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Title: Helical-rotor expander applications for geothermal energy conversion

Abstract

The helical-rotor expander is one of numerous candidates for the direct ''total flow'' expansion of geothermal fluids. The potential exists for expansion efficiencies as high as 70 percent. Engine efficiencies will generally be below 70 percent because of an expansion-ratio limitation of 15 and a maximum pressure differential of 110 psi. Single-stage expansion of self-pumped geothermal fluids from reservoirs at 350 to 752/sup 0/F gives engine efficiencies in the range from 57.3 to 43.1 percent. Calculated rotor diameters range from 10.5 to 41.6 ft for a range of outputs of 5 to 40 MW. Two-stage expansion of fluid from the 572/sup 0/F reservoir gives an engine efficiency of 62.3 percent and a 21 percent reduction in the diameter of the larger rotor. Rotor diameters can be held to more reasonable sizes by using the expander in combination with a vapor turbine.

Authors:
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
7177467
Report Number(s):
UCRL-52043
DOE Contract Number:  
W-7405-ENG-48
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; GEOTHERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION; TOTAL FLOW SYSTEMS; EFFICIENCY; GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS; HELICAL CONFIGURATION; HYBRID SYSTEMS; ROTORS; SIZE; CONFIGURATION; CONVERSION; ENERGY CONVERSION; POWER PLANTS; THERMAL POWER PLANTS; Geothermal Legacy; 150802* - Geothermal Power Plants- Power Plant Systems & Components

Citation Formats

House, P A. Helical-rotor expander applications for geothermal energy conversion. United States: N. p., 1976. Web. doi:10.2172/7177467.
House, P A. Helical-rotor expander applications for geothermal energy conversion. United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/7177467
House, P A. 1976. "Helical-rotor expander applications for geothermal energy conversion". United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/7177467. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/7177467.
@article{osti_7177467,
title = {Helical-rotor expander applications for geothermal energy conversion},
author = {House, P A},
abstractNote = {The helical-rotor expander is one of numerous candidates for the direct ''total flow'' expansion of geothermal fluids. The potential exists for expansion efficiencies as high as 70 percent. Engine efficiencies will generally be below 70 percent because of an expansion-ratio limitation of 15 and a maximum pressure differential of 110 psi. Single-stage expansion of self-pumped geothermal fluids from reservoirs at 350 to 752/sup 0/F gives engine efficiencies in the range from 57.3 to 43.1 percent. Calculated rotor diameters range from 10.5 to 41.6 ft for a range of outputs of 5 to 40 MW. Two-stage expansion of fluid from the 572/sup 0/F reservoir gives an engine efficiency of 62.3 percent and a 21 percent reduction in the diameter of the larger rotor. Rotor diameters can be held to more reasonable sizes by using the expander in combination with a vapor turbine.},
doi = {10.2172/7177467},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/7177467}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1976},
month = {Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1976}
}