US20010022085A1 - Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies - Google Patents
Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010022085A1 US20010022085A1 US09/836,967 US83696701A US2001022085A1 US 20010022085 A1 US20010022085 A1 US 20010022085A1 US 83696701 A US83696701 A US 83696701A US 2001022085 A1 US2001022085 A1 US 2001022085A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- steam
- effluent
- field
- generator
- condensate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/04—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24T—GEOTHERMAL COLLECTORS; GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
- F24T10/00—Geothermal collectors
- F24T10/20—Geothermal collectors using underground water as working fluid; using working fluid injected directly into the ground, e.g. using injection wells and recovery wells
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/10—Geothermal energy
Definitions
- Applicant's invention deals with the utilization of wastewater effluent to revitalize a depleted geothermal field, and the combining of two power generation technologies to provide overall system efficiency gains.
- geothermal power generation where steam is obtained from thermal fields underneath the surface of the earth
- hydroelectric generation where energy is extracted from movement of a volume of water due to gravitational force
- the wastewater treatment phase of Applicant's invention capitalizes on the injection of municipal waste effluent into the strata of the geothermal field which supplies steam for power generation. Similar injection methods utilizing brine solutions have been employed historically to assist in the yield of geothermal steam. Such injection has been necessary to lower the mineral content of the geothermal steam and fluids. Lower temperature brine is mixed with high temperature, high mineral brine to reduce mineral content and re-injected into the field.
- waste effluent is injected into the strata to replenish lost water, not to lower mineral content.
- the water is recaptured as cooked water or geothermal steam that is utilized for power production and treated to yield potable water.
- Applicant's invention additionally deals with the laying of pipe or other conduit for the conveyance or transport of matter such as waste effluent or electrical current in a manner and place not otherwise possible, or at significantly higher construction and/or maintenance costs, while providing a potentially more direct alignment or route.
- Basic power generation technologies are generally grouped according to the energy source used to produce electricity.
- Fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil are used to produce steam which is expanded through a steam turbine which, in turn, drives a generator thereby producing electric power.
- Fuels can also be combusted as in a gas turbine, where the primary energy source is hot gas which again expands and drives a generator.
- Nuclear power also uses a steam turbine-generator to convert steam produced by a nuclear reactor into power. In the case of geothermal power generation, steam naturally produced by the earth is extracted and processed to an extent, for expansion again, in a steam turbine-generator, although at much lower temperatures and pressures than the aforementioned fossil fuels.
- Applicant's invention comprises a novel combination which utilizes municipal wastewater in such a way to revitalize a depleted geothermal field while also taking advantage of available terrain to combine hydroelectric and geothermal power generation technologies in a way never before attempted.
- Wastewater effluent provided by the local municipalities would be delivered to a geothermal field such as the Geysers via a pipeline. At least a portion of the pipeline is preferably routed along an undisturbed riverbed and/or through an excavated tunnel.
- the effluent may be injected at various points in the geothermal field. Potential injection points include the existing wells which have been exhausted of their geothermal steam.
- the spent steam is condensed and then may be redirected to a holding pond for storage.
- the stored condensate is transported to lower elevations via a penstock where energy is extracted in the form of electricity by a hydroelectric turbine-generator.
- the cost of pumping the water back up the mountain can be partially offset by the value of the power extracted in the same way as a typical “pump-storage” hydroelectric facility.
- water is pumped uphill during off-peak periods when the value of power is low.
- the hydroelectric generation is accomplished during peak periods when the value of power is high, thereby providing a sound economic reason for pumping the water uphill in the first place.
- the present invention also deals with the laying of pipe, along with other conduits, primarily for the conveyance of water such as wastewater in a manner and place not otherwise possible, or at significantly higher construction and/or operational/maintenance costs, while providing a potentially more direct or convenient route.
- the present invention permits unabated conduit inspection and maintenance potential.
- the present invention provides a method of laying pipeline submerged on an undisturbed riverbed without requiring bed preparation technologies.
- One embodiment of the present invention provides for laying shielded or unshielded pipe/cable/conduit (PCC) for the conveyance of fluids, particulate matter or electrical current while resting submerged on an undisturbed riverbed, on the bottom of any body of water, across a swamp, a bog, areas of quick soil, or across any other area of unstable material and/or spanning potholes, cavities or trenches while fully or partially suspended, while requiring no bedding preparation.
- the PCC shielding is provided to protect the PCC from external damage from impacts, stresses, ground movements, bedding cavitations or erosions.
- the present invention provides a pipeline constructed within a utili-tunnel.
- the utili-tunnel is preferably provided with a pipe breach flow-check.
- FIG. 1 is a line diagram of the steps of Applicant's method of employing wastewater effluent in power generation technologies.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a steam turbine-generator and its connected cooling water and condenser system.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a primary pipe/conduit 11 with supporting sleeve sheathing 41 and supporting cable/rod 21 , safety cable 22 , and pull wire 31 , constituting the ensemble when utilizing sleeve sheathing 41 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-section of a multiple pipe/conduit/cable (MPCC) 19 assembly, with sleeve sheathing 41 , supporting cable/rod 21 , safety cable 22 , and pull wire 31 .
- MPCC pipe/conduit/cable
- FIG. 5 is a cross-section of a primary pipe/conduit 11 with two-piece supporting rings 51 with their cold forged rivets 54 , a ring separator wire 32 and supporting ring stops with set screws 33 , along with pull wire 31 , comprising the ensemble utilizing support rings 51 and no sleeve sheathing 41 .
- FIG. 6 is a profile of FIG. 5, showing a primary pipe/conduit 11 , with two-piece supporting rings 51 with cold forged rivets 54 , a ring separator wire 32 with stops for each face of the supporting rings with set screws 33 . (Not illustrated here is the supporting cable/rod 21 , safety cable 22 and pull wire 31 of FIG. 5.)
- FIG. 7A is a cross-section of a typical pipe/conduit/cable 11 ensemble with sleeve sheathing 41 laid laterally to a stream flow and sheltered from the lateral stream flow by steel sheet piling 61 driven against it on its upstream side and driven into the undisturbed riverbed.
- FIG. 7B is a cross-section of a typical pipe/conduit/cable 11 ensemble with sleeve sheathing 41 (as shown in FIG. 7A) laid laterally to the stream flow and sheltered from the lateral stream flow by reinforced concrete or other rigid paneling 63 held in place by “H” cross-section steel piling 65 driven into the undisturbed riverbed.
- FIG. 8 is a plan view of a utili-tunnel entry.
- FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the utili-tunnel.
- FIG. 11 shows a utili-tunnel summit profile.
- a sewage treatment plant 10 provides effluent 5 , for use in a geothermal steam field such as the Geysers steam field 20 , located at site 30 . Also located at site 30 are the following components, as shown in FIG. 1: a steam turbine-generator 50 , a heat exchanger system 52 , a holding pond 46 , an inlet to a penstock 44 , and a piping system for carrying condensate 62 , effluent 5 , steam 60 and cooked water 64 as described below.
- the effluent 5 is piped through a plurality of pumps 15 to site 30 where it is routed in one of several directions.
- the effluent 5 may be injected directly into the geothermal strata 40 , located deep below the surface of the site 30 , or into the heat exchanger system 52 , for use as a cooling medium. After use as a cooling medium in heat exchanger system 52 , the effluent 5 is injected into the geothermal strata 40 . From the geothermal strata 40 , geothermal steam 60 is extracted through its own distribution to the steam turbine-generator 50 , where it is expanded and condensed to produce electricity.
- condensate 62 and/or cooked water 64 can be piped to a distillation plant 90 .
- the flow can be maintained via a bypass 53 of the re-injection well to flow condensate to the distillation plant 90 .
- the distillation plant 90 is preferably located on the steam-field side of the site 30 and is provided with water that is already near the flash point temperature. The temperature of the condensate 62 and cooked water 64 is such that only an incremental amount of heat, if any, is needed to convert liquid phase water to vapor, that is, any liquid can be economically heated to a vaporous state.
- the water vapor can then be condensed as distilled water.
- the distilled water is then collected or directed down the penstock 44 , to the inlet of the hydroelectric turbine-generator 70 , and, thence, to the water treatment system 80 , for removal of any contaminants dissolved or suspended in the distilled water en route to the water treatment system.
- the plant flow may be temporarily diverted to the holding pond 46 .
- One embodiment of the present invention enables pipe/cable/conduit (PCC) to be laid within inundated or across unstable areas without the need of prior excavation, trenching or other ground preparation and without bedding, while still providing stability and protection to the PCC against damage.
- PCC pipe/cable/conduit
- the technology of this invention permits the use of an unlimited selection of kinds and types of primary and secondary pipes/conduits 11 and 12 in the form of rigid, supple, sectioned or spooled with coupled, screwed or mechanically jointed ends along with cable conduits 14 , 16 and 17 and collectively referred to hereinafter as multiple pipe/cable/conduit (MPCC) 19 for the transport of fluids, particulate matter, electric current and/or communication signals, and these types and kinds may be interchangeable as the particular need may arise, and none of which would be subject to damage subsequent to their being laid due to their being secured by an engineered supporting cable or rod 21 and protected by a sleeved sheathing 41 .
- MPCC multiple pipe/cable/conduit
- the MPCC 19 is to be sleeved by a larger diametered housing as a sheathing 41 , and one or more rods and/or cables 21 installed between the MPCC 19 and the sheathing 41 for semi- or intervaled suspension and/or restraint of the ensemble from flexing action, and is also accompanied by a pull wire 31 strung between the MPCC and the sheathing to provide a mechanism for pulling the supporting cable or rod 21 through, or for its replacement, subsequent to the time of assembly and installation/placement.
- the assembly also comprises couplings/ties.
- the couplings or ties at the ends of the rod and/or cables 21 and 22 are preferably wrapped to prevent them from becoming snagged on the ends of the lengths of the MPCC 19 whenever any of the rod and/or cables 21 and 22 would be withdrawn for repair or replacement.
- the MPCC 19 is to be protected in its entirety from damage by being encased by a sleeve sheathing 41 and it being the intent that the sheathing 41 shield the MPCC 19 from the river current, any impacts from traveling debris carried by any river current or from any blows caused by man, or the like.
- the sleeve sheathing 41 can be constructed of whatever durable material to suit and which is available under each installation circumstance.
- the sleeve sheathing 41 may be sealed at the ends or left open to suit the nature of the MPCC 19 and whatever is to be transported.
- the material should be capable of being readily uncoupled if its sections are to be jointed.
- the inside diameter or opening should be such to be permitted adequate clearance from the MPCC 19 to permit the installation of the rod and/or cables 21 and 22 and the pull wire 31 and subsequently to be readily withdrawn when required.
- Tension rod or cables 21 and 22 are to be installed to provide support for the MPCC 19 and restraint from tensile separation or compression shifting and/or flexing stresses of the MPCC as a result of fluctuations in the river current or from ground movements.
- the cables 21 and 22 can be standard metal wire cable or any durable waterproof multiple-strand, non-metallic material capable of sustaining high, continuous tensile loading without elongation and/or failure.
- the diameter of the cable or rod 21 should be that which would be required to include a safety factor, as normally would be determined by the MPCC 19 designer/engineer, and the rod and/or cables 21 and 22 would be attached to anchors in, ashore and/or submerged within the body or area being traversed.
- the clearance between the MPCC 19 and the sleeve sheathing 41 may not be void of water; therefore, the ends of the rod and/or cables 21 and 22 should be allowed to protrude through/from the sheathing 41 to be fastened to the anchors.
- the rod and/or cables 21 and 22 can be tensioned to suit, by whatever mechanical or hydraulic means from the various anchor sites/points along the MPCC 19 alignment.
- the ends of the rod and/or cables 21 and 22 located within the sleeve sheathing 41 should be coupled by connectors and should be wrapped to provide their unobstructed passage over/past any end joint of the MPCC 19 .
- the pull wire 31 is preferably a metallic or multiple-strand, non-metallic cord with high tensile strength installed along side the primary support rod or cable 21 at the time of assembly to be used to pull through any replacement supporting rod or cable 21 in the event of damage to the primary rod or cable 21 .
- the pull wire 31 need not be left under tension.
- rings 51 around the MPCC 19 are installed for the rod and/or cables 21 and 22 to support the MPCC 19 .
- the rings or bands 51 may be of metal or non-metallic material and can be one-piece fabrication; however, those of two or more pieces or open ended may be joined by cold forged rivets 54 or otherwise united into an assembly without the application of heat, as shown in FIG. 5, and pre-drilled to accommodate being threaded by a ring separator wire 32 .
- the supporting rings/bands 51 should be allowed to slide longitudinally along the MPCC 19 , but then become stopped at regular intervals by supporting ring/band separator stops 33 on the supporting ring/band separator wire 32 threaded through pre-drilled holes through the rings 51 , utilizing crimped clips or sleeves with set screws 33 to the wire after the stops have been placed against each of the faces of the separating rings/bands 51 , as illustrated in FIG. 6.
- the ends of the supporting rod(s) or cable(s) 21 and 22 are to be fastened to anchors installed at regular intervals, or wherever the physical circumstances require to accommodate the MPCC 19 alignment.
- the anchors can be pre-cast or constructed in place using poured concrete, concrete block, stone or brick masonry, be screwed or driven into the ground and/or using marine dolphins or piling to secure the MPCC 19 ensemble.
- the system also provides bridging between anchors.
- the MPCC 19 can be installed utilizing marine dolphins, floats, pontoons, and/or buoys as anchors, where the bottom of the body or area being traversed is unknown, not readily accessible, and/or is too unstable to permit any bedded type of anchor construction.
- the system provides accessibility and the ability to raise the MPCC 19 .
- the anchor ends of the MPCC 19 can be made readily accessible at any of the anchor sites/points and can then be made readily capable of being uncoupled and raised for inspection, change, and/or repair, and then re-laid to rest without difficulty.
- the ensemble be laid longitudinally versus laterally to any river current or flow to minimize externally produced tension upon the MPCC 19 caused by the current, to avoid cavitation under the sleeve sheathing 41 , and to avoid flank impacts by current transported objects.
- Additional pipeline shielding is preferably provided to address the need to shield the MPCC 19 when it lies laterally to the current of the river or stream, as would normally be found at the points of ingress to, or egress from, the stream and in areas which would be significantly away from eddy areas along the shorelines.
- the additional shielding is provided by deflectors.
- the shielding is meant to protect the full profile of the MPCC 19 by installing deflectors, constructed of sheet piling 61 driven into the undisturbed riverbed, or of a pre-constructed fabrication of panels 63 , such as of steel reinforced concrete retained in place by “H” cross-section steel piling 65 driven into the riverbed without excavation or other disturbance of the riverbed, installed along the upstream side of the MPCC 19 , and battered by a factor of alpha from the plumb in an amount to be computed and made directly proportional to the magnitude of the maximum anticipated current velocity of the river or stream during flood and with the top edge of the panel being high enough above the top of the MPCC 19 to cause a vertical deflection of the flow up-and-over the top of the MPCC 19 , and thereby preventing cavitation under the MPCC 19 and/or deflector 61 or 63 in addition to providing the MPCC 19 complete protection from debris and the continuous lateral hydraulic pressure loading of the stream flow, which could
- Such preventative measures should be taken wherever alignments of the MPCC 19 lateral to the current flow would not be sheltered by eddy currents normally found along shorelines.
- the deflectors 61 or 63 aid the preservation of the MPCC 19 within the hostile environment normally expected for the implementation of the invention.
- the deflectors 61 or 63 render that environment compatible to the utility and long lasting potential to its installation.
- Laying/placement of the MPCC 19 is adaptable.
- the technology of the present invention permits the ensemble of the MPCC 19 with sheathing 41 , rod and/or cables 21 and 22 and pull wire 31 to be laid to rest on the undisturbed bottom of any body of water, across any area of quick soil, swamp, bog, or to be suspended between any two or more points, and/or laid interchangeably above and below the aqueous surface of any of these traversed areas without ground or bedding preparation being required.
- the MPCC 19 support method can be readily alternated from rod and/or cable support with sleeve shielding to rod and/or cable with rings/bands support, then readily reverted thereafter, particularly when in proximity to an anchor, without difficulty or limitations.
- the deflectors 61 or 63 are provided to protect the MPCC 19 installation when needed.
- the present invention provides for the conveyance of water such as wastewater or other pumpable fluids, as well as utilities such as electricity, through a mountainous terrain, or other sites not readily accessible for pipeline construction, by way of a tunnel housing any number of utility lines/pipes/conduits and referred to as a utili-tunnel.
- the purpose of the utili-tunnel is to make it possible to lay conduits traversing areas not readily compatible to such construction, particularly in seismically active locations.
- a “pipe breach flow-check” incorporated into the structure of the utili-tunnel provides protection against damage resulting from flooding in the event of a pipe breach.
- the utili-tunnel has a crown (ceiling) 114 , for example, twelve feet high, and an eight-foot width, for optimum utility. Construction would initiate typically by excavating the crown 114 , followed by excavating (lowering) the invert (floor) 112 to provide the head clearance desired.
- a concrete or grout liner may, or may not, be needed. If provided, the liner is preferably put in place as the tunnel excavation advances.
- a pipe breach flow-check 130 is provided, as shown in FIG. 8. If the utili-tunnel is inclined and a pipe breach occurs, the flow out of the tunnel portal (entry) 110 could become catastrophic to the adjoining landscape. This condition can be averted by designing and constructing what is termed a “pipe breach flow-check” 130 in the utili-tunnel.
- the pipe breach flow-check 130 comprises a lateral tunnel 131 commencing near the portal having the lowest tunnel elevation.
- the lateral 131 would be of the same configuration as the main tunnel and would daylight (exit) to the surface terrain.
- the main tunnel 110 between the portal and this lateral would then be plugged 119 , as shown in FIG. 8.
- One or more pipes can be routed through the utili-tunnel. As shown in FIG. 9, the pipe(s) should be positioned close to the wall of the tunnel and supported by cradles 120 , spaced evenly at intervals so as to minimize sag in the pipe. Strapping the pipe to the cradles is optional.
- Conduits and electric or communication cables can also be fastened/mounted to racks 122 fastened to the upper walls of the utili-tunnel, as shown in FIG. 9. Lighting can also be provided. Tunnel illumination can be achieved by mounting a lifeline 126 of caged lights to the center of the crown of the utili-tunnel.
- Ventilation can be provided for the interior of the utili-tunnel. Ventilation within the utili-tunnel can be achieved by wall and/or crown mounting of a duct 124 , commencing from the portals and/or from vertical shafts to the surface. Fans can then be positioned within the ducts to control air movement. In anticipation of seepage into the utili-tunnel, a paved gutter 116 can additionally be constructed in the center of the tunnel invert (floor) 112 .
- pump stations 150 are provided in conjunction with the utili-tunnel.
- pump stations 150 can be constructed inside the tunnel. For example, most strategically would be to place one pump at the portal containing the pipe breach flow-check lateral 131 , as shown in FIG. 8.
- the technology associated with the MPCC 19 and/or utili-tunnel of this invention consists of mechanical assemblies constructed from common existing and readily available materials, and requiring no sophisticated workmanship to assemble or skill to lay or install, other than what is common knowledge to any experienced pipeline, pile driving, excavating and concrete workers.
- the technology provides the means of selecting the shortest possible pipeline route/alignment for the laying of the MPCC 19 and/or utili-tunnel and which could not otherwise be accessible, available or traversable, while making the pipeline less susceptible to damage after having been laid and potentially at a lower construction and/or maintenance cost.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
Applicant's preferred embodiment utilizes municipal wastewater effluent to replenish a depleted geothermal field. Condensate produced by expanding steam produced in the geothermal field through a steam turbine-generator may be pooled with cooked water collected from said field, and then directed through a penstock from a higher elevation to a lower elevation where further energy is extracted through a traditional hydroelectric turbine-generator. The cooked water and condensate may be treated to produce potable water and/or distributed for public consumption either before or after being directed to the hydroelectric turbine-generator. The effluent is pumped up to the geothermal field during off-peak periods of electric consumption, and the hydroelectric generation is accomplished during periods of peak electric demand. A fraction of the effluent may be used as cooling water for the steam turbine-generator and its associated condenser before injection into the geothermal field. At least a portion of the pipeline to transport the wastewater effluent is preferably routed along an undisturbed riverbed and/or through an excavated tunnel.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/969,712, filed on Nov. 14, 1997 entitled “A METHOD OF COMBINING WASTE WATER TREATMENT AND POWER GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/545,110, filed on Oct. 11, 1995 entitled “A METHOD OF COMBINING WASTE WATER TREATMENT AND POWER GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES”, now abandoned.
- Applicant's invention deals with the utilization of wastewater effluent to revitalize a depleted geothermal field, and the combining of two power generation technologies to provide overall system efficiency gains.
- The two power generation technologies employed are geothermal power generation, where steam is obtained from thermal fields underneath the surface of the earth, and hydroelectric generation, where energy is extracted from movement of a volume of water due to gravitational force.
- The wastewater treatment phase of Applicant's invention capitalizes on the injection of municipal waste effluent into the strata of the geothermal field which supplies steam for power generation. Similar injection methods utilizing brine solutions have been employed historically to assist in the yield of geothermal steam. Such injection has been necessary to lower the mineral content of the geothermal steam and fluids. Lower temperature brine is mixed with high temperature, high mineral brine to reduce mineral content and re-injected into the field.
- In this case, waste effluent is injected into the strata to replenish lost water, not to lower mineral content. The water is recaptured as cooked water or geothermal steam that is utilized for power production and treated to yield potable water.
- Applicant's invention additionally deals with the laying of pipe or other conduit for the conveyance or transport of matter such as waste effluent or electrical current in a manner and place not otherwise possible, or at significantly higher construction and/or maintenance costs, while providing a potentially more direct alignment or route.
- Basic power generation technologies are generally grouped according to the energy source used to produce electricity. Fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil are used to produce steam which is expanded through a steam turbine which, in turn, drives a generator thereby producing electric power. Fuels can also be combusted as in a gas turbine, where the primary energy source is hot gas which again expands and drives a generator. Nuclear power also uses a steam turbine-generator to convert steam produced by a nuclear reactor into power. In the case of geothermal power generation, steam naturally produced by the earth is extracted and processed to an extent, for expansion again, in a steam turbine-generator, although at much lower temperatures and pressures than the aforementioned fossil fuels. While the efficiencies associated with the geothermal steam are much lower than that of the traditional fossil fuels, the steam is essentially free, after the installed cost of the delivery infrastructure, compared to the cost of fossil fuel necessary to produce like amounts of steam. Solar power has also been used to boil water for steam as in Solar One, a plant near Dagget, Calif.
- Technologies such as hydroelectric generation utilize the extraction of potential energy from water moved from higher elevations to lower elevations, using the rush of falling water through a “Francis” or “Kaplan” impulse turbine in order to turn a generator and produce electricity. There is no need to produce steam in such a system. The impinging force of the water acting on the water turbine provides the energy to be extracted.
- While naturally occurring energy sources such as sunlight or water are “free”, they can vary in supply. In dry years, less hydroelectric generation is available. On cloudy days, less solar power can be generated. Where wind turbines are concerned, at least a mean wind velocity of 10 mph is required to justify installation, because if there is no wind, power is not produced. Similarly, geothermal fields finally expend their available steam, rendering the massive distribution system and generating equipment installed above the field useless. Utility companies and power associations have traditionally attempted to manage such systems: placing hydroelectric systems proximate to predictable watersheds and by building reservoirs; installing arrays of wind turbines in established zones of plentiful and predictable wind currents; building solar plants in desert locations, etc.
- Today, in an effort to increase generation thermal efficiencies, technologies are sometimes combined. The best and primary example of such a combination is steam and gas turbine technology. In such a system, a gas turbine is used to generate electricity, and concurrently, the exhaust gases, at nearly 950° F., are directed through a heat recovery boiler to produce steam which is then expanded through a traditional steam turbine-generator. This combination dramatically increases the overall thermal efficiency beyond that seen with either gas or steam technology separately.
- The aforementioned combinations are typically not available in the naturally occurring energy resources.
- Efforts to find other renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels have spawned alternate fuels including the burning of agricultural waste such as wood chips, almond shells and rice hulls to generate power. Used tires, municipal solid waste in the form of a screened mass or refuse-derived fuel have also provided fuel for power generation. In the case of municipal solid waste, the fuel has been exploited in large part to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. To say that the utilization of municipal wastes in the generation of electric power advances the common good would be an extreme understatement.
- What is continually needed, then, are ways to extend or augment the availability of renewable or natural resources beyond traditional system efficiency improvements, in order to prolong available energy resources and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. In conjunction, new methods of utilizing municipal waste and its byproducts are also necessary to ease the environmental impact of simple disposal, and to provide a cleaner environment.
- In Sonoma County, California, the world's largest geothermal power generation project has been operating for decades. The geothermal field, called the Geysers, was developed by major oil companies, and the giant power generation utility Pacific Gas & Electric Company exploited the field for electric generation, installing several steam turbine-generators, and leasing the resource field from the original developers. Other smaller utility companies have also leased portions of the field for production of electric power. Up to twenty-one units were installed over the years.
- In the past decade, the pressure and volume of geothermal energy available in the Geysers field has lessened continually. Pacific Gas & Electric has closed several of the existing units and has curtailed production of others. Plans to retire existing units have been accelerated, and staff has been reduced.
- In the neighboring community of Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park and Cotati, millions of gallons of effluent are produced in the local wastewater treatment plant. Approximately 30 million gallons per day of effluent are produced in relatively close proximity to the Geysers.
- The introduction of 30 million gallons per day of waste effluent would, over time, replenish the depleted steam resource of the Geysers. The infrastructure necessary to deliver this water to the Geysers will require a pipeline whose capital cost is not unlike that necessary to construct a penstock and/or dam for hydroelectric plants.
- Also, environmentalists have warned that a conventional pipeline to a geothermal field could rupture and release wastewater into nearby creeks. Additionally, a pipeline rupture could result in a substantial volume of wastewater cascading down from a higher elevation, creating a safety hazard. In the case of the Geysers, the situation is exacerbated by seismic activity.
- Applicant's invention comprises a novel combination which utilizes municipal wastewater in such a way to revitalize a depleted geothermal field while also taking advantage of available terrain to combine hydroelectric and geothermal power generation technologies in a way never before attempted.
- Wastewater effluent provided by the local municipalities would be delivered to a geothermal field such as the Geysers via a pipeline. At least a portion of the pipeline is preferably routed along an undisturbed riverbed and/or through an excavated tunnel.
- The effluent may be injected at various points in the geothermal field. Potential injection points include the existing wells which have been exhausted of their geothermal steam.
- According to Applicant's process, once the geothermal steam has been expanded in the turbines for the production of electricity, the spent steam is condensed and then may be redirected to a holding pond for storage. The stored condensate is transported to lower elevations via a penstock where energy is extracted in the form of electricity by a hydroelectric turbine-generator.
- The cost of pumping the water back up the mountain can be partially offset by the value of the power extracted in the same way as a typical “pump-storage” hydroelectric facility. In such a scheme, water is pumped uphill during off-peak periods when the value of power is low. The hydroelectric generation is accomplished during peak periods when the value of power is high, thereby providing a sound economic reason for pumping the water uphill in the first place.
- The present invention also deals with the laying of pipe, along with other conduits, primarily for the conveyance of water such as wastewater in a manner and place not otherwise possible, or at significantly higher construction and/or operational/maintenance costs, while providing a potentially more direct or convenient route. In one embodiment, the present invention permits unabated conduit inspection and maintenance potential.
- For example, the present invention provides a method of laying pipeline submerged on an undisturbed riverbed without requiring bed preparation technologies. One embodiment of the present invention provides for laying shielded or unshielded pipe/cable/conduit (PCC) for the conveyance of fluids, particulate matter or electrical current while resting submerged on an undisturbed riverbed, on the bottom of any body of water, across a swamp, a bog, areas of quick soil, or across any other area of unstable material and/or spanning potholes, cavities or trenches while fully or partially suspended, while requiring no bedding preparation. The PCC shielding is provided to protect the PCC from external damage from impacts, stresses, ground movements, bedding cavitations or erosions.
- In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pipeline constructed within a utili-tunnel. The utili-tunnel is preferably provided with a pipe breach flow-check.
- FIG. 1 is a line diagram of the steps of Applicant's method of employing wastewater effluent in power generation technologies.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a steam turbine-generator and its connected cooling water and condenser system.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a primary pipe/
conduit 11 with supportingsleeve sheathing 41 and supporting cable/rod 21,safety cable 22, and pullwire 31, constituting the ensemble when utilizingsleeve sheathing 41. - FIG. 4 is a cross-section of a multiple pipe/conduit/cable (MPCC)19 assembly, with
sleeve sheathing 41, supporting cable/rod 21,safety cable 22, and pullwire 31. - FIG. 5 is a cross-section of a primary pipe/
conduit 11 with two-piece supporting rings 51 with their cold forged rivets 54, aring separator wire 32 and supporting ring stops withset screws 33, along withpull wire 31, comprising the ensemble utilizing support rings 51 and nosleeve sheathing 41. - FIG. 6 is a profile of FIG. 5, showing a primary pipe/
conduit 11, with two-piece supporting rings 51 with cold forged rivets 54, aring separator wire 32 with stops for each face of the supporting rings withset screws 33. (Not illustrated here is the supporting cable/rod 21,safety cable 22 and pullwire 31 of FIG. 5.) - FIG. 7A is a cross-section of a typical pipe/conduit/
cable 11 ensemble withsleeve sheathing 41 laid laterally to a stream flow and sheltered from the lateral stream flow by steel sheet piling 61 driven against it on its upstream side and driven into the undisturbed riverbed. - FIG. 7B is a cross-section of a typical pipe/conduit/
cable 11 ensemble with sleeve sheathing 41 (as shown in FIG. 7A) laid laterally to the stream flow and sheltered from the lateral stream flow by reinforced concrete or otherrigid paneling 63 held in place by “H” cross-section steel piling 65 driven into the undisturbed riverbed. - FIG. 8 is a plan view of a utili-tunnel entry.
- FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of the utili-tunnel.
- FIG. 10 shows a longitudinal utili-tunnel profile.
- FIG. 11 shows a utili-tunnel summit profile.
- FIG. 12 shows a utili-tunnel beginning profile.
- A
sewage treatment plant 10 provideseffluent 5, for use in a geothermal steam field such as the Geysers steamfield 20, located atsite 30. Also located atsite 30 are the following components, as shown in FIG. 1: a steam turbine-generator 50, aheat exchanger system 52, a holdingpond 46, an inlet to apenstock 44, and a piping system for carryingcondensate 62,effluent 5,steam 60 and cookedwater 64 as described below. - The
effluent 5 is piped through a plurality ofpumps 15 tosite 30 where it is routed in one of several directions. Theeffluent 5 may be injected directly into thegeothermal strata 40, located deep below the surface of thesite 30, or into theheat exchanger system 52, for use as a cooling medium. After use as a cooling medium inheat exchanger system 52, theeffluent 5 is injected into thegeothermal strata 40. From thegeothermal strata 40,geothermal steam 60 is extracted through its own distribution to the steam turbine-generator 50, where it is expanded and condensed to produce electricity. From the steam turbine-generator 50, thecondensate 62 is piped either to a holdingpond 46, or to thegeothermal strata 40 where it is re-injected. Any fraction of the condensate may be re-injected into thegeothermal strata 40, or directed to the holdingpond 46. The holdingpond 46stores condensate 62, for further use.Cooked water 64, also extracted from thegeothermal strata 40, is also piped to the holdingpond 46. Thecondensate 62 and cookedwater 64 provide sterilized water that is void of all live bacteria, virus, and/or vegetation. - The
condensate 62 and/or cookedwater 64 is introduced into the holdingpond 46 sufficiently below its surface to avoid any contamination of the air due to vapors effected by contact with thegeothermal strata 40. The holdingpond 46 provides the needed volume and pressure to be useful when directed downpenstock 44 to the inlet of the hydroelectric turbine-generator 70, where the potential energy is extracted in the form of electricity. After flowing through the hydroelectric turbine-generator 70, thecondensate 62 and cookedwater 64 are processed inwater treatment system 80, consisting of filtration and chemical treatment to remove sulfur, arsenic, iron and dissolved solids. No organic contamination will exist after injection and recapture as steam or cooked water. - In another embodiment of the present invention, treatment of the fractions of cooked
water 64 and/orcondensate 62 to be directed to the holdingpond 46 may first be treated to produce potable water, thereby eliminating potential problems stemming from a contaminated holding pond. The potable water may then either be held and distributed for public consumption or directed downpenstock 44 to extract the potential energy in the hydroelectric turbine-generator 70. - For example,
condensate 62 and/or cookedwater 64 can be piped to adistillation plant 90. Also, in the event of interruption of re-injection of thecondensate 62 from theheat exchanger system 52, the flow can be maintained via abypass 53 of the re-injection well to flow condensate to thedistillation plant 90. Thedistillation plant 90 is preferably located on the steam-field side of thesite 30 and is provided with water that is already near the flash point temperature. The temperature of thecondensate 62 and cookedwater 64 is such that only an incremental amount of heat, if any, is needed to convert liquid phase water to vapor, that is, any liquid can be economically heated to a vaporous state. The water vapor can then be condensed as distilled water. The distilled water is then collected or directed down thepenstock 44, to the inlet of the hydroelectric turbine-generator 70, and, thence, to thewater treatment system 80, for removal of any contaminants dissolved or suspended in the distilled water en route to the water treatment system. Also, in the event that the return line to thepenstock 44 ceases to vacate, causing a stoppage of the flow from thedistillation plant 90, the plant flow may be temporarily diverted to the holdingpond 46. - Steam turbine-generators employ cooling water for a variety of reasons, but a chief application is in the condensing
heat exchanger system 52, which is flexibly connected to the exhaust of the steam turbine-generator 50, as shown in FIG. 2, and which usually receives its cooling water from a cooling tower. It is possible that traditional cooling towers may be reduced in size or even eliminated by using the large volume of available effluent for cooling. The condensingheat exchanger 52 creates a relative vacuum in the low-pressure stages of the steam turbine-generator 50, helping the expansion of thesteam 60 through the system. - One embodiment of the present invention enables pipe/cable/conduit (PCC) to be laid within inundated or across unstable areas without the need of prior excavation, trenching or other ground preparation and without bedding, while still providing stability and protection to the PCC against damage. The technology of this invention permits the use of an unlimited selection of kinds and types of primary and secondary pipes/
conduits cable conduits 14, 16 and 17 and collectively referred to hereinafter as multiple pipe/cable/conduit (MPCC) 19 for the transport of fluids, particulate matter, electric current and/or communication signals, and these types and kinds may be interchangeable as the particular need may arise, and none of which would be subject to damage subsequent to their being laid due to their being secured by an engineered supporting cable orrod 21 and protected by asleeved sheathing 41. The assembly will now be described in more detail. - The
MPCC 19 is to be sleeved by a larger diametered housing as asheathing 41, and one or more rods and/orcables 21 installed between theMPCC 19 and thesheathing 41 for semi- or intervaled suspension and/or restraint of the ensemble from flexing action, and is also accompanied by apull wire 31 strung between the MPCC and the sheathing to provide a mechanism for pulling the supporting cable orrod 21 through, or for its replacement, subsequent to the time of assembly and installation/placement. - The assembly also comprises couplings/ties. The couplings or ties at the ends of the rod and/or
cables MPCC 19 whenever any of the rod and/orcables - Protection of the
MPCC 19 is provided by thesheathing 41, and its specifications would vary to adequately suit the anticipated conditions to which the MPCC would become subjected. - The
MPCC 19 is to be protected in its entirety from damage by being encased by asleeve sheathing 41 and it being the intent that thesheathing 41 shield theMPCC 19 from the river current, any impacts from traveling debris carried by any river current or from any blows caused by man, or the like. Thesleeve sheathing 41 can be constructed of whatever durable material to suit and which is available under each installation circumstance. Thesleeve sheathing 41 may be sealed at the ends or left open to suit the nature of theMPCC 19 and whatever is to be transported. Preferably, the material should be capable of being readily uncoupled if its sections are to be jointed. The inside diameter or opening should be such to be permitted adequate clearance from theMPCC 19 to permit the installation of the rod and/orcables pull wire 31 and subsequently to be readily withdrawn when required. - Tension rod or
cables MPCC 19 and restraint from tensile separation or compression shifting and/or flexing stresses of the MPCC as a result of fluctuations in the river current or from ground movements. Thecables rod 21 should be that which would be required to include a safety factor, as normally would be determined by theMPCC 19 designer/engineer, and the rod and/orcables MPCC 19 and thesleeve sheathing 41 may not be void of water; therefore, the ends of the rod and/orcables sheathing 41 to be fastened to the anchors. - The rod and/or
cables MPCC 19 alignment. - If more than one cable or
rod 21 is utilized, all could be at reduced tension to that of the primary cable orrod 21, to act only as a safety. For example, thecable 22 could be provided in the event of damage to the primary cable orrod 21. - The ends of the rod and/or
cables sleeve sheathing 41 should be coupled by connectors and should be wrapped to provide their unobstructed passage over/past any end joint of theMPCC 19. - The
pull wire 31 is preferably a metallic or multiple-strand, non-metallic cord with high tensile strength installed along side the primary support rod orcable 21 at the time of assembly to be used to pull through any replacement supporting rod orcable 21 in the event of damage to the primary rod orcable 21. Thepull wire 31 need not be left under tension. - In an alternative embodiment, when
protective sheathing 41 for theMPCC 19 is not being utilized, regularly spaced supportingrings 51 around theMPCC 19, as shown in FIG. 5, are installed for the rod and/orcables MPCC 19. The rings orbands 51 may be of metal or non-metallic material and can be one-piece fabrication; however, those of two or more pieces or open ended may be joined by cold forged rivets 54 or otherwise united into an assembly without the application of heat, as shown in FIG. 5, and pre-drilled to accommodate being threaded by aring separator wire 32. - The supporting rings/
bands 51 should be allowed to slide longitudinally along theMPCC 19, but then become stopped at regular intervals by supporting ring/band separator stops 33 on the supporting ring/band separator wire 32 threaded through pre-drilled holes through therings 51, utilizing crimped clips or sleeves withset screws 33 to the wire after the stops have been placed against each of the faces of the separating rings/bands 51, as illustrated in FIG. 6. - The ends of the supporting rod(s) or cable(s)21 and 22 are to be fastened to anchors installed at regular intervals, or wherever the physical circumstances require to accommodate the
MPCC 19 alignment. The anchors can be pre-cast or constructed in place using poured concrete, concrete block, stone or brick masonry, be screwed or driven into the ground and/or using marine dolphins or piling to secure theMPCC 19 ensemble. - The system also provides bridging between anchors. The
MPCC 19 can be installed utilizing marine dolphins, floats, pontoons, and/or buoys as anchors, where the bottom of the body or area being traversed is unknown, not readily accessible, and/or is too unstable to permit any bedded type of anchor construction. - The system provides accessibility and the ability to raise the
MPCC 19. The anchor ends of theMPCC 19 can be made readily accessible at any of the anchor sites/points and can then be made readily capable of being uncoupled and raised for inspection, change, and/or repair, and then re-laid to rest without difficulty. - It is preferable that the ensemble be laid longitudinally versus laterally to any river current or flow to minimize externally produced tension upon the
MPCC 19 caused by the current, to avoid cavitation under thesleeve sheathing 41, and to avoid flank impacts by current transported objects. - Additional pipeline shielding is preferably provided to address the need to shield the
MPCC 19 when it lies laterally to the current of the river or stream, as would normally be found at the points of ingress to, or egress from, the stream and in areas which would be significantly away from eddy areas along the shorelines. The additional shielding is provided by deflectors. - As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the shielding is meant to protect the full profile of the
MPCC 19 by installing deflectors, constructed of sheet piling 61 driven into the undisturbed riverbed, or of a pre-constructed fabrication ofpanels 63, such as of steel reinforced concrete retained in place by “H” cross-section steel piling 65 driven into the riverbed without excavation or other disturbance of the riverbed, installed along the upstream side of theMPCC 19, and battered by a factor of alpha from the plumb in an amount to be computed and made directly proportional to the magnitude of the maximum anticipated current velocity of the river or stream during flood and with the top edge of the panel being high enough above the top of theMPCC 19 to cause a vertical deflection of the flow up-and-over the top of theMPCC 19, and thereby preventing cavitation under theMPCC 19 and/ordeflector 61 or 63 in addition to providing theMPCC 19 complete protection from debris and the continuous lateral hydraulic pressure loading of the stream flow, which could adversely deflect theMPCC 19, as well as exert potentially excessive tensile, or compressive, stress to theMPCC 19 and to its supporting rod orcable 21. - Such preventative measures should be taken wherever alignments of the
MPCC 19 lateral to the current flow would not be sheltered by eddy currents normally found along shorelines. Thedeflectors 61 or 63 aid the preservation of theMPCC 19 within the hostile environment normally expected for the implementation of the invention. Thedeflectors 61 or 63 render that environment compatible to the utility and long lasting potential to its installation. - Laying/placement of the
MPCC 19 is adaptable. The technology of the present invention permits the ensemble of theMPCC 19 withsheathing 41, rod and/orcables wire 31 to be laid to rest on the undisturbed bottom of any body of water, across any area of quick soil, swamp, bog, or to be suspended between any two or more points, and/or laid interchangeably above and below the aqueous surface of any of these traversed areas without ground or bedding preparation being required. TheMPCC 19 support method can be readily alternated from rod and/or cable support with sleeve shielding to rod and/or cable with rings/bands support, then readily reverted thereafter, particularly when in proximity to an anchor, without difficulty or limitations. Thedeflectors 61 or 63 are provided to protect theMPCC 19 installation when needed. - In another embodiment, the present invention provides for the conveyance of water such as wastewater or other pumpable fluids, as well as utilities such as electricity, through a mountainous terrain, or other sites not readily accessible for pipeline construction, by way of a tunnel housing any number of utility lines/pipes/conduits and referred to as a utili-tunnel.
- The purpose of the utili-tunnel is to make it possible to lay conduits traversing areas not readily compatible to such construction, particularly in seismically active locations. Preferably, a “pipe breach flow-check” incorporated into the structure of the utili-tunnel provides protection against damage resulting from flooding in the event of a pipe breach.
- As shown in FIG. 9, the utili-tunnel has a crown (ceiling)114, for example, twelve feet high, and an eight-foot width, for optimum utility. Construction would initiate typically by excavating the
crown 114, followed by excavating (lowering) the invert (floor) 112 to provide the head clearance desired. - Depending upon the type of soil being excavated, a concrete or grout liner may, or may not, be needed. If provided, the liner is preferably put in place as the tunnel excavation advances.
- Preferably, a pipe breach flow-check130 is provided, as shown in FIG. 8. If the utili-tunnel is inclined and a pipe breach occurs, the flow out of the tunnel portal (entry) 110 could become catastrophic to the adjoining landscape. This condition can be averted by designing and constructing what is termed a “pipe breach flow-check” 130 in the utili-tunnel. The pipe breach flow-check 130 comprises a
lateral tunnel 131 commencing near the portal having the lowest tunnel elevation. - The lateral131 would be of the same configuration as the main tunnel and would daylight (exit) to the surface terrain. The
main tunnel 110 between the portal and this lateral would then be plugged 119, as shown in FIG. 8. - The utility of this uniquely configured pipe breach flow-check130 is that the hydraulic hammer associated with the burst and downward flow of water following a breach travelling down the utili-tunnel to exit the tunnel would slam against the
plug 119. Subsequent to that impact, the water would then flow through the lateral 131, without causing impact damage. This feature is of particular importance when constructed in areas subject to strong seismic activity. - One or more pipes can be routed through the utili-tunnel. As shown in FIG. 9, the pipe(s) should be positioned close to the wall of the tunnel and supported by
cradles 120, spaced evenly at intervals so as to minimize sag in the pipe. Strapping the pipe to the cradles is optional. - Conduits and electric or communication cables can also be fastened/mounted to
racks 122 fastened to the upper walls of the utili-tunnel, as shown in FIG. 9. Lighting can also be provided. Tunnel illumination can be achieved by mounting a lifeline 126 of caged lights to the center of the crown of the utili-tunnel. - Additionally, ventilation can be provided for the interior of the utili-tunnel. Ventilation within the utili-tunnel can be achieved by wall and/or crown mounting of a
duct 124, commencing from the portals and/or from vertical shafts to the surface. Fans can then be positioned within the ducts to control air movement. In anticipation of seepage into the utili-tunnel, a paved gutter 116 can additionally be constructed in the center of the tunnel invert (floor) 112. - One or more pump stations are provided in conjunction with the utili-tunnel. In one embodiment,
pump stations 150 can be constructed inside the tunnel. For example, most strategically would be to place one pump at the portal containing the pipe breach flow-check lateral 131, as shown in FIG. 8. - Other pumps can be installed either straddling or alongside of the pipe by excavating alcoves to suit. Electrical power to the pumps can be racked and/or dropped via shafts from the surface.
- Construction of the utili-tunnel has various advantages. Utili-tunnel construction can be very practical and economical when traversing mountainous terrains and/or when extreme climactic conditions and the risk of vandalism exists. Various other and more specific advantages are as follows: (a) inspection of the pipes, conduits and cables can be conducted at all hours, without concern for adverse weather conditions; (b) no excavations are needed to expose any of the utility lines in order to conduct inspections or repairs; (c)
clearance 118 along the pipe(s) 120 can be such to permit the use of a golf cart to travel the entire length of the utili-tunnel; (d) repairs can be conducted at all hours without hindrance; (e) the utility lines would not encroach on private lands and/or facilities on the surface; (f) public access could be avoided; (g) the interior of the utili-tunnel would not be subject to freezing and/or snow; and (h) when constructed with a pipe breach flow-check, the utili-tunnel can be constructed and utilized in areas of potentially high or intense seismic activity. - The technology associated with the
MPCC 19 and/or utili-tunnel of this invention consists of mechanical assemblies constructed from common existing and readily available materials, and requiring no sophisticated workmanship to assemble or skill to lay or install, other than what is common knowledge to any experienced pipeline, pile driving, excavating and concrete workers. The technology provides the means of selecting the shortest possible pipeline route/alignment for the laying of theMPCC 19 and/or utili-tunnel and which could not otherwise be accessible, available or traversable, while making the pipeline less susceptible to damage after having been laid and potentially at a lower construction and/or maintenance cost. - While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method of employing wastewater effluent in power generation comprising the steps of:
delivering wastewater effluent to a geothermal steam field,
injecting said effluent into said field;
collecting steam from said field;
extracting energy in the form of electricity from said steam by expansion in a steam turbine-generator system thereby producing condensate; and
distilling at least a fraction of said condensate to produce potable water.
2. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 1
pumping said effluent to said geothermal steam field through a piping system.
3. A method according to wherein:
claim 2
said pumping is performed in at least one stage.
4. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 1
directing at least a fraction of said condensate to a lower elevation by force of gravity, through a hydroelectric turbine-generator, extracting energy in the form of electricity.
5. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 4
directing other than said fraction of said condensate to a holding pond.
6. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 4
treating said condensate exiting said hydroelectric turbine-generator to produce potable water.
7. A method according to further comprising the steps of:
claim 1
distilling cooked water collected from said field; and
directing at least a fraction of said cooked water to a lower elevation by force of gravity, through a hydroelectric turbine-generator, extracting energy in the form of electricity.
8. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 7
treating said cooked water exiting said hydroelectric turbine-generator to produce potable water.
9. A method according to wherein:
claim 2
at least a portion of said pumping system is routed along an undisturbed riverbed.
10. A method according to wherein:
claim 2
at least a portion of said piping system is routed through a utili-tunnel.
11. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 1
distributing said potable water for public consumption.
12. A method of employing wastewater effluent in power generation comprising the steps of:
delivering wastewater effluent to a geothermal steam field, said delivery being accomplished by at least one stage of pumping said effluent through a piping system;
injecting said effluent into said field;
collecting steam from said field;
extracting energy in the form of electricity from said steam by expansion in a steam turbine-generator system thereby producing condensate;
re-injecting a fraction of said condensate into said geothermal steam field; and
distilling a fraction of said condensate producing potable water.
13. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 12
directing a fraction of said condensate to a lower elevation by force of gravity in a penstock through a hydroelectric turbine-generator, extracting energy in the form of electricity.
14. A method according to wherein:
claim 12
said pumping of said effluent takes place during off-peak periods of electricity consumption; and
said hydroelectric generation is accomplished during peak periods of electricity consumption.
15. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 12
distributing said potable water for public consumption.
16. A method according to wherein:
claim 12
at least a portion of said pumping system is routed along an undisturbed riverbed.
17. A method according to wherein:
claim 12
at least a portion of said piping system is routed through a utili-tunnel.
18. A method of employing wastewater effluent in power generation comprising the steps of:
delivering wastewater effluent to a geothermal steam field;
injecting said effluent into said field into at least one existing steam well which has been substantially exhausted of geothermal steam;
collecting steam from said field; and
extracting energy in the form of electricity from said steam by expansion in a steam turbine-generator system.
19. A method according to further comprising the step of:
claim 18
pumping said effluent to said geothermal steam field through a piping system.
20. A method according to wherein:
claim 18
the step of injecting said effluent comprises injecting said effluent into a plurality of wells which have been substantially exhausted of geothermal steam.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/836,967 US20010022085A1 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2001-04-17 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
US10/200,993 US6862886B2 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2002-07-23 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
US11/073,315 US7318315B2 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2005-03-04 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US54511095A | 1995-10-19 | 1995-10-19 | |
US08/969,712 US6216463B1 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 1997-11-14 | Method of combining waste water treatment and power generation technologies |
US09/836,967 US20010022085A1 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2001-04-17 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/969,712 Continuation-In-Part US6216463B1 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 1997-11-14 | Method of combining waste water treatment and power generation technologies |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/200,993 Continuation US6862886B2 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2002-07-23 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
US11/073,315 Continuation US7318315B2 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2005-03-04 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010022085A1 true US20010022085A1 (en) | 2001-09-20 |
Family
ID=27067834
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/836,967 Abandoned US20010022085A1 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2001-04-17 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
US10/200,993 Expired - Fee Related US6862886B2 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2002-07-23 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
US11/073,315 Expired - Fee Related US7318315B2 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2005-03-04 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/200,993 Expired - Fee Related US6862886B2 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2002-07-23 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
US11/073,315 Expired - Fee Related US7318315B2 (en) | 1995-10-19 | 2005-03-04 | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20010022085A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020103745A1 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2002-08-01 | Abb Ab | System, method and computer program product for enhancing commercial value of electrical power produced from a renewable energy power production facility |
WO2007053370A2 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-10 | General Electric Company | System and method for heat recovery from geothermal source of heat |
WO2007064406A2 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2007-06-07 | Sumrall Theodore S | Systems and methods for generating electricity using a thermoelectric generator and body of water |
US20070182159A1 (en) * | 2005-08-01 | 2007-08-09 | Davis Chief R | Sewer line power generating system |
US20090110485A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2009-04-30 | Cripps Jeffrey L | Waste water electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US20090216452A1 (en) * | 2005-07-05 | 2009-08-27 | Develop Tech Resources | Energy recovery within a fluid distribution network using geographic information |
WO2010019586A2 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2010-02-18 | Ullman Carl T | Power generation methods and systems |
US8147168B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2012-04-03 | Cripps Jeffrey L | Waste water electrical power generating system |
US20130207390A1 (en) * | 2009-05-26 | 2013-08-15 | Leviathan Energy Hydroelectric Ltd. | Hydroelectric in-pipe turbine uses |
CN106597879A (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2017-04-26 | 中冶华天工程技术有限公司 | Sewage treatment elevator pump optimized scheduling method |
CN107391778A (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2017-11-24 | 武汉大学 | A kind of Analytic Calculation Method of circular tunnel seepage discharge |
US11578469B2 (en) * | 2018-02-16 | 2023-02-14 | Ivan Ivanovich Koturbach | Electrical generating ecological flood control system |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2249125C1 (en) * | 2003-09-24 | 2005-03-27 | Царев Виктор Владимирович | Self-contained power and heat supply system of rooms in dwelling houses and industrial areas |
US7024800B2 (en) | 2004-07-19 | 2006-04-11 | Earthrenew, Inc. | Process and system for drying and heat treating materials |
US7685737B2 (en) * | 2004-07-19 | 2010-03-30 | Earthrenew, Inc. | Process and system for drying and heat treating materials |
US7024796B2 (en) * | 2004-07-19 | 2006-04-11 | Earthrenew, Inc. | Process and apparatus for manufacture of fertilizer products from manure and sewage |
US20070084077A1 (en) * | 2004-07-19 | 2007-04-19 | Gorbell Brian N | Control system for gas turbine in material treatment unit |
US7610692B2 (en) | 2006-01-18 | 2009-11-03 | Earthrenew, Inc. | Systems for prevention of HAP emissions and for efficient drying/dehydration processes |
US20070163316A1 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2007-07-19 | Earthrenew Organics Ltd. | High organic matter products and related systems for restoring organic matter and nutrients in soil |
US7866919B2 (en) * | 2007-04-12 | 2011-01-11 | Natural Energy Resources Company | System and method for controlling water flow between multiple reservoirs of a renewable water and energy system |
WO2009026352A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Jon Inman Sattler | System and method for processing wastewater |
CZ303076B6 (en) * | 2007-08-24 | 2012-03-21 | Fite, A. S. | Device for utilization of mine excavations for production of peak electric power by pumped-storage systems |
US8273156B2 (en) * | 2008-07-01 | 2012-09-25 | Eric John Dole | Method and apparatus for water distillation and recovery |
IT1391731B1 (en) * | 2008-08-26 | 2012-01-27 | Mignemi | THERMOELECTRIC EXPLOITATION OF ARTIFICIAL GEYSERS WITH CONSTANT PRESSURE PRODUCED IN ACTIVE VOLCANOS ADAPTED TO DISCHARGE CONTROLLED QUANTITIES OF SALINE SEA WATER FORCEDLY INTRODUCED, AND TO CONVERT INTO ELECTRIC ENERGY PART OF THE THERMAL ENERGY SUBSTANCED BY THE GAYSERS TO THE ACTIVE VULCAN \ t MEANS OF A PREFABRICATED REMOVABLE DOME, PROVIDED WITH SAFETY DISCHARGE SLITS. |
US9028171B1 (en) * | 2012-09-19 | 2015-05-12 | Josh Seldner | Geothermal pyrolysis process and system |
US10132299B2 (en) * | 2016-10-11 | 2018-11-20 | Wolfhart Hans Willimczik | Ultra deep hydroelectric/geothermal power plant |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2962599A (en) * | 1957-09-09 | 1960-11-29 | Frank Z Pirkey | Apparatus for developing and accumulating hydroelectric energy |
US3140986A (en) * | 1958-01-17 | 1964-07-14 | Walter A Hubbard | Method and apparatus for producing electrical power and distilling water by use of geothermal energy |
US3962943A (en) * | 1974-08-14 | 1976-06-15 | Allen Burl A | Safety apparatus for a cable feed system |
US4052858A (en) * | 1975-01-08 | 1977-10-11 | Jeppson Morris R | Method and apparatus integrating water treatment and electrical power production |
US4091623A (en) * | 1976-10-14 | 1978-05-30 | Edmondson Jerry M | Geothermal actuated method of producing fresh water and electric power |
US4542625A (en) * | 1984-07-20 | 1985-09-24 | Bronicki Lucien Y | Geothermal power plant and method for operating the same |
US4665281A (en) * | 1985-03-11 | 1987-05-12 | Kamis Anthony G | Flexible tubing cable system |
US4842248A (en) * | 1987-10-20 | 1989-06-27 | Mclaughlin Mfg. Co., Inc. | Hydraulic rod pusher-puller |
US5538598A (en) * | 1992-03-23 | 1996-07-23 | Fsr Patented Technologies, Ltd. | Liquid purifying/distillation device |
US5441606A (en) * | 1992-03-23 | 1995-08-15 | Fsr Patented Technologies, Ltd. | Liquid purifying and vacuum distillation process |
US5400598A (en) * | 1993-05-10 | 1995-03-28 | Ormat Industries Ltd. | Method and apparatus for producing power from two-phase geothermal fluid |
US5925223A (en) * | 1993-11-05 | 1999-07-20 | Simpson; Gary D. | Process for improving thermal efficiency while producing power and desalinating water |
US5484231A (en) * | 1993-11-29 | 1996-01-16 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Disposal of slurries of municipal waste in deep geothermal reservoirs |
US5439363A (en) * | 1994-04-25 | 1995-08-08 | Southwire Company | Magnetic support system for cable insertion tube |
US6216463B1 (en) * | 1995-10-19 | 2001-04-17 | Leonard Leroux Stewart | Method of combining waste water treatment and power generation technologies |
-
2001
- 2001-04-17 US US09/836,967 patent/US20010022085A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-07-23 US US10/200,993 patent/US6862886B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-03-04 US US11/073,315 patent/US7318315B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (33)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10135253B2 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2018-11-20 | Abb Schweiz Ag | System, method and computer program product for enhancing commercial value of electrical power produced from a renewable energy power production facility |
US20020103745A1 (en) * | 2000-12-29 | 2002-08-01 | Abb Ab | System, method and computer program product for enhancing commercial value of electrical power produced from a renewable energy power production facility |
US20090216452A1 (en) * | 2005-07-05 | 2009-08-27 | Develop Tech Resources | Energy recovery within a fluid distribution network using geographic information |
US7429803B2 (en) | 2005-08-01 | 2008-09-30 | Rufus Davis | Sewer line power generating system |
US20070182159A1 (en) * | 2005-08-01 | 2007-08-09 | Davis Chief R | Sewer line power generating system |
US20140298793A1 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2014-10-09 | Jeffrey L. Cripps | Waste water electrical power generating system |
US8147168B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2012-04-03 | Cripps Jeffrey L | Waste water electrical power generating system |
US9593664B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2017-03-14 | Jeffrey L. Cripps | Waste water electrical power generating system |
US20150354526A1 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2015-12-10 | Jeffrey L. Cripps | Waste water electrical power generating system |
US9157411B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2015-10-13 | Jeffrey L. Cripps | Waste water electrical power generating system |
US8794873B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2014-08-05 | Jeffrey L. Cripps | Waste water electrical power generating system |
US8550746B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2013-10-08 | Jeffrey L. Cripps | Electrical power generating system |
US20120153623A1 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2012-06-21 | Cripps Jeffrey L | Electrical power generating system |
WO2007053370A2 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-10 | General Electric Company | System and method for heat recovery from geothermal source of heat |
WO2007053370A3 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-12-27 | Gen Electric | System and method for heat recovery from geothermal source of heat |
WO2007064406A2 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2007-06-07 | Sumrall Theodore S | Systems and methods for generating electricity using a thermoelectric generator and body of water |
WO2007064406A3 (en) * | 2005-11-28 | 2007-12-13 | Theodore S Sumrall | Systems and methods for generating electricity using a thermoelectric generator and body of water |
US20100040415A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2010-02-18 | Cripps Jeffrey L | Waste water electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US7632040B2 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2009-12-15 | Criptonic Energy Solutions, Inc. | Waste water electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US8376656B2 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2013-02-19 | Jeffrey L. Cripps | Electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US20090110485A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2009-04-30 | Cripps Jeffrey L | Waste water electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US20120153622A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2012-06-21 | Cripps Jeffrey L | Electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US8585320B2 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2013-11-19 | Jeffrey L. Cripps | Electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US20110188936A1 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2011-08-04 | Criptonic Energy Solutions, Inc. | Waste water electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US8147167B2 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2012-04-03 | Cripps Jeffrey L | Waste water electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
US7946789B2 (en) * | 2007-10-30 | 2011-05-24 | Criptonic Energy Solutions, Inc. | Waste water electrical power generating system with storage system and methods for use therewith |
WO2010019586A3 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2010-04-22 | Ullman Carl T | Power generation methods and systems |
WO2010019586A2 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2010-02-18 | Ullman Carl T | Power generation methods and systems |
US9523344B2 (en) * | 2009-05-26 | 2016-12-20 | Leviathan Energy Hydroelectric Ltd. | Hydroelectric in-pipe turbine uses |
US20130207390A1 (en) * | 2009-05-26 | 2013-08-15 | Leviathan Energy Hydroelectric Ltd. | Hydroelectric in-pipe turbine uses |
CN107391778A (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2017-11-24 | 武汉大学 | A kind of Analytic Calculation Method of circular tunnel seepage discharge |
CN106597879A (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2017-04-26 | 中冶华天工程技术有限公司 | Sewage treatment elevator pump optimized scheduling method |
US11578469B2 (en) * | 2018-02-16 | 2023-02-14 | Ivan Ivanovich Koturbach | Electrical generating ecological flood control system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030046931A1 (en) | 2003-03-13 |
US6862886B2 (en) | 2005-03-08 |
US7318315B2 (en) | 2008-01-15 |
US20050160734A1 (en) | 2005-07-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7318315B2 (en) | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies | |
US20080202119A1 (en) | Method of combining wastewater treatment and power generation technologies | |
Tabor et al. | The Beith Ha'Arava 5 MW (e) solar pond power plant (SPPP)—progress report | |
CN103352452B (en) | Flexible double-tube water diversion, electricity generation and water storage integrated device suitable for rivulets in mountainous areas | |
WO2010060504A2 (en) | Energy accumulation system and method | |
JP2009270491A (en) | Ocean current power generating system in english channel | |
US20100052326A1 (en) | Geothermal energy system | |
CN102518093B (en) | Hydropower station layout structure with low investment and short construction period and construction method thereof | |
RU2431015C1 (en) | Diversion well hydraulic power plant | |
JP2009264119A (en) | Ocean current power generation system dedicated to future of our dear earth and children | |
RU2371638C1 (en) | Borehole heat supply system with underground heat-hydro-accumulation | |
Bandyopadhyay | Electrical power systems: theory and practice | |
KR20190129575A (en) | Geothermal Power Generation System | |
KR101332085B1 (en) | System and method of binary geothermal power generation utilizing river zone | |
RU2733683C1 (en) | Arctic wind-driven power plant | |
CN202440804U (en) | Plant and dam separated hydropower station | |
Madryas et al. | Utility Tunnels–Old fashion or necessity?–Analysis of environmental engineering factors creating potential for growth | |
Waseem et al. | Assessment of Defects, Remedial Measures and Development Prospects of Sick Jaglot Hydropower Project | |
Graceffa | Finite element numerical analysis of the thermo-mechanical behavior of an energy diaphragm wall | |
Koskelainen et al. | District Heating-Production, Storage And Distribution Of Heat Underground An Economical Method Of Better Utilization Of Energy Available And Protection Of The Environment | |
Shevchenko et al. | Geothermal Energy Use in Western Siberia and Prospects for Its Innovative Application in Construction | |
Dresemann | Challenges for the construction of an underground hydroelectric power plant with electricity storage (UPSHP) in terms of public acceptance and technical aspects-A Summary | |
JP3168416U (en) | Ocean current power generation system | |
Garnish | Geothermal energy and the UK environment | |
RU2073795C1 (en) | Drum for taking energy off water streams and wind |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |