Gravity-Head Geothermal Energy Conversion System
- Key words
- Power Generation; Production; USA; Rankine Cycle; Heat Exchangers; Downhole Pumps; Steam; Operating Designs; Turbines; Enthalpy; Temperature; Brine Pumps
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1982
- Session
- Power plant design and operation; Binary cycle power generat
- Language
- English
Abstract
A novel electric power generating system for low temperature hot water geothermal resources is described. This so-called "gravity head" system is a binary plant with the primary heat exchanger in the production well to a depth of 2000 feet. This configuration results in a novel heat engine cycle which eliminates the "pinch effect" in the primary heat exchanger and the working fluid feed pump and provided a major decrease in brine pumping power. The net effect is a significant increase in the net electric output power over a "conventional" binary plant under equivalent conditions and costs.
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