초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for heating fluids using the Earth's inner heat to generate power and desalinate water. Fluids include fresh water and sea water to be desalinized. The method involves passing a filtered fluid down a channel formed by two concentric tubes in a deep well defining inner and oute

A method and apparatus for heating fluids using the Earth's inner heat to generate power and desalinate water. Fluids include fresh water and sea water to be desalinized. The method involves passing a filtered fluid down a channel formed by two concentric tubes in a deep well defining inner and outer channels, to a depth at which the fluid reaches the needed temperature. Hot fluids pass into an inner channel and flow to surface with small heat loss, through an insulated pipe. The hot fluid may be vaporized to produce power, and returned to the system when condensed, forming a closed system, or it may be desalinize seawater in an integrated process that also produces electrical power.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for heating fluids with earth's internal energy, comprising: passing filtered fluid down a drilled well, containing concentric inner and outer tubes that form inner and outer fluid channels, to a depth at which the fluid is heated to a specified temperature and pressure due to heat trans

1. A method for heating fluids with earth's internal energy, comprising: passing filtered fluid down a drilled well, containing concentric inner and outer tubes that form inner and outer fluid channels, to a depth at which the fluid is heated to a specified temperature and pressure due to heat transferred from surrounding rock,passing the heated and pressurized fluid to the inner fluid channel through slots which are located near a lowest part of the inner fluid channel,passing the heated and pressurized fluid to the surface by ascending through said inner fluid channel so that the fluid allows for power generation, or for seawater desalination in an integral process with power generation,controlling pressure of the ascending fluid with a valve and a pump,controlling amplitude of horizontal vibrations of the inner tube with separators attached to an external wall of the inner tube and supports for the inner tube, said inner tube being of double walled construction filled with an insulating materialwherein said supports for the inner tube include an electro hydraulic braking and positioning subsystem attached to the external wall of the inner tube that operates against an internal wall of the outer tube. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein fluid flows down the outer fluid channel and flows up the inner fluid channel simultaneously. 3. The method of claim 1, where the ascending fluid pressure is controlled by a combination of said pump which is located where the fluid enters the outer fluid channel and a valve which is located where the fluid arrives at the surface. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said drilled well is cased with steel or stainless steel. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the drilled well contains a thermally conductive cement contacting both the outer tube and the well walls, to enhance heat transfer from rock to water in the outer tube. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein rock in the earth's crust has been fractured by high pressure water injected through secondary directional wells, thereby enhancing the rate of heat transfer to water in the pipe. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of rock is at least 150° C. where the fluid begins to ascend. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein thermal insulation is provided by fiber glass in the double-walled region between the inner tube and the outer tube. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the drilled well is at least 500 meters deep. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the drilled well is at least 3,500 meters deep. 11. An apparatus for heating fluids with earth's internal energy, comprising: concentric inner and outer tubes which form inner and outer fluid channels for passing filtered fluid down a drilled well, to a depth at which the fluid is heated to a specified temperature and pressure due to heat transferred from surrounding rock,slots for passing the heated and pressurized fluid to the inner fluid channel which are located near a lowest part of the inner fluid channel,wherein the heated and pressurized fluid ascends to the surface through the inner fluid channel for power generation, or for seawater desalination in an integral process with power generation,a valve and a pump for controlling pressure of the ascending fluid,separators attached to an external wall of the inner tube and supports for the inner tube, that control amplitude of horizontal vibrations of the inner tube, said inner tube being of doubled walled construction filled with an insulating material,wherein said supports for the inner tube include an electro hydraulic braking and positioning subsystem attached to the external wall of the inner tube that operates against an internal wall of the outer tube. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said insulating material is a low thermal conductivity fiber. 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said electro hydraulic braking and positioning subsystem produces horizontal forces between the outer and inner tubes, allowing installation of the inner tube by increasing or reducing the internal pressure in the electro hydraulic component. 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a shielded electric cable and a signals cable operate subsystems during installation of the inner tube and fix its final position against the outer tube. 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the drilled well contains a thermally conductive cement contacting both the outer tube and the well walls, which enhances heat transfer from rock to water in the outer tube.