초록 ▼

A geothermal energy conversion system extracts heat from a heat source below the Earth's surface, which has a temperature above that of a fluid circulating through a closed system. A geothermal well and an enclosed well casing define a space that extends from ground level to the heat source. A heat

A geothermal energy conversion system extracts heat from a heat source below the Earth's surface, which has a temperature above that of a fluid circulating through a closed system. A geothermal well and an enclosed well casing define a space that extends from ground level to the heat source. A heat exchanger is in thermal communication with the heat source, and a system of valves and at least one pump is in fluid communication, through the space within the well, with the heat exchanger. The system of pumps and valves regulates at least one of the flow rate or the pressure of the fluid so that the fluid vaporizes within the heat exchanger, the rate of vapor production in the heat exchanger is set at a predetermined value, and build-up of liquid within the heat exchanger is controlled.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A geothermal energy conversion system that extracts heat from a heat source below the Earth's surface by circulating a fluid through a closed system, the heat source having a temperature above the boiling point of the fluid, comprising:a geothermal well having a casing de

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A geothermal energy conversion system that extracts heat from a heat source below the Earth's surface by circulating a fluid through a closed system, the heat source having a temperature above the boiling point of the fluid, comprising:a geothermal well having a casing defining a space that extends from ground level to the heat source, the casing having an upper end,a heat exchanger in thermal communication with the heat source to boil the fluid within the heat exchanger, and a system of valves and at least one pump configured to regulate the flow of fluid into and through the heat exchanger; anda cap at the upper end of the casing to seal the casing and form geothermal vapor within the space to provide a heat pipe effect to insulate the thermal communication with the heat exchanger.