US3898020A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Geothermal energy system and method
Assignee: Unisys Corp
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Filing: 1974-05-08
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Granted: 1975-08-05
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Expires: 1994-05-08
Abstract
Abstract A geothermal energy transfer and utilization system makes use of thermal energy stored in hot solute-bearing well water to generate super-heated steam from an injected flow of clean water; the super-heated steam is then used for operating a turbinedriven pump at the well bottom for pumping the hot solute-bearing water at high pressure and in liquid state to the earth''s surface, where it is used by transfer of its heat to a closedloop boiler-turbine-alternator combination for the generation of electrical or other power. Cooled, clean water is regenerated by the surface-located system for re-injection into the deep well and residual concentrated solute-bearing water is pumped back into the earth.
Inventors
- 👤 Hugh B Matthews
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:13
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24T; F24T10/00; F24T10/20; F03; F03G; F03G4/00; F03G4/074; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
Apparatus for transferring thermal energy from an interior hot stratum of an earth for utilization adjacent the surface of said earth comprising: first, second and third conduit means, rotary pump means operatively coupled for pumping hot liquid within said first conduit means, rotary motive means for driving said pump means operatively coupled within said second conduit means, and heat exchanger means within said first conduit means having liquid input means operatively coupled to said third conduit means and output means for suppling hot driving vapor to said rotary motive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
Apparatus for transferring thermal energy from an interior hot stratum of an earth for utilization adjacent the surface of said earth comprising: first, second and third conduit means, rotary pump means operatively coupled for pumping hot liquid within said first conduit means, rotary motive means for driving said pump means operatively coupled within said second conduit means, and heat exchanger means within said first conduit means having liquid input means operatively coupled to said third conduit means and output means for suppling hot driving vapor to said rotary motive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said rotary pump means comprises rotary multiple stage liquid pump means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said rotary motive means comprises rotary impulse vapor turbine means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein said rotary pump and rotary motive means have common driving shaft means equipped with liquid lubricated bearing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein said common shaft means includes an axial bore.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as described in claim 5 wherein said axial bore withIn said common shaft means is coupled to said third conduit means for supply of liquid lubricant to said bearing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said first, second, and third conduit means comprise substantially concentric pipe means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as described in claim 6 wherein said third conduit means and said common shaft means are adapted for use with pump means for providing fluid flow only from said third conduit means through said common shaft means and then through said liquid lubricated bearing means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3751673A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-08-04 | 1979-02-03 | 1979-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-04 | 1983-02-03 | 1983-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-04 | 1987-02-03 | 1987-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |