SEMI-UNDERGROUND THERMAL POWER STATION Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: generation of electric and thermal power through burning hydrocarbon fuel directly at area of its deposit at deep depth under ground. SUBSTANCE: underground workings of coal seam is used as furnace and boiler simultaneously; boiler delivers steam-and-gas mixture of high parameters to semi-circular pipe with hydraulic turbine mounted at its end. After passing the hydraulic turbine, water enters settler wherefrom it is directed to thermal line and to the beginning of semi-circular pipe. Kinetic and thermal energy from steam-and-gas mixture is imparted to water in semi-circular pipe; steam is converted into water; gaseous products of burnt coal give solid particles and acid components to water which settle and are neutralized in settler wherefrom they are removed by means of mechanical conveyer and exhaust pipe. Steam-and-gas mixture actuates piston compressor which delivers compressed air to burning coal seam and piston pump supplying water from tank which is filled with water used in thermal line. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency. 3 cl, 7 dwg