Abstract:
In a method, an electrical grid is monitored. Based on monitoring the electrical grid, it is determined that one or more criteria are satisfied at a first time. In response to determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the first time, water is moved from an aquifer located at a first elevation to a reservoir located at a second elevation. The first elevation is lower than the second elevation. The water is moved from the reservoir through a heat exchanger, and heat is transferred using the water. Subsequent to moving the water through the heat exchanger, the water is moved into the aquifer.
Abstract:
An energy generation system includes an excess water drain disposed at a first elevation, an aquifer disposed at a second elevation lower than the first elevation, a conduit in fluid communication with the excess water drain and the aquifer, and a turbine generator disposed in the conduit. The turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of excess water flowing through the conduit from the excess water drain to the aquifer into electrical energy.
Abstract:
A method of operating a multiple-use, aquifer-based system includes pumping fluid out of an aquifer (or multiple aquifers) with a pump and selectively diverting the pumped fluid to a pumped-storage reservoir for subsequent return to the aquifer through a turbine to generate electricity hydroelectrically or to a fluid-utilizing system configured to utilize the pumped fluid in an application that is not related to the hydroelectric generation.
Abstract:
A system includes an aquifer and a source of fluid external to the aquifer. A fluid communication channel extends between the source of fluid and the aquifer. Fluid can flow from the source of fluid to the aquifer through the fluid communication channel. An engine-generator is arranged to convert energy of the flowing fluid into electrical energy. No pumps are provided to move fluid from the aquifer to the source of fluid.
Abstract:
A system includes a collection of water at a first elevation, an aquifer at a second elevation lower than the first elevation and one or more fluid communication channels that facilitate fluid communication between the collection of water and the aquifer. A turbine-generator is in one of the fluid communication channels to convert kinetic energy of fluid that has flown out of the collection of water into electrical energy. A fluid collection area is downstream of the turbine-generator that at least temporarily collects fluid that has passed through the turbine-generator. An injection pump is provided to pump fluid that has accumulated in the collection area into the aquifer.
Abstract:
An oil supply system for an internal combustion engine camshaft includes an oil distribution block configured for attachment to an engine structure adjacent to and above a camshaft, with attachment of the oil distribution block occurring after the camshaft has been installed in the engine. Fixed and movable ring segments, which are mounted to the oil distribution block, cooperate to provide the camshaft with oil under pressure, which may be used for controlling auxiliary devices such as a camshaft phaser or camshaft profile switching mechanism.
Abstract:
In an energy time-shifting process, an electrical grid is monitored. Based on monitoring the electrical grid, it is determined that one or more criteria are satisfied at a first time. In response to determining that the one or more criteria are satisfied at the first time, water is directed from an aquifer located at a first elevation to a reservoir located at a second elevation. The first elevation is lower than the second elevation. Subsequent to directing the water from the aquifer to the reservoir, water is directed from the reservoir to a turbine generator located at a third elevation. The third elevation is lower than the second elevation and higher than the first elevation. Electrical power is generated using the turbine generated based on the water flowing through the turbine generator. Water is directed from the turbine generator into the aquifer.
Abstract:
A hydroelectric and geothermal system includes a fluid communication channel that includes a first portion that extends from the earth's surface toward a subterranean hot area, a second portion connected to the first portion and in thermal communication with the subterranean hot area, and a third portion connected to the second portion and that extends to the earth's surface. A first turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of a fluid flowing substantially under the influence of gravity in the first portion of the fluid communication channel into electrical energy. A second turbine generator is configured to convert kinetic energy of a vapor flowing within or out from the third portion of the fluid communication channel into electrical energy. The system also includes a valve arrangement configured for manipulation to hold the fluid in the second portion of the fluid communication channel in thermal communication with the subterranean hot area to produce the vapor.
Abstract:
Fluid is moved from an aquifer to a higher elevation, and is used at the higher elevation for a domestic or industrial application. Subsequently, the fluid is allowed to return from the higher elevation to the aquifer. Kinetic energy of the fluid returning to the aquifer is converted into electrical energy.