Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Steam-electrical generating system using geothermal heat source

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6537006

A liquid-to-liquid heat pump is utilized for supplying sufficient heat to generate steam from the condensate of a steam turbine. A liquid coolant is circulated through the condenser of the steam turbine for absorption of heat from the steam as the steam forms condensate. The liquid coolant is then circulated through the heat pump for recovery of the heat absorbed by the coolant during condensation of the steam. Sufficient transferred heat is transferred to the coolant to permit the heat pump to extract sufficient heat from the coolant to regenerate steam from the condensate. The transferred heat is supplied by a plurality of heat sinks buried in the earth to a sufficient depth so as to be in heat exchange relationship with the subterranean water system of the earth.

Assignee:
Duke Power Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 4343999
OSTI ID:
6537006
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English