Abstract: The invention relates to energy conversion and generation systems, and more specifically, to a system and method of generating and converting energy by way of a pressure differential in a working fluid. A Pressure Power System is described comprising a cold sub-system, a warm sub-system, a work extraction system, and a hydraulic pump arranged in a closed loop. The cold sub-system and the warm sub-system are respectively maintained at lower and higher temperatures relative to one another, so that a Working Fluid circulated through the closed loop by the pump, will have different equilibrium vapor pressures in the two sub-systems. The different respective state functions of the Working Fluid results in two different levels of elastic potential energy, and subsequently, a pressure differential between the two sub-systems. A work extraction system is positioned between the two sub-systems to convert the elastic potential energy/pressure differential into useful kinetic energy.

Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing a reservoir containing a native fluid comprising a hydrocarbon. The reservoir is located below one or more caprocks, is at a first temperature, and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The system further includes a production well in fluid communication with the reservoir, a supply apparatus configured to feed a non-water based working fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature through the injection well to the reservoir. The working fluid mixes with the native fluid to form a production fluid comprising at least a portion of the working fluid and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon at a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature. An energy recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the productions well converts energy contained in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method (400, 1100) and apparatus (500, 1200) for producing work from heat includes a boiler (510) which is configured for heating a pressurized flow of a first working fluid (F1) to form of a first vapor. A compressor (502) compresses a second working fluid (F2) in the form of a second vapor. A mixing chamber (504) receives the first and second vapor and transfers thermal energy directly from the first vapor to the second vapor. The thermal energy that is transferred from the first vapor to the second vapor will generally include at least a portion of a latent heat of vaporization of the first working fluid. An expander (506) is arranged to expand a mixture of the first and second vapor received from the mixing chamber, thereby performing useful work after or during the transferring operation. The process is closed and enables recirculation and therefore recycling of thermal energy that is normally unused in conventional cycle approaches.

Abstract: A hydroelectric and geothermal system includes a fluid communication channel that includes a first portion that extends from the earth's surface toward a subterranean hot area, a second portion connected to the first portion and in thermal communication with the subterranean hot area, and a third portion connected to the second portion and that extends to the earth's surface. A first turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of a fluid flowing substantially under the influence of gravity in the first portion of the fluid communication channel into electrical energy. A second turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of a vapor flowing within or out from the third portion of the fluid communication channel into electrical energy. The system also includes a valve arrangement configured for manipulation to hold the fluid in the second portion of the fluid communication channel in thermal communication with the subterranean hot area to produce the vapor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to carry out a highly efficient power generation or to efficiently use an exhaust heat of a low temperature. A steam turbine plant includes a steam turbine 1 and a heating unit configured to heat a working fluid to be supplied to the steam turbine 1. The heating unit includes a first heat source 14 using a fossil fuel or a second heat source 8 using an extracted steam from the steam turbine 1, and a third heat source 44 not using a fossil fuel but using a waste exhaust combustion gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine assembly that is installed below the surface of the earth to harvest the thermal energy of the earth, using a working fluid in a closed loop system, and convert it into electricity, which can be commercialized at the surface. The subterranean engine comprises a hot region and a cold region, and a working fluid that moves between the two regions. The movement and efficiency of the working fluid operates the pistons that drive a generator coupled to the pistons, thereby generating electricity. The hot region of the engine is primarily powered by the geothermal energy. The engine can further incorporate renewable energy to improve the movement of the working fluid between the hot and cold regions. The system can further be used to store renewable energy below ground.

Abstract: A geothermal power generation system configured to generate power by suspending turbine engines over a pit exposing a geothermal energy source is disclosed. The geothermal power generation system may include a support structure sized to a pit and at least one turbine engine hanging below the support structure. One or more turbine engine deployment systems may be configured to move the turbine engine, i.e. raise or lower, such that a distance between the turbine engine and the geothermal energy source changes. In one embodiment, the turbine engine deployment system may be formed from a plurality of cables extending from a rotatable cable drum on the support structure and downward from a plurality of pulleys positioned along the pulley track. The support structure may also include a pulley track extending from the first base to the second base. One or more electrical transmission lines may extend from the turbine engine.

Abstract: An energy-extracting mine ventilation system comprises: a ventilation unit for conditioning the intake air of a mine; a network of pipes installed in at least one cavity of the mine, the network of pipes comprising a geothermal fluid circulating therethrough wherein the network is in contact with a minefill material within the cavity and a rock mass; wherein the minefill material transfers energy between the rock mass of the at least one cavity and the thermal fluid; and a heat exchanger unit in fluid communication with the network of pipes and extracting the energy from the thermal fluid The heat exchanger unit is configured to transfer extracted energy directly or indirectly to the ventilation unit in order to condition the intake air of the mine, The extracted energy can be used in a variety of other applications, such as district heating, acid leaching, and water heating.

Abstract: A system and method of operation are shown where the system includes a plurality of geothermal wells, each well having a heat exchanger therein including closed cycle system piping to and from the surface, each well having plurality of appendages drilled in multiple directions in relation to the central borehole of the well and filled with heat conductive material in order to conduct heat from the appendages to the heat exchanger. At least one upstream working fluid manifold is connected at manifold inlets to piping conveying hot working fluid pumped from the closed cycle system piping of more than one of the plurality of geothermal heat extraction borehole wells and connected by manifold outlets to piping conveying the pumped hot working fluid to at least one heat engine.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressor powered by a pressurized gas, whether steam or another working fluid, and a system for extracting work using such as compressor. The pressurized gas may comprise a heated working fluid in a gaseous state, to displace a piston in an input circuit, which in turn displaces a piston in an output circuit, thereby compressing a compressible fluid or displacing an incompressible fluid. A purpose of the compressor is to convert waste heat, heat generated by the combustion of biomass or other fuels, or heat resulting from the concentration of solar energy into useful power, whether configured to produce compressed air or pump water, which can displace the electricity otherwise used for this purpose, or to produce electricity or motive force directly, through a hydraulic circuit. The system for extracting work does so by an output fluid which is compressed or pumped by a pressurized gas powered compressor.

Abstract: The application discloses an organic Rankine Cycle system with a generating unit, a condenser for condensing an organic work fluid, a feeder pump for circulating the organic work fluid and an evaporator (14) for evaporating the organic work fluid. The generating unit comprises a high-pressure screw expander and a low-pressure screw expander, which are connected in series, wherein the high-pressure screw expander and the low-pressure screw expander are mechanically connectable to a generator, which is provided between the high-pressure screw expander and the low-pressure screw expander. The ORC system comprises a by-pass line for bypassing the high-pressure screw expander. The bypass line comprises a control valve for opening and closing the by-pass line.

Abstract: A system and method to extract heat energy from underground heat sources, then transport that heat to the surface in the form of a high temperature liquid or gas, and deliver the contaminant-free heat energy to a surface user of heat. The heat captured in the working fluid of the system is gained by heat transfers and can be extracted from the in situ combustion of any oil sands, heavy oil, conventional or unconventional oil, bitumen, coal, conventional or unconventional natural gas, methane or oil shales, or from various other sources. The invention creates a closed circulation system, in which the working fluid and steam circulating in the system are protected from any direct contact with the hydrocarbon reservoir, and gases produced by the in situ combustion are sequestered in the reservoir by the overlying overburden.

Abstract: A fluid processing system and method are provided for separating a liquid portion from a multiphase fluid. The system and method may include a steam turbine assembly coupled with a rotary shaft, and a separator coupled with the rotary shaft and positioned upstream of the steam turbine assembly. The separator may include an inlet end configured to receive a multiphase fluid, an outlet end fluidly coupled with the steam turbine assembly, and a separation chamber extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. The separation chamber may be configured to separate a liquid portion from the multiphase fluid to thereby provide a substantially gaseous fluid to the steam turbine assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to processes for extracting iron and/or calcium from geothermal brines.

Abstract: An electrical energy and thermal energy generation system that includes an electrical generator including a motor driving a rotor within a stator enclosed in an inner tube; a heat generating unit disposed around said inner tube enclosing said electrical generator, said heat generating unit enclosed within an outer container having walls spaced apart from said inner tube so as to define a volume through which heat exchange fluid is circulated and having a water inlet and a water outlet; an electric power supply providing power to said motor; a water supply providing unheated water to said heat generating unit through said water inlet; and a return water line through which heated water exits said water outlet for transport to a destination for use.

Abstract: The Geothermal Wind System is a hybrid power production system using geothermal transfer of heat between native rock and an air mass circulating between two or more portals of substantially different vertical elevations by use of the stack effect and the buoyancy of heated air or gravity pulling cooled air to turn one or more wind turbines which drive one or more generators. This wind speed can be improved by use of a venturi valve in close proximity to the turbine(s). A novel example of an aerodynamic, adjustable radial venturi is also herein incorporated. Two modes of the GWS are herein described, one used at shallow depths having geothermal temperatures approximating the average exterior climate, and the second used with geothermal temperatures found at greater depths at substantially higher than outside temperatures. The GWS is a non-polluting, non-carbon burning, non-water-dependent power production system easily implemented in third world countries.

Abstract: A distribution pipeline power plant, comprising: an input, configured to receive a fluid that has been heated using energy derived from a geothermal field; an expander, configured to extract energy from the fluid that has been heated using energy derived from a geothermal field; and an output configured to transfer at least some of the energy extracted from the fluid that has been heated using energy derived from a geothermal field to a circulator to drive a further fluid along a distribution pipeline.

Abstract: Rankine Cycle power generation facility having a plurality of thermal inputs and at least one heat sink, where the heat sink includes a thermal chimney or a natural convective cooling tower. In a preferred embodiment, the power facility generates electricity and/or fresh water with a zero carbon footprint, such as by using a combination of solar and geothermal heating to drive a Rankine Cycle heat engine. In one embodiment, a thermal stack is mounted in the base of the thermal chimney, the thermal stack for using waste heat from the plurality of thermal inputs to drive a natural convective flow of air in the thermal chimney, the convective flow having sufficient momentum to drive additional power generation in an air turbine mounted in the chimney and to drive an evaporative cycle for concentratively extracting fresh water from geothermal brines.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at the thermodynamic property amplification of a given thermal supply, provided by hydrocarbon combustion or in the preferred application heat provided by low-grade geothermal energy from the earth, for a vapor power cycle. The present invention achieves the desired objectives by segregating the compressible supercritical energy stream from the heat exchanger (boiler) into hot and cool fractions using a vortex tube, where the hot temperature is elevated above the heat exchanger temperature; and adding back heat (enthalpy) to the cool stream increasing the cool temperature to that of the geothermal heat exchanger.

Abstract: A bi-field solar geothermal system and method. A ground source geothermal heat pump system comprises two discrete hot and cold loops operated in conjunction with solar panels. Heat acquired from the solar panels is stored in a hot geothermal loop for use during colder weather. The alternative use of cooled fluid, passed through the solar panels, enables removal of heat from a cooled geothermal loop for use during hot summer months. The system comprises a valve system in working communication with the hot geothermal loop and the cold geothermal loop and a control system for controlling the operation of valves and determining when to switch from the hot geothermal loop to the cold geothermal loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing load-following power using low to medium temperature heat source fluid comprising the steps of reducing the power level produced by a Rankine cycle power plant producing load-following power operating on a low to medium temperature heat source fluid during one period of time; storing heat not used during the first period of time; and using the heat stored for producing power during a second period of time.

Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing an underground reservoir having a first temperature. The reservoir is located below a caprock and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The injection well includes an injection well reservoir opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. The system also includes a production well having a production well reservoir opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. A working-fluid supply system provides a non-water based working fluid to the injection well at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Exposure of the non-water based working fluid to the first temperature produces heated non-water based working fluid capable of entering the production well reservoir opening. An energy converting apparatus connected to the productions well converts thermal energy contained in the heated non-water based working fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are geothermal power generating systems utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid and superheating the extracted the emitted carbon dioxide utilizing external combustion of the hydrocarbons concurrently extracted with the emitted carbon dioxide to increase enthalpy and thermodynamic cycle efficiency. Methods for producing power are also provided.

Abstract: An energy transfer system for transferring energy between the earth and a facility comprising a well bore at least partially filled with groundwater, a center pipe having a top end and a bottom end disposed in the well bore and having a plurality of apertures for allowing the ingress and egress of groundwater, a pump disposed within the center pipe for facilitating a flow of groundwater through the apertures, and a closed source loop disposed in the well bore, the source loop including at least one source loop pipe extending adjacent the center pipe in said well bore and containing a working fluid for absorbing or transmitting thermal energy.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for extracting ge?thermal heat from neighboring or proximate/ones in a fractured rock formation. The extraction of heat may be performed by cycling between injection and production using separate wells for each zone and offsetting the injection-production cycles between neighboring zones, for example, by keeping the injection-production cycle;* for neighboring zones out of phase with each other. The techniques provide for improved heal recover}’ from rock volumes while decreasing the size of buffer/ones between neighboring/ones, her example, in exemplary embodiments of the present techniques, proximate zones may be within 1000 meters, or even less, of each other. Accordingly, the zones do not have to be totally isolated from each other. The methods and systems described herein may help to impede cross-flow between the zones while minimizing waste heat (and well separation) from unutilized rock layers left between wells.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A hybrid air-cooled condenser system. The system may be provided by converting one among the many air-cooled condensers or condenser bays of a conventional condenser system to an evaporative cooler or condenser. The evaporative condenser may be plumbed in the condenser system to be in series in the vapor path with, upstream or downstream of, the air-cooled condensers. In one embodiment, the working fluid flows from an output or discharge header of the air-cooled section or assembly of the hybrid condensing system to an inlet of the evaporatively cooled section, e.g., to one or more evaporative coolers or condensers. In one modeled geothermal power plant, the condensing load on the air-cooled section was reduced by 50 percent when compared to a fully air-cooled condenser system. The condenser arrangement may be used to improve summer time performance of geothermal power plants.

Abstract: The in situ combustion of subterranean fossil fuels, e.g. coal, oil, and methane, and subsequent separation of combustion gases from nitrogen provides a method to minimize environmental pollution from combustion by-products through subterranean sequestration of carbon while using captured nitrogen as a heat transfer media vented to the surface and used for the production of electricity in mobile turbines for transfer to population centers or for use in energy banks such as the production of goods by electricity intensive manufacturing processes.

Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To achieve a reduction in facility costs in a geothermal power-generation system. [Solution] To provide a compressor 11 that compresses air, a heating device 14 that heats compressed air compressed by the compressor 11 by geothermal heat, a turbine 12 that obtains a rotational force by heated compressed air heated by the heating device 14, and a generator 13 that generates power by the rotational force inputted from the turbine 12.

Abstract: A hybrid geothermal power system is discussed. The system includes a geothermal system including power plant (101) and pumping station (102) and a nuclear plant (103). Pumping station (102) is used to inject fluid from reservoir (104) through an injection well (105) into the bedrock (106) (also referred to as the hot dry rock HDR zone) and extracted via a secondary bore (extraction well) usually coupled to the power plant (101). In the present example however the injection well is linked to the extraction well (107). As fluid is injected into the bedrock a drop in temperature occurs due to heat transfer to the fluid. Nuclear plant (103) is utilised to combat this drop, the plant (103) has the fissionable components (1091, 1092, 1093) of the reactor positioned within bores (1081, 1082, 1083) within the HDR zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to treated geothermal brine compositions containing reduced concentrations of silica, iron, and potassium compared to the untreated brines. Exemplary compositions of the treated brine contain a concentration of silica ranging from about 0 mg/kg to about 15 mg/kg, a concentration of iron ranging from about 0 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, and a concentration of potassium ranging from about 300 mg/kg to about 8500 mg/kg. Other exemplary compositions of the treated brines also contain reduced concentrations of elements like rubidium, cesium, and lithium.

Abstract: A geothermal system is provided. The geothermal system may include a superstructure with at least one geothermal concrete layer, a geothermal source, a heat exchange system, a transfer medium, a distribution system having at least one pump, and a plurality of in-feed piping circuitously connected to a plurality of return piping, both embedded within the geothermal concrete layers. The heat exchange system may bring the transfer medium into contact with the geothermal source so as to convey its heat to the transfer medium. The at least one pump may pump the transfer medium throughout the distribution system, wherein the temperature of the superstructure may be regulated. A user may operate the distribution system to provide sufficient transfer medium to cure the geothermal concrete layer at a near ideal heat of hydration.

Abstract: A heat-electricity combined production system includes: a solar cell module in which a flow path through which a heat source side heating medium heated by solar heat flows, is formed and which generates electricity by solar light; a geothermal heat exchanger that absorbs geothermal heat through the heat source side heating medium; a heat pump including a heat source side heat exchanger that performs heat-exchange between the heat source side heating medium and a refrigerant and a load side heat exchanger that performs heat-exchange between the refrigerant and a load side heating medium; a controller that control the heat source side heating medium to pass through both the solar cell module and the geothermal heat exchanger; and a plurality of pipes that connect the solar cell module, the geothermal heat exchanger and the heat pump.

Abstract: This invention is to give an applicable and effective equipment and method to generate electricity by drawing high temperature geothermal based on principle of heatpipe. It includes an evaporator (1), a condenser (2), a discharge valve (21), a vapor line (19), an electronically controlled throttle valve for gas (18), a main returning line (22), an electronically controlled throttle valve for liquid (23), an inter-returning line (24), a steam turbine (7).

Abstract: A method of harnessing geothermal energy to produce electricity by lowering a geothermal generator deep into a pre-drilled well bore below the Earth's surface. The Self Contained In-Ground Geothermal Generator (SCI-GGG) includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and produces electricity down at the heat sources and transmits it up to the ground surface by cable. The Self Contained Heat Exchanger (SCHE) is integral part of (SCI-GGG) system and can function independently. It consists of a closed loop system with two heat exchangers. No pollution is emitted during production process. There is no need for hydro-thermal reservoirs although not limited to hot rocks. It can be implemented in many different applications. The SCHE also includes an in-line water pump operatively coupled to the closed loop system and can be used in many different applications.

Abstract: A method of using geothermal energy to produce electricity by lowering a geothermal generator deep into a pre-drilled well bore below the Earth's surface. A self contained geothermal generator includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and an electric cable. The condenser includes a distributor chamber, a peripheral chamber and plurality of tubes disposed within the peripheral chamber. The peripheral chamber of the condenser surrounds the turbine, electric generator and distributor chamber departments and is cooled with a separate closed loop system. The condenser cools and converts exhausted steam back in liquid state and returns it back into the boiler for reheating. Water contained within the boiler is converted to high-pressure, super heated steam due to heat from hot rocks contained within a pre-drilled well bore. The steam is used to produce electric energy which is transported up to the ground surface by the electric cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grid-connected power plant, having the following systems which are adjusted in their capacitance to each other: a) a wind power plant, water power plant, solar-thermal system and/or photovoltaic system for the production of electrical energy for operating the systems b) through f); b) a CO2 absorption system for the absorption of atmospheric CO2; c) a CO2 desorption system for the desorption of the CO2 gained in b); d) an electrochemical or solar-thermal H2 synthesis system for the operating system e); e) a synthesis system selected from the group catalytic methanol synthesis, catalytic DME synthesis, catalytic methane synthesis; f) a storage system selected from the group methanol storage system, DME storage system, methane storage system. The invention also relates to the use of such a power plant and methods for the operation of such a power plant.

Abstract: 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 conformed 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.

Abstract: In a coal fired power plant (17) incorporating a feed-water heater (10), energy is provided to the feed-water heater by pumping geothermal hot water through supply and return pipes (15, 16) from a geothermal reservoir (14) located beneath an adjacent coal seam (19). The coal seam acts as an insulating layer, increasing the temperature of the geothermal reservoir (14). Solar heat collectors (21) and (25) can also be provided to boost the temperature of the geothermal hot water and/or the feed water.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system and method of producing useful work includes providing a working fluid and a fluid pump, or compressor, for pumping the working fluid in a cycle. A thermal input is provided for supplying heat to the working fluid. An expansion device downstream of the thermal input converts motion of the working fluid to useful work. A heat pump is provided. A number of different means of implementing the heat pump are presented, including direct transfer of working fluid mass flow. The heat pump pumps heat from one portion of the working fluid to another portion of the working fluid. For some applications, a regenerator, or recuperator, may be used to transfer heat from a high temperature portion of the working fluid to a lower temperature portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recovering and using geothermal energy. Such methods include at least partially vaporizing a working fluid by passing it through a flow loop that at least partially extends into a heated subterranean zone and employing the vaporized working fluid to power a turbine. At least a portion of the flow loop can comprise a depleted or partially depleted hydrocarbon well.

Abstract: A modular energy harvesting system. The system preferably uses an organic Rankine cycle heat engine to recover energy from relatively low-temperature heat sources. The system is both modular and scalable. The components are preferably housed within shipping containers so that they may be easily transported by sea and over land. Two or more power harvesting modules may be assembled on a single site to increase the production capacity in a scalar fashion. Each of the integrated units preferably includes an oil-less turbine and motor.

Abstract: A systems design is disclosed which converts Geopressured-Geothermal (GPGT) brine into saturated brine in concert with the production of electricity from GPGT brine energy. The design integrates a GPGT conversion system which super-concentrates a portion of the GPGT brine, utilizing that portion's thermal energy, with a system designed to produce electricity from the remainder of GPGT brine energy. The end-brine from the electricity producing system is concentrated (sub-saturated) in a spray evaporation pond, which serves as a heat sink for both systems, and is combined with the super-saturated product brine from the GPGT conversion system, resulting in a saturated brine end-product. The saturated brine can be used for beneficial purposes, including for use as bulk material in the construction of salinity gradient solar ponds (SGSP), which collect, store, and deliver solar thermal baseload power (e.g., for electricity generation).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A geothermal power generation system using heat exchange between working gas and molten salt includes a heat collecting unit. A plurality of molten salt containing units are disposed in a heat transferring unit 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. The heat transferring unit is disposed in the ground. Working gas which receives the heat source of the molten salt via heat exchange enters and exits the heat transferring unit. A turbine unit is connected to the heat transferring unit, and generates mechanical energy using energy of the working gas. A power generating unit is connected to the turbine unit, and generates electrical energy using the mechanical energy.

Abstract: A geothermal power system for production of power, and in particular electrical energy, utilizing naturally occurring geothermal energy sources and a method for identifying and converting manmade and natural geological formations into a substantial source of energy and at the same time providing remediation of environmental and safety hazards. Utilizing surface air that is substantially cooler than the geothermal temperature of the subterranean cavern an induced air flow will be produced. This naturally induced air flow will be harnessed and provide the energy to the system power plants for production of electrical energy. The system includes a hydro electric power system, a geothermal well, heat recovery systems, a source of renewable biomass material, and air and water remediation systems.

Abstract: A heat engine system configured to extract thermal energy from a heat source, convert a first portion of the thermal energy to work using an expansion device, and reject a second portion of the thermal energy to a heat sink. The system utilizes a second fluid to inhibit a temperature drop of the first fluid within the expansion device.

Abstract: 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.