Lawrence Livermore Laboratory geothermal energy program. A status report on the development of the Total-Flow concept
The technology development activities of the Geothermal Energy Program at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory are summarized. Significant progress toward development of the Total-Flow concept was made during FY 1978. The results show that the original goal of 70% engine efficiency for the Total-Flow impulse turbine is achievable, that a Total-Flow system is competitive economically with conventional systems, and that the Total-Flow concept offers the benefit of more efficient utilization of geothermal resources for electric power production. The evaluation of several liquid expanders designed for low-temperature (including geopressured) resources suggests that if development were continued, these expanders could be used in combination with conventional systems to increase overall system efficiency. Although the program was terminated before complete field testing of prototype systems could be carried out, the concepts have been adopted in other countries (Japan and Mexico), where development is continuing.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6020273
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-50046-77
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION
TOTAL FLOW SYSTEMS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TURBINES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
DROPLETS
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
GEOPRESSURED SYSTEMS
HELICAL ROTARY SCREW EXPANDER
HOT-WATER SYSTEMS
HYBRID SYSTEMS
NOZZLES
RADIAL-OUTFLOW REACTION TURBINES
TESTING
TWO-PHASE FLOW
VELOCITY-PUMPS REACTION TURBINES
CONVERSION
ENERGY CONVERSION
FLUID FLOW
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS
PARTICLES
TURBOMACHINERY
Geothermal Legacy
150802* - Geothermal Power Plants- Power Plant Systems & Components
299002 - Energy Planning & Policy- Geothermal- (-1989)