Steam turbine closed loop geo-thermal cooling

Abstract

A power generation system for generating electricity using a steam turbine engine that yields high-pressure steam has been developed using a preferably non-toxic coolant circulating in a closed loop that passes through a rock and earth aquifer, for directly and/or indirectly condensing the low-pressure steam from the low-pressure side of the steam turbine into a liquid phase for re-circulation to the steam turbine, whereby the coolant acts to dissipate the heat from the low-pressure steam through the aquifer to the rock and earth encasing the aquifer. In one embodiment a containment shroud is employed to recycle condensing water utilized to condense the condensing vapor emitted from a steam condenser. In a second embodiment a sealed steam condenser is utilized through which the low-pressure steam passes, and water (or other suitable fluid) from an enclosed condensing water reservoir, through which the coolant is circulated, is employed to condense the low-pressure steam in the steam condenser. In yet another embodiment, the coolant is introduced directly into the steam condenser. In a further embodiment an intermediate refrigeration system pump is employed together with the coolant, for condensing the low-pressure steam.

1 . In a power generation system that includes a generator coupled with a fuel source where the generator interacts with a steam turbine for generating electricity, a steam condenser structure in which low pressure steam received from the steam turbine is condensed, and where the condensed steam is re-circulated to the steam turbine, the improvement comprising: a closed loop system in which a coolant circulates under pressure between an aquifer and the steam condenser structure to lower the temperature of the low pressure steam, whereby the coolant condenses the steam and dissipates heat received from the low pressure steam to the aquifer including its surrounding earth and rock encasement. 
     
     
         2 . In a power generation system according to  claim 1  where the steam condenser structure primarily includes an enclosed steam condenser containing a portion of the closed loop enabling the coolant to be routed through from the aquifer to condense the steam. 
     
     
         3 . In a power generation system according to  claim 1  where the steam condenser structure includes an enclosed steam condenser connected to a condensing water reservoir for feeding water cooled by the coolant through said enclosed steam condenser. 
     
     
         4 . In a power generation system according to  claim 1 , including a pump for circulating said coolant under pressure. 
     
     
         5 . In a power generation system according to  claim 1 , where the closed loop is a conduit designed to enable the coolant to flow through a sufficient area in the aquifer and in contact with the steam condenser structure to cool and condense the low pressure steam. 
     
     
         6 . In a power generation system according to  claim 1 , where the coolant is ethylene glycol. 
     
     
         7 . In a power generation system according to  claim 4 , where the conduit includes a relatively horizontal portion passing through the aquifer. 
     
     
         8 . In a power generation system according to  claim 1  where said aquifer is a surface aquifer. 
     
     
         9 . In a power generation system that includes a generator coupled with a fuel source where the generator interacts with a steam turbine for generating electricity, a steam condenser in which low pressure steam is received from the power generation system for cooling low pressure steam and re-circulating the condensed steam to the steam turbine, whereby water from a condensing water reservoir flows through a conduit in contact with the steam condenser to lower the temperature of the low pressure steam, the improvement comprising: a closed looped system in which a coolant circulates under pressure between an aquifer and through a second conduit in contact with the condensing water reservoir to lower the temperature of the water in the condensing water reservoir, the coolant dissipating heat indirectly from the low pressure steam to the aquifer including its surrounding earth and rock encasement. 
     
     
         10 . In a power generation system according to  claim 9 , where a portion of the closed loop system includes a relatively horizontal portion passing through the aquifer. 
     
     
         11 . In a power generation system according to  claim 9 , including a pump for circulating said coolant under pressure. 
     
     
         12 . In a system according to  claim 11 , where said pump interfaces with a refrigeration system lowering is inserted between the closed loop system through which the coolant flows and the steam condenser for further lowering the temperature of the low pressure steam. 
     
     
         13 . In a power generation system according to  claim 9 , where the steam condenser is a pressure sealed chamber. 
     
     
         14 . In a power generation system that includes a generator coupled with a fuel source and interacting with a steam turbine for generating electricity, a steam condenser in which low pressure steam is received from the power generation system, a water condensing reservoir for dispensing water to cool low pressure steam in the steam condenser and re-circulating the condensed steam to the steam turbine, the improvement comprising: enclosing the steam condenser and the condensing water reservoir in a containment shroud, placing within the containment shroud in the path of vapor from the steam condenser a cooling water condenser which is a portion of a closed loop system in which a coolant circulates under pressure from an aquifer to condense the vapor into the water condensing reservoir, the coolant dissipating heat from the vapor to the aquifer including its surrounding earth and rock encasement. 
     
     
         15 . In a power generation system according to  claim 14 , including a coolant pump for circulating the coolant under pressure. 
     
     
         16 . In a power generation system according to  claim 12 , including a condensing water feed from a water source for use, when needed, as an additional supply of water connected to the condensing water reservoir. 
     
     
         17 . In a power generation system according to  claim 14 , where the closed loop is a conduit designed to enable the coolant to flow through the aquifer and through a sufficient area of the vapor emitted from the steam condenser to condense the water vapor. 
     
     
         18 . In a power generation system according to  claim 14 , where a portion of the closed loop system includes a relatively horizontal portion passing through the aquifer. 
     
     
         19 . In a process that employs a fuel source for generating electricity that includes a steam turbine, condensing the steam received from the low pressure side of the steam turbine for re-circulating the condensed steam to the steam turbine, the improvement comprising lowering the temperature of the low pressure steam during the condensing process by employing a coolant directed through a closed loop which coolant dissipates heat from the low pressure steam to a rock and earth encased aquifer. 
     
     
         20 . In a process according to  claim 19  including further lowering the temperature of the low pressure steam by employing a refrigeration process interconnected between the low pressure steam and the coolant flowing through the enclosed loop. 
     
     
         21 . In a process according to  claim 19 , including inserting a geothermal pump between the closed loop through which the coolant flows and the steam condensing operation, for further lowering the temperature of the low pressure steam.