal vent in the ocean floor. Crust fracturing may be used to stimulate the vent's flow by injecting high pressure water through wells that may be vertical, inclined or directional.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Inventor: Alberto Sarria
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Publication number: 20150135709Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a plurality of independent, closed cycle power plant modules each having a vaporizer comprising the steps of serially supplying a medium or low temperature source fluid to each corresponding vaporizer of one or more first plant modules, respectively, to a secondary preheater of a first module, and to a vaporizer of a terminal module, whereby to produce heat depleted source fluid; providing a primary preheater for each vaporizer; and supplying said heat depleted source fluid to all of said primary preheaters in parallel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Dany BATSCHA, David MACHLEV, Noa KALISH, Rachel HUBERMAN
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Publication number: 20150121867Abstract: A scale suppression apparatus capable of suppressing in a low-priced manner the generation of silica-based scale and calcium-based scale in the influent water containing at least a silica component and a calcium component, a geothermal power generation system using the same, and a scale suppression method are provided. The scale suppression apparatus includes a chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit injecting liquid containing a chelating agent and an alkaline agent into a pipe arrangement through which influent water such as geothermal water or the like flows, and a controller controlling a pump and a valve of the chelating agent and alkaline agent addition unit. The controller controls the injection of the chelating agent and the alkaline agent and stops of the injection based on the signal output from a scale detection unit for detecting a precipitation state of the scale.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Kokan Kubota, Yoshitaka Kawahara, Ichiro Myogan, Osamu Kato