F03G4/00

Systems for generating geothermal power in an organic Rankine cycle operation during hydrocarbon production based on wellhead fluid temperature

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.

In situ geothermal power
11578703 · 2023-02-14 ·

A method of generating electricity from geothermal energy utilizing an in situ closed loop heat exchanger deep within the earth using a recirculating heat transfer fluid to power an in situ modular turbine and generator system within a vertical, large bore, deep, tunnel shaft. The shaft length and diameter are dependent on the shaft temperature and sustaining heat flux. The method further includes methods of deep shaft boring and excavating, liner placement and sealing, shaft transport systems, shaft Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and operations and maintenance provisions. The method has few global location restrictions, maximizes thermal efficiency as to make power generation practical, has a small site surface footprint, does not interact with the environment, is sustainable, uses renewable energy, and is a zero release carbon and hazardous substance emitter.

UNDERGROUND HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
20230042799 · 2023-02-09 ·

An underground hydraulic system is disclosed, the system comprising an intake tunnel (2) connected to a body of water (1), a control unit (3) arranged to control flow of water from the body of water (1) into the intake tunnel (2), a distribution tunnel (5) connected to the intake tunnel (2), and at least one riser tunnel (6) connected at a lower end to the distribution tunnel (5), and arranged for receiving water from the distribution tunnel (5).

Systems for generating energy from geothermal sources and methods of operating and constructing same

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.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL POWER IN AN ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE OPERATION
20230228258 · 2023-07-20 ·

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.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATION OF ELECTRICAL POWER AT A DRILLING RIG
20230228259 · 2023-07-20 ·

Embodiments of systems and methods for generating power in the vicinity of a drilling rig are disclosed. During a drilling operation, heat generated by drilling fluid flowing from a borehole, exhaust from an engine, and/or fluid from an engine's water (or other fluid) jacket, for example, may be utilized by corresponding heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer to a working fluid. The heated working fluid may cause an ORC unit to generate electrical power.

Method, system and apparatus for extracting heat energy from geothermal briny fluid
11692530 · 2023-07-04 ·

The present disclosure relates to techniques for extracting heat energy from geothermal briny fluid. A briny fluid can be extracted from a geothermal production well and delivered to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can receive the briny fluid and transfer heat energy from the briny fluid to a molten salt. The molten salt can be pumped to a molten salt storage tank that can serve as energy storage. The briny fluid can be returned to a geothermal source via the production well. The briny fluid can remain in a closed-loop system, apart from the molten salt, from extraction through return to the geothermal production well.

System and method for increasing power output from an organic vapor turbine
11542837 · 2023-01-03 · ·

A binary power plant system, comprising: a vaporizer for vaporizing an organic motive fluid circulating in a closed Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) by a heat source fluid in heat exchange relation therewith and producing wet organic motive fluid vapor having a quality of at least approximately 80 percent; and a single organic vapor, turbine of said ORC: having an inlet for receiving the wet organic motive fluid vapor, wherein organic motive fluid vapor is expanded in said single organic vapor turbine without causing turbine blades of the turbine to be subjected to erosion.

Systems and methods for generation of electrical power at a drilling rig

Embodiments of systems and methods for generating power in the vicinity of a drilling rig are disclosed. During a drilling operation, heat generated by drilling fluid flowing from a borehole, exhaust from an engine, and/or fluid from an engine's water (or other fluid) jacket, for example, may be utilized by corresponding heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer to a working fluid. The heated working fluid may cause an ORC unit to generate electrical power.

Submerged geothermal power generation system
11585329 · 2023-02-21 · ·

A subterranean geothermal power generation system is disclosed herein, comprising a closed cavity, a temperature differential mechanical power generation device, an electric power generation device and a heat conduction module. The mechanical power generation device with a heat source end and a cold source end and the electric power generation device are integrated into the cavity. The heat source end is exposed from the cavity for contacting with a heat source in the well; the cold source end and the electric power generation device are located in the cavity. A heat conduction fluid is filled into the cavity, the heat conduction module extends from the cavity to the outside of the well. Accordingly, a temperature difference between the cold source end and the heat source end is created to enable the mechanical power generation device to mechanically drive the electric power generation device to generate electricity.