Geothermal systems and methods for utilizing energy from underground magma chambers

Abstract

A first aspect is directed to a geothermal system for obtaining a heated heat transfer fluid through heat transfer with a subsurface reservoir of magma. The geothermal system includes a wellbore extending between the earth's surface and the subsurface reservoir of magma. A fluid pump provides a flow of heat transfer fluid toward the subsurface reservoir of magma. A fluid conduit extends from the surface toward a terminus of the wellbore, allowing the flow of heated heat transfer fluid toward the surface from a portion of the wellbore that extends into the subsurface reservoir of magma. A second aspect is directed to a geothermal system including a partially cased well. The partially cased well includes a first borehole section extending from the earth's surface into a subsurface reservoir of magma. The first borehole section includes casing extending from a first end. The partially cased well includes a second borehole section extending from the first end to a termination of the well. The second borehole section extends into the subsurface reservoir of magma, and the walls of the second borehole section are hardened magma. A third aspect is directed to a geothermal system including a well with a borehole extending from the earth's surface into a subsurface reservoir of magma. A chamber is disposed within the borehole and extends at least partially into the subsurface reservoir of magma. An inlet conduit allows for the flow of a heat transfer fluid from the earth's surface into the chamber. An outlet conduit allows for the flow of heated heat transfer fluid from the chamber toward the earth's surface. A fourth aspect provides a method for forming a wellbore extending from the Earth's surface into a subterranean chamber of magma, the method comprising drilling a first borehole from the Earth's surface into the subterranean chamber of magma, and drilling a second borehole from the first borehole further into the subterranean chamber of magma. A fifth aspect is directed to a method of operating a geothermal system, the method including delivering molten salt down a wellbore extending from the Earth's surface into a subsurface chamber of magma, receiving heated molten salt from the wellbore, and delivering the heated molten salt to a thermally driven process.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to (1) U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 195,810, filed May 10, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 444,703, filed February 10, 2023; (2) U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 195,814, filed May 10, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 444,703, filed February 10, 2023; (3) U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 444,703, filed February 10, 2023. (4) U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 195,822, filed May 10, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 444,703, filed February 10, 2023; (5) U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 195,837, filed May 10, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 444,703, filed February 10, 2023, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates generally to geothermal systems and related methods, and more particularly to geothermal systems and methods that utilize energy from underground magma chambers. [Background technology]

[0003] Solar and wind power are commonly available renewable energy sources, but both are unreliable and have relatively low power densities. In contrast, geothermal energy can potentially provide higher power densities and can operate in any weather condition or at any time of day. However, there is a lack of tools to effectively utilize geothermal energy. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Most existing geothermal energy systems are used for heating applications, such as heating homes and other spaces. Where geothermal has been attempted for energy generation or other higher-temperature uses, previous geothermal systems required significant capital, labor, and equipment costs, making them impractical for commercial development. Most past geothermal systems utilized low-temperature resources relatively close to the surface, at or below 194°F, significantly limiting the applications and locations in which past geothermal systems could be deployed. In addition to other shortcomings of past geothermal technologies, the inability of past technologies to efficiently and reliably access high-temperature subsurface geothermal resources makes traditional geothermal systems technically and economically impractical. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] As used herein, "magma" refers to extremely hot liquid and semi-liquid rock below the Earth's surface. Magma is formed from molten or semi-molten rock mixtures typically found between 1 km and 10 km below the Earth's surface. As used herein, "rock plug" refers to a portion or volume of rock formed from hardened magma. As used herein, "lava" refers to molten or partially molten rock that is extremely hot liquid and semi-liquid rock below the Earth's surface that has been expelled from the Earth's interior onto the surface.

[0006] As used herein, "borehole" refers to a hole that is drilled to aid in the exploration and recovery of natural resources, including oil, gas, water, or heat from beneath the Earth's surface. As used herein, "well" refers to a "borehole," alone or in combination with one or more other components that are disposed within or associated with the borehole, for carrying out exploration and / or recovery processes.

[0007] As used herein, "fluid conduit" refers to any structure, such as a pipe, tube, etc., used to transport fluids. As used herein, "drill stem" refers to the drill pipe formed from tool joints, swivels, bits, drill strings, drill collars, drives, subs, top drives, shock absorbers, reamers, and any other associated equipment used during the drilling process.

[0008] As used herein, "heat transfer fluid" refers to a fluid, e.g., a gas or liquid, that participates in heat transfer by acting as a cooling intermediary, transporting and storing thermal energy on one side of the process, and heating on the other side of the process. Heat transfer fluids are used in processes that require heating or cooling. As used herein, "cooling fluid" is a heat transfer fluid used to provide cooling to an area, such as within a borehole.

[0009] As used herein, "superheated steam" refers to steam at a temperature above its vaporization point at the absolute pressure at which the temperature is measured.

[0010] The present invention recognizes a previously unidentified and unmet need for geothermal systems that utilize geothermal resources with sufficiently high temperatures that can provide temperatures high enough for desired processes. For example, underground geothermal reservoirs, such as magma chambers, can facilitate the generation of high-temperature, high-pressure steam while avoiding problems and limitations associated with previous geothermal technologies. Geothermal systems of the present invention generally include a wellbore extending from the earth's surface into the underground geothermal reservoir. The wellbore may have various features and improvements, described in more detail below. For example, the wellbore may include a fluid conduit that facilitates improved heat transfer by placing a heat transfer fluid in direct or near-direct thermal contact with the heat reservoir and allowing the heated heat transfer fluid to be returned to the surface with less heat loss than experienced with previous technologies. For example, a heat transfer fluid, such as water, may be heated (e.g., converted to steam) and returned to the surface for use in any suitable high-temperature, high-pressure thermal process, such as energy generation, thermochemical reactions, etc.

[0011] The present invention also recognizes a previously unidentified and unmet need for geothermal systems that utilize geothermal resources that have sufficiently enhanced energy from magmatic activity so that the geothermal resources do not significantly degrade over time. The present invention illustrates improved systems and methods for capturing energy from magma chambers, dikes, sills, and other magmatic formations, which may be significantly warmer than heat sources accessed using previous geothermal technologies and contain an order of magnitude higher energy density than the geothermal fluids that power previous geothermal technologies. Unlike previous geothermal technologies, certain embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may be resistant to degradation, such that the operating life of the disclosed systems and methods may be significantly increased over that of previous technologies. The present invention may significantly reduce energy production costs and / or reliance on non-renewable resources. In some cases, the present invention may facilitate the provision of electricity in areas where access to reliable power generation is currently unavailable. The systems and methods of the present invention may help reduce carbon emissions.

[0012] In some cases, wells are cased or lined with a heat transfer material that prevents fluid flow between the interior of the well and the surrounding environment while still allowing heat transfer with the heat reservoir. For example, the casing may be an alloy plate having an annular cylindrical shape that is attached to the inner surface of the borehole drilled to form the well. In other cases, at least a portion of the well below the upper limit of the heat reservoir (e.g., within the magma reservoir) does not have a casing. Instead, the interior surface of the well in this region consists of magma that is quenched via the supply of an appropriate cooling fluid and / or via the regular or continuous supply of heat transfer fluid into the well. These partially cased wells further improve heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid introduced into the well and the heat reservoir, resulting in the ability to access higher temperatures to support a wider range of thermal processes, such as those requiring higher energy densities.

[0013] In some cases, a pressurized chamber or other reservoir is located within the wellbore. The chamber typically extends at least partially into the portion of the wellbore that is within the thermal reservoir. In this manner, a heat transfer fluid can be supplied into the chamber and maintained in thermal contact with the thermal reservoir for a sufficient time and under appropriate conditions to achieve target properties, such as target temperature and pressure. In this manner, the heat transfer fluid can be conditioned to target conditions to improve or optimize downstream thermal treatment.

[0014] In some cases, the wells may be directional wells, in which case multiple secondary boreholes may extend from a central or primary borehole that extends from the surface into the thermal reservoir. The network of boreholes formed from the primary and secondary boreholes facilitates improved thermal contact and heat transfer with the thermal reservoir. These directionally drilled wells can support high-temperature processing with a single well, whereas previous technologies may require dozens or more wells to achieve similar levels of power generation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] In some cases, molten salt may be employed as a heat transfer fluid, and this molten salt may be provided in the wells of any of the geothermal systems described in this disclosure. The use of molten salt may facilitate operation at higher temperatures than can be achieved using conventional heat transfer fluids, improving the overall stability and reliability of geothermal operations.

[0016] Certain embodiments may include none, some, or all of the above technical advantages, one or more of which may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0018] [Figure 1] A diagram of the Earth's underground region. [Figure 2] A diagram of the previous geothermal system. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of the improved geothermal system of the present invention; [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 illustrates in more detail one embodiment of the improved geothermal system of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view through a well of the system of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5] 4B is a flowchart of an exemplary method for operating the system of FIG. 4A. [Figure 6] 4B is a flowchart of an exemplary method for preparing the system of FIG. 4A; [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an improved geothermal system having a downhole pressurization chamber. [Figure 7B] 7B illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view through the system of FIG. 7A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] 7B illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view through the system of FIG. 7A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 7B is a flowchart of an exemplary method for preparing the system of FIG. 7A. [Figure 9] 7B is a flowchart of an exemplary method for operating the system of FIG. 7A. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of an improved geothermal system with directional wells. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for preparing the system of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a system for performing thermally driven processes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention and its advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which each identical or substantially similar component illustrated in the various figures is represented by a single numeral or designation. For clarity, not every component is labeled, nor is every component of each embodiment shown, as illustration is not necessary for those skilled in the art to understand the invention.

[0020] The present invention involves unexpected observations, including the following: (1) the magma chamber can be located at a relatively shallow depth of approximately 2.1-2.5 km, (2) the upper layer of the magma chamber can be relatively crystal-free with little or no mush zonation, (3) the rocks near or around the magma chamber are generally not ductile and can support fracturing, (4) the magma chamber does not lose heat output for at least two years, (5) fractures at drilling sites into the magma chamber are unlikely (e.g., no fractures have occurred at drilling sites in Africa and Iceland, and no fractures are believed to have occurred at the Kilauea drilling site in Hawaii, in over 10,000 years), and (6) drilling into the magma chamber is reasonably safe and allows for water quenching of the rising magma to form an excavable rock plug. Further discussion of the novel systems and methods of the present invention follows.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the Earth depicting subsurface geological formations that can be tapped by a geothermal system of the present invention (e.g., for geothermal power generation). The Earth is composed of an inner core 102, an outer core 104, a lower mantle 106, a transition zone 108, an upper mantle 110, and a crust 112. There are places on Earth where magma reaches the surface of the crust 112, forming volcanoes 114. However, in most cases, the magma only comes within a few miles of the surface. This magma can heat groundwater to temperatures sufficient for some types of geothermal power generation. However, for other applications, such as geothermal energy production, more direct heat transfer with the magma is desirable.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a conventional geothermal power generation system 200 that harnesses energy from heated groundwater. The geothermal system 200 is a "flash plant" that generates electricity from high-temperature, high-pressure geothermal water extracted from a production well 202. The production well 202 penetrates a rock formation 208 and is drilled into a geothermal fluid reservoir 210, which serves as a source of geothermal water. The geothermal water is indirectly heated through heat transfer with an intermediate reservoir 212, which is then heated by a magma chamber 214. Convective heat transfer (indicated by the arrows showing hotter fluids rising to the top of each reservoir before cooling and settling, then rising again) can facilitate heat transfer between these reservoirs. Geothermal water from reservoir 210 flows to the surface 216 and is used to generate geothermal power. The geothermal water (and possibly additional water or other fluids) is then injected back into reservoir 210 via an injection well 210.

[0023] The configuration of the conventional geothermal system 200 of Figure 2 has drawbacks and disadvantages, as recognized by the present invention. For example, because geothermal water is a multiphase fluid (i.e., not pure water), the geothermal water may flash and create water hammer at various points along its path to the surface 216, resulting in significant noise and potentially damaging system components. Geothermal water is also prone to scaling and corrosion of system components. While chemicals can be added to partially mitigate these problems, these chemicals are generally introduced into the environment via injection wells 204, which can result in significant increases in operating costs and increased environmental impacts. Improved Geothermal System Example

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a magma-based geothermal system (or "magma system") 300 of the present invention. The magma system 300 includes a well 302 extending from the surface 216 at least partially into the magma chamber 214. The magma system 300 is a closed system in which a heat transfer fluid is provided down the well 302, heated, and returned to a thermal or thermally driven treatment system 304 (e.g., for power generation and / or any other thermal treatment of interest). As such, geothermal water is not extracted from the Earth, thereby significantly reducing the risks associated with the conventional geothermal system 200 of FIG. 2, as described further below. The heated heat transfer fluid is provided to the thermally driven treatment system 304. The thermally driven treatment system 304 is generally any system that uses a heat transfer fluid to drive a target process. For example, the thermally driven treatment system 304 may be a power generation system. Further details of an example thermally driven treatment system 304 are provided below with respect to FIG. 12 and / or support thermal treatments requiring higher temperatures / pressures than those obtainable using previous geothermal technologies.

[0025] Magma system 300 offers technical advantages over previous geothermal systems, such as conventional geothermal system 200 of FIG. 2. Magma system 300 can achieve higher temperatures and pressures for increased energy production (and / or to more effectively drive other thermal processes). For example, due to the high energy density of magma within magma chamber 214 (e.g., compared to that of geothermal water in formation 210), a single well 302 can generally produce the power of many wells in conventional geothermal system 200 of FIG. 2. Furthermore, magma system 300 has little or no risk of thermal shock-induced earthquakes that may be attributable to the injection of cooling water into hot geothermal zones, as was done with previous geothermal system 200 of FIG. 2. Heat transfer fluids are generally not released into the geothermal zone, reducing environmental impacts and the use of costly materials (e.g., chemical additives that are used in large quantities and introduced into the environment during some conventional geothermal operations). Magma system 300 may also have a simplified design and operation compared to that of conventional systems. For example, fewer components and less complexity may be required in the thermally driven treatment system 304 because only clean heat transfer fluid (e.g., steam) reaches the surface 216. There is no need to separate out solids and other impurities common in geothermal water.

[0026] Examples of magma system 300 may include additional components not shown in Figure 3. Further details and examples of different configurations of magma systems, as well as their methods of preparation and operation, are described below with respect to Figures 4A-12. Figures 4A-6 illustrate in more detail an example magma system having a closed flow of heat transfer fluid. Figures 7A-9 illustrate another example magma system with a pressurized chamber located below the wellbore. Figures 10-11 describe another example magma system in which a directional wellbore includes a second borehole extending from a first borehole connecting the surface to an underground magma chamber. Examples of magma systems with fully or partially cased wells

[0027] FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of a magma system 400 in greater detail. The magma system 400 facilitates heating of a heat transfer fluid via heat transfer with the subsurface magma chamber 214. The magma system 400 includes a well 402 with a borehole 404 extending between the surface 216 and the subsurface magma chamber 214. A portion 420a of the borehole 404 is above the magma chamber 214 and extends through the formations 208, 210, and 212 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. Another portion 420b of the borehole 404 extends at least partially into the magma chamber 214. A heat transfer fluid 430 can be heated to a sufficiently high temperature within the portion 420b of the borehole 404 to drive high-temperature processes (e.g., generating steam for power generation, driving thermochemical reactions, etc., as described further below).

[0028] The magma system 400 has a closed loop for flowing heat transfer fluid 430 into the well 402, out of the well 402 to the thermally driven treatment system 410 (see FIG. 12 ), and back to the well 402. For example, a fluid pump 408 can provide a flow of heat transfer fluid 430 toward the subsurface magma chamber 214. The fluid pump 408 can be any suitable fluid pump for driving the flow of heat transfer fluid 430. The fluid pump 408 can pump heat transfer fluid 430 stored in a fluid source 416 (e.g., a tank or other container of heat transfer fluid 430). The heat transfer fluid 430 can be provided in a liquid phase. An inlet fluid conduit 412 facilitates the flow of the heat transfer fluid 430 into the well 402. The fluid pump 408 can provide the heat transfer fluid 430 at a flow rate to achieve a target temperature via heat transfer with the magma chamber 214 (e.g., to achieve a target residence time in the portion 420b of the borehole 404 that extends into the magma chamber 214, to achieve a target temperature and / or pressure of the heat transfer fluid 430 received at the surface 216, etc.). At any point during operation, a portion of the wellbore 402 can be filled with the heat transfer fluid 430, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 4A.

[0029] The fluid conduit 406 extends from the surface 216 to a terminal 434 of the fluid conduit 406. The fluid conduit 406 may be attached to a well head 432 (described further below). The fluid conduit 406 generally facilitates the flow of heated heat transfer fluid 430 from within the well 402 back to the surface 216. The fluid conduit 406 may have an insulating layer 428 that helps maintain the heated heat transfer fluid 430 at an elevated temperature during transport back to the surface 216. For example, the insulating layer 428 may include cement or other material with a relatively low thermal conductivity.

[0030] The heated heat transfer fluid 430 can be supplied to a thermally-driven treatment system 410, which can be the same as or similar to the thermally-driven treatment system 304 of FIG. 3. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 can be steam or superheated steam used to drive one or more turbines for power generation. Superheated steam is steam that has been heated above its vapor pressure at its current pressure. In some cases, the heat transfer fluid 430 can provide heat to one or more reaction vessels, a water distillation system, a heat-driven cooling device (e.g., to power a condenser), a residential or industrial heating system, an agricultural system, an aquaculture system, etc. Other examples of the heat transfer fluid 430 and the operation of the example thermally-driven treatment system 410 are described in more detail below. Other examples of heat transfer fluids are U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 099,499, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 099,509, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 099,514, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 099,518, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 105,674, filed February 3, 2023, entitled "Magma No. 18 / 116,693, filed March 2, 2023, entitled "Geothermal System and Method With Underground Magma Chamber," and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 116,697, filed March 2, 2023, entitled "Method and System for Preparing a Geothermal System Having a Magma Chamber," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0031] The return conduit 414 facilitates transport of the heat transfer fluid 430 cooled by the thermally-driven treatment system 410 back to the well 402. For example, the return conduit 414 allows for the flow of the heat transfer fluid 430 back to the fluid source 416 (e.g., a fluid storage tank, etc.) so that it can be returned to the well 402 using the fluid pump 408. The fluid conduits 412, 414 (and any other conduits, whether labeled in FIG. 4 or not) may be any suitable pipes and / or tubing for the flow of the heat transfer fluid 430 between the interconnected components of the magma system 400.

[0032] The well 402 includes a borehole 404, which is a hole drilled from the surface 216 into the magma chamber 214. The borehole 404 has an opening at the surface 216 and an end at a predetermined depth within the subsurface magma chamber 214. One or more casings 418, 422 may be disposed within the borehole 404. A first casing 418 provides an inner surface within the top 420a of the well 402. The casing 418 extends from the surface 216 to an upper limit 436 of the subsurface magma chamber 214. The casing 418 may be any suitable material for preventing or limiting the transport of fluids from the well 402 to adjacent formations 208, 210, 212 of the earth. For example, the casing 418 may be an alloy attached to the wall of the well 402. The casing 418 may be attached with cement or other suitable material having a relatively high thermal conductivity. An embodiment of installing casing 418 within borehole 404 is further described below with respect to FIG. Other details and examples of installation of casing within a well are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,499, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Electricity Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,509, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Electricity Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,514, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Electricity Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,518, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Electricity Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 105,674, filed February 3, 2023, entitled "Well for Extracting Heat from Magma Chambers."

[0033] In some cases, the casing 418 can extend at least partially into the lower portion 420b of the borehole 404, which extends into the magma chamber 214. For example, the casing 422 may extend along the surface of the lower portion 420b of the borehole 404. Like the casing 418, the casing 422 prevents fluid transport into the adjacent magma chamber 214 while also facilitating efficient heat transfer with the magma within the magma chamber 214. Any casing 422 in the lower portion 420b of the borehole 404 may be identical to the casing 418 in the upper portion 420a, or may be formed of a different material. In some cases, the casing 422 in the lower portion 420b of the borehole 404 may include a material (e.g., alloy, cement, etc.) having a higher heat resistance (e.g., having a higher melting temperature, degradation temperature, etc.). The surfaces of the casings 418, 422 may have a surface structure or texture (e.g., rifling) to reduce turbulence through the wellbore 402.

[0034] In some cases, the casings 418, 422 extend only partially (or not at all) into the underground magma chamber 214. In such cases, the surface 424 of the borehole 404 within the underground magma chamber is hardened magma. The hardened magma can be formed by quenching the magma within the magma chamber 214 with a cooling fluid. Examples of cooling fluids include water, brine, and any of the other heat transfer fluids described herein. The surface 424 can be a solid-state rock formation, which can include igneous rock formed from the hardened magma. The surface 424 can be igneous rock with no or negligible porosity so that the heat transfer fluid 430 is not significantly transported into the magma chamber 214. When the surface 424 is exposed within the wellbore 402, the wellbore 402 is referred to as "partially cased" because the casings 418, 422 do not cover the entire surface of the wellbore 404. For example, casing 418 may be disposed over or attached to first borehole section 420a, while second borehole section 420b does not have casing 422. Instead, surface 424 of second borehole section 420b is formed of hardened magma (e.g., magma quenched by a cooling fluid). The present invention recognizes that a partially cased wellbore may promote improved heat transfer between heat transfer fluid 430 and magma reservoir 214.

[0035] In some cases, the fluid conduit 406 is the drill stem (e.g., or the outer body of the drill stem) used to form the borehole 404. For example, the drill bit 426 used to drill the borehole 404 may be removed from the drill stem such that the drill stem acts as the fluid conduit 406. In some cases, the drill bit 426 can remain attached to the drill stem / fluid conduit 406. The fluid conduit 406 can return heated heat transfer fluid from the wellbore 402 to the surface 216 (as illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 4 ). The fluid conduit 406 has a hollow center for transporting fluid (e.g., drilling fluid into the borehole 404 during drilling operations and drilling heat transfer fluid into the borehole 404 during other operations). Examples of methods for drilling a borehole 404 into a magma chamber 214 are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,499, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Electricity Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,509, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Electricity Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,514, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Electricity Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,524, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Electricity Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers." No. 99,518, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation from Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 105,674, filed February 3, 2023, entitled "Well for Extracting Heat from Magma Chambers," U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 116,693, filed March 2, 2023, entitled "Geothermal System and Method with Underground Magma Chambers," and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 116,697, filed March 2, 2023, entitled "Method and System for Preparing a Geothermal System Having a Magma Chamber."

[0036] The fluid conduit 406 generally includes a fitting interface at an upper end configured to connect to a well head 432. The well head 432 includes fluid connections, valves, etc. to facilitate proper operation of the well 402. For example, the well head 432 may include one or more valves to allow or restrict flow from the well 402 to the thermally driven treatment system 410. The well head 432 may include a relief valve to vent the heat transfer fluid 430 if excessive pressure is reached.

[0037] In some cases, the fluid conduit 406 of the magma system 400 is configured so that the heat-transfer fluid 430 flows in a fluid path within an annulus formed between the wall of the wellbore 402 and the outer wall of the fluid conduit 406. FIG. 4B shows a cross-section through line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4B shows an annulus 450 formed between an inner wall 452 of the wellbore 402 and an outer wall 460 of the fluid conduit 406 (and / or optional insulating layer 428). The annulus 450 provides an annular path for the flow of the heat-transfer fluid 430. The inner wall 452 can be a surface of the casing 418, 422 or a non-casing surface 424 within the magma chamber 214 (described above). The outer wall 454 contacts the wall of the borehole 404, directly or indirectly, for example, by concrete or other material with high thermal conductivity for attaching the casing 418, 422 to the wall of the borehole 404, as previously described. The heat transfer fluid 430 is transported downward (i.e., toward the magma chamber 214) through the path formed by the annulus 450. The heated heat transfer fluid 430 is then returned to the surface through the hollow center 456 of the fluid conduit 406 (and / or optional insulating layer 428), which is formed within the inner wall 458 of the fluid conduit 406.

[0038] Referring again to FIG. 4A , the well bore 402 may be prepared by drilling a borehole 404 using a drill bit 426 (see example method 600 in FIG. 6 ). The drill bit 426 may be attached to a drill stem (e.g., fluid conduit 406) for drilling the well bore 402. The drill bit 426 may be any suitable type of drill bit currently used or developed in the future for forming the borehole 404. For example, the drill bit 426 may be a tricone drill bit with an integral underreamer (not shown) that protrudes radially outward to aid in positioning the casing 418 and / or 422 within the borehole 404. For example, the underreamer may be withdrawn or retracted to allow the drill bit 426 to be withdrawn from the borehole 404 without simultaneously withdrawing the well bore casing 418 and / or 422. In some examples, the drill bit 426 is not withdrawn from the borehole 404, but instead is left on the drill stem (e.g., the fluid conduit 406) or is removed from the drill stem and left at the bottom of the borehole 404. This approach of using the drill bit 426 as a sacrificial drill bit can simplify the drilling process and improve placement of the termination 434 of the fluid conduit 406 near the bottom of the borehole 404.

[0039] One or more jet nozzles (not shown for simplicity) may be positioned on the drill bit 426 to supply drilling fluid during drilling operations. For example, drilling fluid may be supplied at increased pressure to improve material removal within the borehole 404. As another example, cooling fluid may be supplied through the drill bit 426 to cause magma to harden adjacent the drill bit 426 and be drilled into the magma chamber 214 (i.e., form part of the surface 424 described above and then drilled). Additionally or alternatively, cooling fluid may be supplied through another mechanism, such as down an already drilled portion of the borehole 404, and / or through nozzles located along the casing 418 and / or fluid conduit 406. Other details and examples of supplying cooling fluid into a well are found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,499, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,509, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,514, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,524, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,531, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 099,541, filed January 20, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation From Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 105,674, filed February 3, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Power Generation from Ultra-High Temperature Geothermal Fluids and Magma Chambers," U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 105,674, filed February 3, 2023, entitled "Wells for Extracting Heat from Magma Chambers," U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 116,693, filed March 2, 2023, entitled "Geothermal Systems and Methods with Underground Magma Chambers," and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 116,697, filed March 2, 2023, entitled "Method and System for Preparing a Geothermal System Having a Magma Chamber."

[0040] In some cases, well 402 may include additional boreholes (not shown in the example of FIG. 4). For example, borehole 404 may be a first borehole, and at least one second or additional borehole may extend from the first borehole in subsurface magma chamber 214 to enhance heat transfer between heat transfer fluid 430 and magma chamber 214. An example of such a configuration is shown in FIG. 10 and described in more detail below.

[0041] The heat transfer fluid 430 may be any suitable fluid for absorbing heat within the well 402 and driving thermal processing in the thermally-driven processing system 410. For example, the heat transfer fluid 430 may include water, a salt water solution, one or more refrigerants, thermal oil (e.g., natural or synthetic oil), silicon-based fluid, molten salt, molten metal, or nanofluid (e.g., a carrier fluid containing nanoparticles). The heat transfer fluid 430 may be selected, at least in part, to limit the extent of corrosion of the surface of the magma system 400. As an example, if the heat transfer fluid 430 is used to drive a power-generating turbine (see FIG. 12 ), the heat transfer fluid 430 may be water. The water is supplied in a liquid phase and converted to steam within the well 402. The steam can be used to drive a power-generating turbine.

[0042] In some cases, such as to facilitate thermochemical processes requiring higher temperatures than can be achieved using steam or other typical heat transfer fluids, a molten salt heat transfer fluid 430 can be used. Molten salts are salts that are liquid at the high operating temperatures experienced in the magma system 400 (e.g., temperatures of 1600-2300°F). In some cases, ionic liquids can be used as the heat transfer fluid 430. Ionic liquids are salts that remain liquid at more moderate temperatures (e.g., at or near room temperature). In some cases, nanofluids can be used as the heat transfer fluid 430. Nanofluids can be molten salts or ionic liquids with nanoparticles, e.g., graphene nanoparticles, dispersed in the fluid. The nanoparticles have at least one dimension of 100 nanometers (nm) or less. The nanoparticles increase the thermal conductivity of the molten salt or ionic liquid carrier fluid. This disclosure recognizes that molten salts, ionic liquids, and nanofluids can offer improved performance as heat transfer fluids in the magma systems described in this disclosure (see FIGS. 3, 4A, 7A, and 10). For example, molten salts and / or ionic liquids may be stable at the high temperatures that can be reached in wells extending into the magma chamber 214. The high temperatures that can be achieved by these materials not only facilitate increased energy extraction, but can also drive thermal processes that were previously inaccessible using previous geothermal technologies.

[0043] In an example operation of the magma system 400, a heat transfer fluid 430 is stored in a fluid source 416. A fluid pump 408 pumps the heat transfer fluid 430 into the well bore 402. For example, the heat transfer fluid 430 may be pumped through an inlet conduit 412 into the annulus 450 between the interior or inner wall 452 of the well bore 402 and the outer wall 460 of the fluid conduit 406 (see FIG. 4B). As the heat transfer fluid 430 moves into the well bore 402, its temperature increases. The heat transfer fluid 430 can vaporize, increasing its pressure. In some cases, the heat transfer fluid 430 can also be superheated. A superheated liquid is a liquid that is heated above its boiling point. A superheated vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase and heated above its vaporization point at a constant pressure.

[0044] The rate at which the heat transfer fluid 430 is fed into the well 402 can be adjusted to control the residence time of the heat transfer fluid 430 within the well 402, or more particularly, within the portion 420b of the well 402 that extends into the magma chamber 214. The rate at which the heat transfer fluid 430 enters the well 402 can also be adjusted to reach a target pressure / temperature within the well 402, at the surface 216, and / or at the thermally driven processing system 410. For example, the flow rate of water in the heat transfer fluid 430 can be adjusted to generate steam at a target pressure for use in the thermally driven processing system 410.

[0045] The heated heat transfer fluid 430 (whether still liquid, a vapor / liquid mixture, steam, or superheated liquid or vapor) then flows back toward the surface 216. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 may flow through the center of the fluid conduit 406. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid 430 may decrease somewhat as it flows back toward the surface (e.g., via heat transfer with higher levels of cooled heat transfer fluid 430 within the well 402, or within a more recently introduced well 402). The insulating layer 428 may help mitigate this temperature decrease. Overall, the amount of temperature decrease experienced in the fluid conduit 406 may be described as the heat transfer fluid 430 being heated to a temperature above that required by the thermally-driven processing system 410. In this manner, the heat transfer fluid 430 may still be at the desired temperature and / or pressure condition upon reaching the thermally-driven processing system 410.

[0046] The well head 432 may include a valve to further regulate the pressure within the well 402 . After reaching the surface 216, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 is directed to a thermally driven processing system 410. Details of one example thermally driven processing system 410 are provided below with respect to FIG. 12. However, as a simple example, the thermally driven processing system 410 can include one or more power generation turbines. A vapor portion of the heated heat transfer fluid 430 is fed to the turbine and used to generate electricity. The heat transfer fluid 430 is cooled and condensed during this process (or through subsequent processing), and the cooled, condensed heat transfer fluid 430 is returned to the fluid source 416 via conduit 414. The heat transfer fluid 430 can then be returned to the well 402, repeating the cycle described above. Examples of methods for using and preparing magma systems with fully or partially cased wells

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 for operating the magma system 400 of FIG. 4A. The method 500 may begin at step 502, where a heat transfer fluid 430 is provided down the well bore 402. For example, a fluid pump 408 may pump the heat transfer fluid 430 into the well bore 402, as described above with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In step 504, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 within the well bore 402 is received at the surface 216. In step 506, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 is provided to a thermally driven processing system 410. For example, at least a vapor portion of the heat transfer fluid 430 may be provided to a turbine that is operated to generate power. In step 508, at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid 430 from the thermally driven processing system 410 is provided down the well bore 402 (e.g., after the heat transfer fluid 430 has cooled and condensed).

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method 600 for preparing the magma system 400 of FIG. 4A. The method 600 may begin at step 602, where a portion of the borehole 404 is drilled. For example, a drill bit 426 may be used to drill a predetermined depth or distance into the ground. If casings 418, 422 are desired at that depth, the casings 418, 422 are installed along the drilled portion of the borehole 404 at step 604. The casings 418, 422 may be installed while or after the drill bit 426 is advanced. At step 606, a determination is made as to whether the subsurface magma reservoir 214 has been reached. If the magma reservoir 214 has not been reached, operation returns to step 602, where drilling of the borehole 404 continues. If the magma reservoir 214 has been reached, operation proceeds to step 608.

[0049] In step 608, the magma in the magma chamber 214 is quenched with a cooling fluid and drilled. The cooling fluid may be supplied through nozzles in the drill bit 426, the drill stem / fluid conduit 406, and / or the already-drilled borehole 404. The quenched magma hardens to form a rock plug that can be drilled out using the drill bit 426. This operation continues until the target depth is reached. Once the target depth is reached in the magma chamber 214, the drill bit 426 may be disconnected in step 610. For example, the drill bit may be disconnected and remain at the bottom of the borehole 404, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, or the drill stem / fluid conduit 406 may be retracted to retrieve the drill bit 426. If the drill bit is retrieved, the fluid conduit 406 is positioned within the borehole 404.

[0050] In step 612, cooling fluid is provided down the borehole 404 to ensure that the surface 424 remains hardened. In step 614, the drill stem / fluid conduit 406 is fluidly connected to a thermally driven treatment system 410. For example, the fluid conduit 406 may be connected to a well head 432, which is in turn in fluid communication with the thermally driven treatment system 410. Any suitable fluid connection may be used. The resulting magma system 400 may then be used to perform the steps of the method 500 of FIG. 5 described above and any other operations described in this disclosure.

[0051] Modifications, omissions, or additions may be made to methods 500, 600 depicted in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. Methods 500, 600 may include more, fewer, or other steps. For example, at least certain steps may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. When discussed as magma system 400 performing steps, any suitable component of magma system 400 or other component of a geothermal system may be implemented or used to perform one or more steps of methods 500, 600. Example of a magma system with a downhole chamber for heating and pressurization

[0052] In some cases, a magma system, such as magma system 300 of FIG. 3, includes a dedicated chamber for heating and / or pressurizing a heat-transfer fluid to target conditions. FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of such a magma system 700, with chamber 704 located within borehole 404. Magma system embodiment 700 includes many of the same components and structures as magma system embodiment 400 of FIG. 4A, which function the same or similarly as those described above with respect to FIGS. 4A-6, unless otherwise indicated. However, in magma system 700, wellbore 702 includes chamber 704 located within borehole 404. The chamber extends at least partially within subsurface magma chamber 214 (i.e., the chamber is located at least partially within lower portion 420b of borehole 404). In magma system 700, inlet conduit 412 facilitates the flow of heat-transfer fluid 430 from surface 216 to chamber 704. The fluid conduit 406 facilitates the flow of heated heat transfer fluid 430 from the chamber 704 to the surface 216 .

[0053] The magma system 700 can facilitate improved control of the properties of the heat transfer fluid 430 obtainable from the well 702. For example, the pressure of the heat transfer fluid 430 in the chamber 704 can be controlled to facilitate preparation of the heat transfer fluid 430 (e.g., steam) at a desired temperature and pressure for use in the thermally-driven processing system 410. For example, the valve 706 can be arranged to open to allow flow of heated heat transfer fluid through an outlet conduit when the pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value. The valve 706 can enable control of the residence time of the heat transfer fluid 430 in the chamber 704. The residence time can be adjusted to achieve a desired temperature and / or pressure of the heat transfer fluid 430. The valve 706 can be a check valve that opens after a predetermined pressure is reached in the chamber 704. The valve can be an electromechanical valve that can open based on a signal (e.g., provided by control electronics, not shown for simplicity). For example, valve 706 may be opened when a threshold temperature and / or pressure is measured within chamber 704 (e.g., using a thermocouple or any other suitable temperature sensor located on, in, or adjacent to chamber 704). The threshold pressure and / or temperature for opening valve 706 to allow flow of heated and pressurized heat transfer fluid 430 toward surface 216 may be adjusted based on the needs at surface 216. For example, if thermally actuated system 410 is a power generation system, an increased demand for power may require a higher pressure within chamber 704. The increased pressure may facilitate increased power generation.

[0054] The chamber 704 is generally any suitable container for storing the heat transfer fluid 430. The chamber 704 can be made of a high-melting-point alloy or other material that is stable at the relatively high temperatures experienced within the borehole 404. The chamber 704 is typically in thermal contact with the magma reservoir 214. For example, the exterior surface of the chamber 704 may be in direct or indirect contact with the surface 424 of the bottom 420b of the borehole 404 or with the casing 422 disposed in the portion 420b. No air gap may exist between the exterior surface of the chamber 704 and the casing 422 / surface 424. Instead, one or more thermally conductive materials may be disposed between the exterior wall of the chamber 704 and the surface 424 and / or the casing 422 to promote efficient heat transfer between the magma reservoir 214 and the chamber 704. In some cases, the chamber 704 may be surrounded by a thermally conductive fluid that facilitates heat transfer between the magma reservoir 214 and the chamber 704. In some cases, surface 424 is melted so that chamber 704 is partially surrounded by magma.

[0055] As mentioned above, one or more thermally conductive materials can be used to connect the chamber 704 to the interior surface 424 or the casing 422. Exploded views of region 710 of FIG. 7A are shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. FIGS. 7B and 7C show example interfaces between the chamber 704 and the magma reservoir 214 within region 710. FIG. 7B shows the thermal contact between the chamber 704 and the magma reservoir 214 when the wellbore 702 is partially cased (see FIG. 4A and the corresponding description above), while FIG. 7B shows this thermal contact for a cased wellbore 702. In the illustrative example of FIG. 7B , a thermally conductive material 714 provides contact between the wall 712 of the chamber 704 and the surface 424 of the magma reservoir 214. The thermally conductive material 714 may be a thermally conductive cement. The thermally conductive material 714 is disposed below the wellbore 702 to provide improved thermal contact between the chamber 704 and the magma reservoir 214. In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 7C, a thermally conductive material 714 provides contact between the wall 712 of the chamber 704 and a casing 422 attached to the surface 424 of the magma chamber 214. The thermally conductive material 714 may be the same as that described above with respect to Figure 7B. An additional layer of thermally conductive material 716 connects the casing 422 to the surface 424 of the wellbore 702. The material 716 may be a thermally conductive cement or similar material.

[0056] Referring again to FIG. 7A , in an example operation of the magma system 700, a heat transfer fluid 430 is stored in the fluid source 416. A fluid pump 408 pumps the heat transfer fluid 430 into the chamber 704. For example, the heat transfer fluid 430 may be pumped into the chamber 704 through the inlet conduit 412. The heat transfer fluid 430 may be temporarily stored in the chamber 704 while heat transfer with the magma reservoir 214 increases the temperature and pressure of the heat transfer fluid 430. For example, the valve 706 may prevent the heat transfer fluid 430 from exiting the chamber 704 until at least a threshold or target pressure / temperature is reached. As an example, if water is provided to the chamber 704 as the heat transfer fluid 430, the water may be heated and converted to steam. The steam may not be released from the chamber 704 until at least a threshold pressure is reached. In some cases, the steam of the heat transfer fluid 430 may be superheated. In some cases, the rate at which the heat transfer fluid 430 is supplied into the well 402 is adjusted to control the residence time of the heat transfer fluid 430 in the chamber 704 and / or to adjust the pressure of the heat transfer fluid 430 in the chamber 704.

[0057] The heated and pressurized heat transfer fluid 430 then flows back toward the surface 216. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 may flow through the fluid conduit 406. The temperature and pressure of the heat transfer fluid 430 may decrease somewhat as it flows back toward the surface (e.g., via heat transfer with a cooler environment at a higher level within the wellbore 702). The insulating layer 428 helps mitigate this temperature and pressure decrease. Overall, the amount of temperature decrease experienced in the fluid conduit 406 can be described as the heat transfer fluid 430 being heated to a temperature and pressure within the chamber 704 that exceeds the temperature and pressure required by the thermally driven processing system 410. In this way, the heat transfer fluid 430 may still be at the desired temperature and / or pressure condition upon reaching the thermally driven processing system 410.

[0058] After reaching surface 216, the heated, pressurized heat transfer fluid 430 is directed to a thermally driven processing system 410. Details of an example thermally driven processing system 410 are provided below with respect to FIG. 12. However, as a simple example, the thermally driven processing system 410 may include one or more power generation turbines. A vapor portion of the heated heat transfer fluid 430 is fed to the turbine and used to generate electricity. The heat transfer fluid 430 is cooled and condensed during this process (or through subsequent processing), and the cooled, condensed heat transfer fluid 430 is returned to the fluid source 416 via conduit 414. The heat transfer fluid 430 can then be returned to chamber 704, and the cycle described above can be repeated. Example of a method for using and preparing a magma system with a downhole chamber

[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method 800 for preparing the magma system 700 of FIG. 7A. Method 800 may begin at step 802, in which a well bore 702 is prepared. For example, a borehole 404 may be drilled into the magma chamber 214, and casing 418 and / or 422 may be placed in the magma chamber. Preparation of the well bore 702 may be accomplished using the steps of method 600 of FIG. 6, with or without modifications. In step 804, a chamber 704 is placed within the well bore 702. For example, the chamber 704 may be lowered into the well bore 702 at a desired depth (e.g., to achieve desired temperature / pressure conditions based on heat transfer with the magma chamber 214). In step 806, the chamber 704 is placed in thermal contact with the magma chamber 214, as described above with respect to FIGS. 7A-C. For example, one or more thermally conductive layers (e.g., materials 714 and / or 716—see FIGS. 7B and 7C) can be used to place chamber 704 in thermal contact with magma reservoir 214. Fluid conduits 412 and 406 are connected to chamber 704.

[0060] FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 of operating the embodiment of the magma system 700 of FIG. 7A. The method 900 may begin at step 902, where a heat transfer fluid 430 is provided to a chamber 704 in a wellbore 702. For example, a fluid pump 408 may pump the heat transfer fluid 430 into the chamber 704, as described above with respect to FIG. 7A. In step 904, heat transfer between the chamber 704 and the magma reservoir 214 is permitted to heat the heat transfer fluid 430 in the chamber 704. In step 906, a determination is made whether a threshold or target pressure has been achieved in the chamber 704. If not, further heat transfer is permitted by returning to step 904, allowing the heat transfer fluid 430 to increase the temperature and pressure in the chamber 704.

[0061] If the threshold or target pressure is achieved in step 906, the method 900 proceeds to step 908, where the heated and pressurized heat transfer fluid 430 is allowed to return to the surface 216 (e.g., via the fluid conduit 406). In step 910, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 is provided to the thermally driven processing system 410. For example, at least a vapor portion of the heat transfer fluid 430 may be provided to a turbine that is operated to generate electrical power. In step 912, at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid 430 from the thermally driven processing system 410 is supplied back to the chamber 704 (e.g., after the heat transfer fluid 430 has cooled and condensed). Modifications, omissions, or additions may be made to methods 800, 900 described in Figures 8 and 9, respectively. Methods 800, 900 may include more, fewer, or other steps. For example, at least certain steps may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. When discussed as magma system 700 performing steps, any suitable component of magma system 700 or other component of a geothermal system may be implemented or used to perform one or more steps of methods 800, 900. Example of a magma system with a second borehole

[0062] In some cases, magma systems, such as magma system 300 of Figure 3 and magma system 400 of Figure 4A, include one or more secondary boreholes extending from a first borehole. Figure 10 shows an example of such a magma system 1000, in which secondary boreholes 1006a-c extend from a first borehole 1004, which may be the same as or similar to borehole 404 of Figure 4A. The example of magma system 1000 includes many of the same components and structures as the example of magma system 400 of Figure 4A, and these components function the same or similarly as those described above with respect to Figures 4A-6, unless otherwise indicated. However, in the magma system 1000, the well 1002 includes a first borehole 1004 having an opening at a surface 216 and an end 1016 at a predetermined depth within the underground magma chamber 214, and at least one second borehole 1006a-c extending from the first borehole 1004 further into the underground magma chamber 214.

[0063] The first borehole 1004 may be fully or partially cased. For example, as described with respect to the magma system 400 of FIG. 4A, a casing (not shown for clarity and simplicity) may be applied to all or a portion of the first borehole 1004. The casing 418 may extend at least around the upper limit 436 of the magma chamber 214. The casing 418 may extend at least partially into the lower portion 420b of the first borehole 1004.

[0064] The second boreholes 1006a-c may extend from the first borehole 1004 in multiple directions and / or angles. The second boreholes 1006a-c may have interior walls or surfaces 424 formed from hardened magma, similar to that described above with respect to FIG. 4A. For example, one or more second boreholes, such as second borehole 1006a, may extend horizontally (e.g., at approximately 90 degrees relative to the direction 1008 of the first borehole 1004). For example, second borehole 1006a extends from the first borehole 1004 at an angle 1010 relative to the direction 1008 of the first borehole 1004. The direction 1008 is generally a downward direction extending from the surface 216 to the end 1016 of the first borehole 1004. In some cases, a second borehole may extend from the second borehole. An additional second borehole 1006b extends at an angle 1012 relative to the second borehole 1006a. One or more second boreholes may extend at an angle either extending deeper into the Earth's crust or sloping back toward the surface 216. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 10, the second borehole 1006c extends at an angle 1014 relative to the direction 1008 of the first borehole 1004. The second borehole 1006c changes direction along its length.

[0065] While shown for clarity and simplicity as originating within the magma chamber 214, one or more boreholes 1006a-c may originate at a location above the magma chamber 214, such as at any of the upper layers 208, 210, 212, and extend into the magma chamber 214 or to another desired depth. Collectively, the first borehole 1004 and the second boreholes 1006a-c may form a network of interconnected boreholes to increase the surface area within the magma chamber 214 for heat transfer between the magma chamber 214 and the heat transfer fluid 430 provided below the well 1002. The size and shape (e.g., length, direction, number of branches, etc.) of this network may be determined to improve heat transfer based on the shape of the magma chamber 214 or the thermal requirements of the thermally-driven processing system 410. In some cases, a single fluid conduit similar to the inlet conduit 412 of FIG. 4A may supply the heat transfer fluid 430 into the well 1002. However, as illustrated in FIG. 10, it may be advantageous to include multiple inlet conduits 412a,b to help facilitate the flow of the heat transfer fluid 430 into the second boreholes 1006a-c. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary configuration in which a first inlet conduit 412a provides the flow of the heat transfer fluid 430 into the second borehole 1006c, while another inlet fluid conduit 412b provides the flow of the heat transfer fluid 430 into the second boreholes 1006a and 1006b. In some cases, the inlet conduits 412a,b may include branches with multiple outlets to facilitate flow to multiple second boreholes 1006a-c.

[0066] In an example operation of the magma system 1000, a heat transfer fluid 430 is stored in the fluid source 416. A fluid pump 408 pumps the heat transfer fluid 430 into the well 1002. For example, the heat transfer fluid 430 may be pumped through an inlet conduit 412a / 412b into one or more of the second boreholes 1006a-c, where heat transfer occurs between the heat transfer fluid 430 and the magma chamber 214. The heat transfer fluid 430 travels through the second boreholes 1006a-c toward the first borehole 1004, where heat transfer may continue. This heat transfer increases the temperature of the heat transfer fluid 430. The pressure of the heat transfer fluid 430 may also be increased. For example, water in the heat transfer fluid 430 may be converted to steam at increased pressure. The steam in the heat transfer fluid 430 may be superheated. The rate at which the heat transfer fluid 430 is supplied into the well 1002 can be adjusted to control the residence time of the heat transfer fluid 430 within the well 1002, or more particularly in the portion 420b of the well 1002 that extends into the magma chamber 214 (e.g., in the second network of boreholes 1006a-c).

[0067] The heated heat transfer fluid 430 then flows back toward the surface 216. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 can flow through the fluid conduit 406. The insulating layer 428 helps to mitigate the temperature and / or pressure drop as the heat transfer fluid 430 travels toward the surface 216. Overall, the amount of temperature drop experienced in the fluid conduit 406 can be described such that the heat transfer fluid 430 is heated to a temperature and / or pressure that exceeds that required in the thermally driven processing system 410. In this way, the heat transfer fluid 430 can still be at the desired temperature and / or pressure condition upon reaching the thermally driven processing system 410. The well head 432 can include a valve to further regulate the pressure within the well 1002.

[0068] After reaching the surface 216, the heated heat transfer fluid 430 is directed to the thermally driven processing system 410 (see FIG. 12). As a simple example, the thermally driven processing system 410 may include one or more power generation turbines. A vapor portion of the heated heat transfer fluid 430 is fed to the turbine and used to generate electricity. The heat transfer fluid 430 is cooled and condensed during this process (or through subsequent processing), and the cooled, condensed heat transfer fluid 430 is returned to the fluid source 416 via conduit 414. The heat transfer fluid 430 can then be returned to the well 1002, repeating the cycle described above. Example of a method for preparing and using a magma system with a second borehole

[0069] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary method 1100 for preparing the wellbore 1002 of FIG. 10. The method 1100 may begin at step 1102, where a first borehole 1004 may be drilled as described above with respect to FIG. 6. In step 1104, the first borehole 1004 is drilled into the magma chamber 214. For example, after drilling all or at least a portion of the first borehole 1004, the drill bit 426 may be adjusted to a desired angle to generate second boreholes 1006a-c. For example, the second borehole 1006a may be drilled by rotating the drill bit 426 to drill at angle 1010. Once the second borehole 1006a is completed, the drill bit 426 may be backed out through the borehole 1006a to the location of borehole 1006b. The drill bit may then be rotated by angle 1012 to drill borehole 1006b. The drill bit 426 may then be backed out of boreholes 1006b and 1006a and rotated at angle 1014 relative to the direction 1008 of the first borehole 1004. Borehole 1006c may then be drilled. The drill bit 426 may then be backed out and removed as shown in FIG. 10 , remaining within the wellbore 1002 and remaining on the drill stem / fluid conduit 406, or may be removed from the wellbore 1002. In some cases, multiple drill bits 426 may be used to drill one or more of the boreholes 1004, 1006a-c as appropriate. Any directional drilling technology currently available or developed in the future may be employed to drill the boreholes 1004, 1006a-c. The resulting magma system 1000 can be operated as described above with respect to FIG. 10 and / or according to the method 500 of FIG.

[0070] Modifications, omissions, or additions may be made to method 1100 described in Figure 11. Method 1100 may include more, fewer, or other steps. For example, at least certain steps may be performed in parallel or in any suitable order. When discussed as magma system 1000 performing steps, any suitable component of magma system 1000 or other component of a geothermal system may execute or be used to perform one or more steps of method 1100. Example of a thermally driven processing system

[0071] FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a thermally driven processing system 304, 410 of the present invention. The thermally driven processing system 304, 410 includes a condenser 1202, a first turbine set 1204, a second turbine set 1208, a high-temperature / high-pressure thermochemical process 1212, a medium-temperature / medium-pressure thermochemical process 1214, and one or more low-temperature / low-pressure processes 1216a-b. The thermally driven processing system 304, 410 may include more or fewer components than those shown in the embodiment of FIG. 12. For example, a thermally driven processing system 304, 410 used only for power generation may omit the high-temperature / high-pressure thermochemical process 1212, the medium-temperature / medium-pressure thermochemical process 1214, and the low-temperature / low-pressure processes 1216a-b. Similarly, a thermally driven processing system 304, 410 not used for power generation may omit the turbine set 1204, 1208. As a further example, if it is known that the heat transfer fluid 430 will be received only in the vapor phase, then the condenser 1202 may be omitted in some cases. The ability to tailor the properties of the heat transfer fluid 430 received from the specific wells 402, 702, 1002 described herein generally facilitates improved and more flexible operation of the thermally driven treatment system 304, 410. For example, the depth of the wells 402, 702, 1002, the residence time of the heat transfer fluid 430 within the wells 402, 702, 1002, the pressure achieved within the wells 402, 702, 1002 and / or downhole chamber 704, the number and length of the secondary boreholes 1006a-c within the wells 1002, etc. may be selected or tailored to provide desired heat transfer fluid properties in the thermally driven treatment system 304, 410.

[0072] In the embodiment of FIG. 12 , a condenser 1202 is connected to a well 402, 702, 1002 extending between the surface and a subsurface magma chamber. The condenser 1202 separates the gas-phase heat transfer fluid 430 (e.g., steam) from the liquid-phase heat transfer fluid 430 (e.g., condensate formed from the gas-phase heat transfer fluid 430). The condenser 1202 may be a vapor separator. Stream 1220 received from the well 402, 702, 1002 may be supplied to the condenser 1202. In some instances, all of stream 1218 is provided to stream 1220. In other instances, only a portion of stream 1218, or none of stream 1218, is provided to the condenser 1202. Alternatively, all or a portion of stream 1218 can be provided as stream 1228, which can be provided to first turbine set 1204, and / or can be provided as stream 1229, which can be provided to high-pressure thermal treatment 1212. Thermal treatment 1212 can be a thermochemical reaction requiring high temperature and / or pressure (e.g., temperatures between 500 and 2000°F and / or pressures between 1000 and 4500 psig). One or more valves (not shown for simplicity) can be used to control the direction of stream 1220 to condenser 1202, first turbine set 1204, and / or thermal treatment 1212. Vapor-phase stream 1222 of heat transfer fluid 430 from the condenser can be sent to first turbine set 1204 and / or thermal treatment 1212 via stream 1226. The liquid phase flow 1224 of the heat transfer fluid 430 from the condenser 1202 may be provided back to the well 402, 702, 1002 (eg, or to the fluid source 416 - see Figures 4A, 7A, and 10).

[0073] The first turbine set 1204 includes one or more turbines 1206a-b. In the example of FIG. 12, the first turbine set includes two turbines 1206a-b. However, the first turbine set 1204 can include any suitable number of turbines for a given need. The turbines 1206a-b may be known or yet to be developed power-generating turbines. The turbine set 1204 is connected to a condenser 1202 and configured to generate power from a vapor-phase heat transfer fluid 430 (e.g., steam) received from the condenser 1202 (vapor-phase flow 1222). A condensate flow 1230 exits the turbine set 1204. The condensate flow 1230 can be provided back to the well 402, 702, 1002 (e.g., sent to the fluid source 416 in FIGS. 4A, 7A, and 10).

[0074] When the heat transfer fluid 430 is at a sufficiently high temperature, as may be uniquely and more efficiently possible using the wells 402, 702, 1002 of the present invention, a flow 1232 of vapor-phase heat transfer fluid 430 can exit the first turbine set 1204. The flow 1232 can be fed to a second turbine set 1208 to generate additional power. The turbines 1210a-b of the second turbine set 1208 can be the same as or similar to the turbines 1206a-b described above.

[0075] All or a portion of the airflow 1232 can be sent as a vapor-phase stream 1234 to a thermal treatment 1214. The treatment 1214 is generally a process requiring a vapor-phase heat transfer fluid 430 at or near the state of the heat transfer fluid exiting the first turbine set 1204. For example, the thermal treatment 1214 can include one or more thermochemical processes requiring steam or another heat transfer fluid 430 at or near the temperature and pressure of the airflow 1232 (e.g., a temperature of 250-1500°F and / or a pressure of 500-2000 psig). The second turbine set 1208 can be referred to as a "low-pressure turbine" because it operates at a lower pressure than the first turbine set 1204. Condensate from the second turbine set 1208 is supplied back to the wells 402, 702, 1002 via stream 1236.

[0076] The exhaust airflow 1238 from the second turbine set 1208 can be provided to one or more thermal processes 1216a-b. The thermal processes 1216a-b generally require less thermal energy than the processes 1212 and 1214 described above (e.g., the processes 1216a-b may be performed at temperatures between 220 and 700°F and / or pressures between 15 and 120 psig). By way of example, the processes 1216a-b can include water distillation processes, heat-driven cooling processes, space heating processes, agricultural processes, aquaculture processes, and / or the like. For example, the example heat-driven cooling process 1216a can be performed using one or more heat-driven cooling chambers. Heat-driven cooling chambers can be implemented, for example, in data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities, or other locations where unwanted heat emissions are generated. Conventionally, heat-driven cooling chambers, also known as absorption cooling systems, utilize heat to produce chilled water. Heat-driven cooling chambers can be designed as direct-fired, indirect-fired, or heat recovery units. If the effluent contains low pressure steam, an indirect combustion unit may be preferred.

[0077] At least one advantage of using a thermally driven processing system 304, 410 in combination with an improved magma system 300, 400, 700, 1000 of the present invention is the ability to achieve increased efficiency, which can result in a simpler operating design with fewer parasitic loads from pumps and heat losses, for example (e.g., by using multiple heat exchange processes rather than using a heat transfer fluid 430 that is heated directly within the wells 402, 702, 1002 within the thermally driven processing system 304, 410). The superior heat source embodied by the wells 402, 702, 1002 of embodiments of the present invention provides a higher available energy-to-entropy ratio than was possible with previous geothermal technologies. Another technical advantage of another embodiment of the magma system of the present invention is the ability to run multiple processes in series, so that leftover steam or other relatively high-temperature, high-pressure heat transfer fluid from one process can be used in another downstream process. This can also reduce the energy spent on cooling the heat transfer fluid before returning it to the wells 402, 702, 1002. The effluent stream 1240 from the processes 1212, 1214, and / or 1216a-b may be returned to the well 302, 402, 702, 1002.

[0078] The present invention describes exemplary systems 300, 400, 700, and 1000 that can facilitate improved geothermal operation. While these exemplary systems 300, 400, 700, and 1000 are described as employing heating by thermal contact with a magma chamber 214, it should be understood that the present invention encompasses similar systems in which other heat reservoirs or heat sources are utilized. For example, the heat transfer fluid may be heated by groundwater at elevated temperatures. As another example, the heat transfer fluid may be heated by radioactive materials that emit thermal energy underground or near the surface. As yet another example, the heat transfer fluid may be heated by lava, for example, in a lava lake or other geological formation. As such, the magma chamber 214 of FIGS. 3, 4A, 7A, and 10 can be any heat reservoir or heat source capable of heating a heat transfer fluid to achieve desired properties (e.g., temperature and pressure). Furthermore, the heat reservoir or source may be naturally occurring or may be artificially created (e.g., by introducing heat underground that can be utilized at a later time for energy generation or other thermal processes). Additional Embodiments

[0079] The following descriptive embodiments are provided to further support one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0080] Embodiment 1 1. A geothermal system for obtaining a heated heat transfer fluid via heat transfer with an underground chamber of magma, the geothermal system comprising: a well extending between the surface of the earth and the underground reservoir of magma; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of a heat transfer fluid toward the subsurface reservoir of magma; a fluid conduit extending from the surface toward a termination of the wellbore, the fluid conduit configured to enable flow of heated heat transfer fluid from a portion of the wellbore that extends into the subterranean reservoir of magma toward the surface, and the geothermal system optionally includes one or more of the following limitations:

[0081] The fluid pump is configured to provide the flow of the heat transfer fluid through an annulus formed between a wall of the wellbore and an outer wall of the fluid conduit.

[0082] The fluid conduit comprises a drill stem disposed within the wellbore.

[0083] The well comprises: a borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a casing disposed within the borehole and extending from the surface to at least an upper limit of the underground reservoir of magma.

[0084] The casing extends into the underground chamber of magma.

[0085] The casing extends only partially into the magma reservoir, and the surface of the borehole within the magma reservoir contains hardened magma.

[0086] The well comprises: a first borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; and at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the magma chamber.

[0087] The heat transfer fluid includes one or more of water, a salt solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils.

[0088] The heat transfer fluid includes one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid.

[0089] The fluid conduit is further coupled to a thermally driven processing device, the thermally driven processing device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating device, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

[0090] At least a portion of the heat transfer fluid from the thermally driven treatment device is returned to the wellbore; and / or

[0091] The fluid conduit includes an insulating layer.

[0092] Embodiment 2 1. A method of operating a geothermal system, the method comprising: supplying a heat transfer fluid down a wellbore extending from the surface into a subsurface chamber of magma; receiving a heated heat transfer fluid from the well; and providing the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermally driven process, the method optionally including one or more of the following limitations.

[0093] returning at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid from the thermally driven process back into the wellbore; and / or

[0094] the heat transfer fluid delivered down the wellbore comprises liquid water and the heat transfer fluid received from the wellbore comprises steam; providing the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermally driven process; supplying at least a portion of the steam to at least one turbine; and powering at least one turbine with the steam to generate electricity.

[0095] Embodiment 3 a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of heat transfer fluid through the wellbore from the surface toward the subsurface reservoir of magma; a fluid conduit located within a portion of the well bore extending into the underground reservoir of magma and extending from the surface toward a termination of the well bore, the fluid conduit configured to allow a flow of a heated heat transfer fluid from the portion of the well bore extending into the underground reservoir of magma toward the surface, the geothermal system optionally including one or more of the following limitations:

[0096] The fluid pump is configured to provide a flow of the heat transfer fluid through an annulus formed between a wall of the wellbore and an outer wall of the fluid conduit.

[0097] The fluid conduit comprises a drill stem disposed within the wellbore.

[0098] The heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of water, salt water solutions, one or more refrigerants, one or more thermal oils, molten salts, ionic liquids, and nanofluids; and / or

[0099] The fluid conduit includes a thermal insulation layer.

[0100] Embodiment 4 1. A partially cased wellbore, the partially cased wellbore comprising: a first borehole section extending from the surface of the earth toward a subsurface chamber of magma, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the surface; a second borehole section extending from a terminus of the first borehole section to a terminus of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the subterranean reservoir of magma, the walls of the second borehole section being hardened magma, optionally including one or more of the following limitations:

[0101] Further comprising a fluid pathway extending from an inlet at the surface to the termination of the wellbore and then from the termination to an outlet at or above the surface, the fluid pathway configured to receive a heat transfer fluid at the inlet and discharge heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet.

[0102] The fluid path includes: an annular passage formed in the first borehole section between the casing and an outer wall of a fluid conduit disposed within the partially cased well; an annular path within the second borehole section between the wall of the second borehole section and the outer wall of a fluid conduit; a passage within the fluid conduit.

[0103] The fluid conduit is the drill stem with the drill bit removed.

[0104] The fluid conduit includes a thermal insulation layer.

[0105] The casing comprises a metal alloy attached to an interior wall of the first borehole section.

[0106] and / or at least one second borehole extending from said second borehole portion within said magma chamber.

[0107] The system further includes a plurality of second boreholes extending from the second borehole portion within the magma reservoir, the plurality of second boreholes forming a borehole network with the magma reservoir.

[0108] Embodiment 5 a partially cased well; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface through the partially cased wellbore toward a subsurface reservoir of magma; and a thermally driven processing device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reaction vessel, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating system, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system, wherein the geothermal system optionally includes one or more of the following limitations:

[0109] The partially cased wellbore comprises: a first borehole section extending from the surface toward the magma chamber, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the surface; A second borehole section extending from the terminus of the first borehole section to the terminus of the wellbore extends into the subterranean chamber of magma, the walls of the second borehole section being hardened magma.

[0110] The partially cased wellbore comprises: Further comprising a fluid pathway extending from an inlet at the surface to the termination of the wellbore and then from the termination to an outlet at or above the surface, the fluid pathway configured to receive a heat transfer fluid at the inlet and discharge heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet.

[0111] The fluid path includes: an annular passage formed in the first borehole section between the casing and an outer wall of a fluid conduit disposed within the partially cased well; an annular path within the second borehole section between the wall of the second borehole section and the outer wall of a fluid conduit; a passage within the fluid conduit.

[0112] The fluid conduit is the drill stem with the drill bit removed.

[0113] The fluid conduit is a drill stem having a drill bit attached thereto.

[0114] The fluid conduit includes a thermal insulation layer.

[0115] The casing comprises a metal alloy attached to an interior wall of the first borehole section.

[0116] The partially cased wellbore comprises: The system further comprises at least one second borehole within the magma chamber extending from the second borehole portion.

[0117] The partially cased wellbore comprises: The system further includes a plurality of second boreholes extending from the second borehole portion within the magma reservoir, the plurality of second boreholes forming a borehole network with the magma reservoir.

[0118] The heat transfer fluid includes one or more of water, a salt solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils.

[0119] the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid; and / or

[0120] At least a portion of the heat transfer fluid from the thermally driven treatment device is returned to the well.

[0121] Embodiment 6. supplying a heat transfer fluid to a partially cased wellbore, the partially cased wellbore comprising: a first borehole section extending from the surface toward the magma chamber, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the surface; a second borehole section extending from a terminal end of the first borehole section to a terminal end of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the magma chamber, the second borehole section having walls of hardened magma; receiving a heated heat transfer fluid in the partially cased well; and providing at least a portion of the vapor phase portion of the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermally driven process, the method optionally including one or more of the following limitations.

[0122] providing at least a portion of the vapor phase portion of the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermally driven process; supplying at least a portion of the vapor phase portion of the heated heat transfer fluid to a turbine; operating the turbine with a vapor-phase heat transfer fluid to generate electricity; and directing at least a portion of the condensed heat transfer fluid back into the partially cased wellbore.

[0123] Embodiment 7 A borehole extending from the surface into an underground reservoir of magma; a chamber located within the borehole and extending at least partially into the subsurface magma chamber; an inlet conduit configured to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface into the chamber; an outlet conduit configured to allow flow of heated heat transfer fluid from the chamber toward the surface, the wellbore optionally including one or more of the following limitations:

[0124] a valve configured to open to allow flow of the heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet conduit when the pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value.

[0125] The outlet conduit is provided with a thermal insulation layer.

[0126] The outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a thermally driven treatment device, the thermally driven treatment device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating system, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

[0127] The chamber is in thermal contact with one or both of the walls of the borehole extending into the subterranean magma chamber and a casing disposed on the walls.

[0128] The apparatus further includes a heat transfer layer in contact with a wall of the chamber and in contact with one or both of a wall of the borehole extending into the underground reservoir of magma and the casing disposed on the wall.

[0129] The heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of water, a salt solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils; and / or

[0130] The heat transfer fluid includes one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid.

[0131] Embodiment 8 A borehole extending from the surface into an underground reservoir of magma; a wellbore comprising: a chamber located within the borehole and extending at least partially into the subterranean reservoir of magma; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of a heat transfer fluid within the chamber, the geothermal system optionally including one or more of the following limitations.

[0132] The well comprises: an inlet conduit configured to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface into the chamber; an outlet conduit configured to allow flow of heated heat transfer fluid from the chamber toward the surface.

[0133] Further comprising a valve configured to open to allow flow of the heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet conduit when pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value.

[0134] The outlet conduit is provided with a thermal insulation layer.

[0135] The outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a thermally driven processing device, the thermally driven processing device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating system, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

[0136] The chamber is in thermal contact with one or both of the walls of the borehole extending into the subterranean magma chamber and a casing disposed on the walls.

[0137] The apparatus further includes a heat transfer layer in contact with a wall of the chamber and in contact with one or both of a wall of the borehole extending into the underground reservoir of magma and the casing disposed on the wall.

[0138] The heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of water, a salt solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils; and / or

[0139] The heat transfer fluid includes one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid.

[0140] Embodiment 9 1. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising: providing a heat transfer fluid to a chamber disposed within a borehole extending at least partially into a subsurface chamber of magma; receiving a heated heat transfer fluid in the chamber; supplying at least a portion of the vapor phase portion of the heated heat transfer fluid to at least one turbine; operating the at least one turbine with a vapor-phase heat transfer fluid to generate electricity; and directing at least a portion of the condensed heat transfer fluid back to the chamber, the method optionally including one or more of the following limitations.

[0141] The method further includes maintaining the heat transfer fluid in the chamber until the pressure of the heat transfer fluid reaches at least a threshold value.

[0142] the heat transfer fluid is water, and maintaining the heat transfer fluid in the chamber until the pressure of the heat transfer fluid reaches at least the threshold pressure comprises maintaining the water in the chamber until the water becomes vapor at least at the threshold pressure; and / or

[0143] The chamber extends at least partially into the subterranean reservoir of magma.

[0144] Embodiment 10 1. A method of forming a wellbore extending from the earth's surface into a subsurface chamber of magma, the method comprising: drilling a first borehole from the surface into the subsurface magma chamber; and drilling a second borehole from the first borehole further into the underground chamber of magma, the method optionally including one or more of the following limitations.

[0145] The method further includes applying a casing to at least a portion of the first borehole.

[0146] Applying the casing includes transporting well casing to the first borehole during or after advancing a drill bit used to drill the first borehole toward the subsurface reservoir of magma.

[0147] Drilling the first borehole includes drilling in a first direction from the surface to a target depth.

[0148] Drilling the second borehole includes drilling further into the subsurface chamber of magma at an angle to the first direction.

[0149] Further included is the step of drilling an additional borehole extending from the second borehole.

[0150] and / or drilling a plurality of second boreholes extending from the first borehole, each of the plurality of second boreholes extending in a different direction into the subsurface magma chamber.

[0151] The method further includes providing a flow of cooling fluid into the second borehole during or after drilling of the second borehole to harden magma in the magma chamber and form a wall of the second borehole.

[0152] Embodiment 11 a first borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; and at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the subterranean reservoir of magma, the well optionally having one or more of the following limitations:

[0153] Further included is a casing applied to at least a portion of the first borehole.

[0154] The at least one second borehole further extends into the magma chamber at an angle relative to the first direction of the first borehole.

[0155] Further comprising an additional borehole extending from the at least one second borehole.

[0156] and / or a plurality of second boreholes extending from the first borehole, each of the plurality of second boreholes extending in a different direction into the subsurface magma chamber;

[0157] The second borehole has walls formed of hardened magma.

[0158] Embodiment 12 a first borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a wellbore comprising at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the magma chamber; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of a heat transfer fluid into the wellbore, the geothermal system including any one or more of the following limitations:

[0159] Further included is a casing applied to at least a portion of the first borehole.

[0160] The at least one second borehole further extends into the magma chamber at an angle relative to the first direction of the first borehole.

[0161] Further comprising an additional borehole extending from the at least one second borehole.

[0162] and / or a plurality of second boreholes extending from the first borehole, each of the plurality of second boreholes extending in a different direction into the subsurface magma chamber;

[0163] The at least one second borehole has walls formed of hardened magma.

[0164] Embodiment 13 supplying water into a wellbore, the wellbore including a first borehole within the underground chamber of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface and an end at a predetermined depth; at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the magma chamber; receiving steam from the well; supplying at least a portion of the received steam to at least one turbine; powering the at least one turbine with the steam to generate electricity; and directing at least a portion of the condensate back to the well during operation of the at least one turbine.

[0165] Embodiment 14 A method of operating a geothermal system, the method comprising: delivering molten salt down a wellbore extending from the surface of the earth and into a subsurface chamber of magma; receiving heated molten salt from the well; and providing the heated molten salt to a thermally driven process, the method including any one or more of the following limitations:

[0166] The method further comprises returning at least a portion of the molten salt from the thermally driven process to the well.

[0167] The method further includes feeding the molten salt downwardly through an annulus formed between a wall of the wellbore and an outer wall of a fluid conduit configured to return the heated molten salt to the surface.

[0168] The fluid conduit comprises a drill stem positioned within the wellbore.

[0169] The well comprises: a borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a casing disposed within the underground reservoir of magma and extending from the surface of the earth to at least an upper limit of the underground reservoir of magma.

[0170] The casing extends into the subterranean chamber of magma.

[0171] the casing extends only partially into the magma chamber, and the surface of the borehole within the magma chamber contains hardened magma; and / or

[0172] The well comprises: a first borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; and at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the magma chamber.

[0173] Embodiment 15 A well extending into a subterranean chamber of magma, the well comprising: a borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a casing disposed within the magma reservoir and extending from the surface to at least an upper limit of the magma reservoir, the well including any one or more of the following limitations:

[0174] The borehole is a first borehole section extending from the earth's surface toward the underground magma chamber, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the earth's surface; a second borehole section extending from a terminus of the first borehole section to a terminus of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the subterranean reservoir of magma, the walls of the second borehole section being hardened magma.

[0175] The well further comprises: a chamber located within the borehole and extending at least partially into the subsurface magma chamber; an inlet conduit configured to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface into the chamber; an outlet conduit configured to allow flow of heated heat transfer fluid from the chamber toward the surface.

[0176] Further comprising a valve configured to open to allow flow of the heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet conduit when pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value.

[0177] the outlet conduit is provided with a thermal insulation layer; and / or

[0178] The outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a thermally driven treatment device, the thermally driven treatment device including one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating device, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

[0179] Embodiment 16 a borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a casing disposed within the borehole and extending from the surface to at least an upper limit of the underground reservoir of magma; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of molten salt into the well, the geothermal system including any one or more of the following limitations:

[0180] The borehole is a first borehole section extending from the earth's surface toward the underground magma chamber, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the earth's surface; a second borehole section extending from a terminus of the first borehole section to a terminus of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the subterranean reservoir of magma, the walls of the second borehole section being hardened magma.

[0181] The well further comprises: a chamber located within the borehole and extending at least partially into the subsurface magma chamber; and an inlet conduit configured to permit flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface into the chamber. an outlet conduit configured to allow flow of heated heat transfer fluid from the chamber toward the surface.

[0182] Further comprising a valve configured to open to allow flow of the heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet conduit when pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value.

[0183] the outlet conduit is provided with a thermal insulation layer; and / or

[0184] The outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a thermally driven processing device, the thermally driven processing device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating device, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

[0185] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to several elements, any elements described in the embodiments described herein are exemplary and may be omitted, substituted, added, combined, or rearranged as applicable to form new embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize, upon reading this specification, that such additional embodiments are effectively disclosed herein. For example, if the present invention describes a property, structure, size, shape, arrangement, or configuration of an element or a process for making or using the element or combination of elements, the property, structure, size, shape, arrangement, or configuration may also be incorporated into any other element or combination of elements, or into a process for making or using the element or combination of elements described herein, to provide further embodiments. Furthermore, items shown or discussed as coupled or directly coupled or in communication with each other may also be indirectly coupled or in communication through some interface device or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, fluidly, or otherwise.

[0186] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred or exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. Furthermore, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0187] Additionally, where embodiments are described herein as comprising some element or group of elements, further embodiments can consist essentially of or consist of the element or group of elements. Also, although the open-ended term "comprising" is commonly used herein, further embodiments can be formed by substituting the terms "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of."

Claims

1. 1. A geothermal system for obtaining a heated heat transfer fluid via heat transfer with an underground chamber of magma, the geothermal system comprising: a well extending between the surface of the earth and the underground reservoir of magma; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of a heat transfer fluid toward the subsurface reservoir of magma; a fluid conduit extending from the surface toward a termination of the wellbore, the fluid conduit configured to allow flow of heated heat transfer fluid from a portion of the wellbore that extends into the subterranean reservoir of magma toward the surface.

2. The geothermal system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid pump is configured to provide the flow of the heat transfer fluid through an annulus formed between a wall of the wellbore and an outer wall of the fluid conduit.

3. The geothermal system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid conduit comprises a drill stem disposed within the wellbore.

4. The well comprises: a borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a casing disposed within the borehole and extending from the surface to at least an upper limit of the underground reservoir of magma.

5. The geothermal system of claim 4 , wherein the casing extends into the subterranean chamber of magma.

6. 5. The geothermal system of claim 4, wherein the casing extends only partially into the magma reservoir, and the surface of the borehole within the magma reservoir contains hardened magma.

7. The well comprises: a first borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; 10. The geothermal system of claim 1, comprising at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the subterranean chamber of magma.

8. The geothermal system of claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of water, a salt water solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils.

9. The geothermal system of claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid.

10. 10. The geothermal system of claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit is further coupled to a thermally driven treatment device, the thermally driven treatment device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reaction vessel, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating device, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

11. The geothermal system of claim 10 , wherein at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid from the thermally driven treatment device is returned to the wellbore.

12. The geothermal system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid conduit comprises a thermal insulation layer.

13. 1. A method of operating a geothermal system, the method comprising: supplying a heat transfer fluid down a wellbore extending from the surface into a subsurface chamber of magma; receiving a heated heat transfer fluid from the well; and providing the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermally driven process.

14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising returning at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid from the thermally driven process back into the wellbore.

15. the heat transfer fluid delivered down the wellbore comprises liquid water and the heat transfer fluid received from the wellbore comprises steam; providing the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermally driven process; supplying at least a portion of the steam to at least one turbine; and powering at least one turbine with the steam to generate electricity.

16. a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of heat transfer fluid through the wellbore from the surface toward the subsurface reservoir of magma; a fluid conduit located within a portion of the well bore that extends into the underground reservoir of magma and extending from the surface toward a termination of the well bore, the fluid conduit configured to allow flow of a heated heat transfer fluid from the portion of the well bore that extends into the underground reservoir of magma toward the surface.

17. 17. The geothermal system of claim 16, wherein the fluid pump is configured to provide a flow of the heat transfer fluid through an annulus formed between a wall of the wellbore and an outer wall of the fluid conduit.

18. 17. The geothermal system of claim 16, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a drill stem disposed within the wellbore.

19. 17. The geothermal system of claim 16, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of water, a salt water solution, one or more refrigerants, one or more thermal oils, molten salts, ionic liquids, and nanofluids.

20. 17. The geothermal system of claim 16, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a thermal insulation layer.

21. 1. A partially cased wellbore, the partially cased wellbore comprising: a first borehole section extending from the surface of the earth toward a subsurface chamber of magma, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the surface; a second borehole section extending from a terminus of the first borehole section to a terminus of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the subterranean reservoir of magma, the walls of the second borehole section being hardened magma.

22. 22. The partially cased wellbore of claim 21, further comprising a fluid pathway extending from an inlet at the surface to the termination of the wellbore and then from the termination to an outlet at or above the surface, the fluid pathway configured to receive a heat transfer fluid at the inlet and discharge heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet.

23. The fluid path includes: an annular passage formed in the first borehole section between the casing and an outer wall of a fluid conduit disposed within the partially cased well; an annular path within the second borehole section between the wall of the second borehole section and the outer wall of a fluid conduit; 23. The partially cased wellbore of claim 22, comprising: a passage within the fluid conduit.

24. 24. The partially cased wellbore of claim 23, wherein the fluid conduit is a drill stem with the drill bit removed.

25. 24. The partially cased wellbore of claim 23, wherein the fluid conduit comprises an insulating layer.

26. 22. The partially cased well of claim 21, wherein the casing comprises an alloy attached to an interior wall of the first borehole section.

27. 22. The partially cased well of claim 21, further comprising at least one second borehole within said subterranean magma chamber extending from said second borehole portion.

28. 22. The partially cased well of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of second boreholes extending from said second borehole portion within said magma reservoir, said plurality of second boreholes forming a borehole network with said magma reservoir.

29. a partially cased well; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface through the partially cased wellbore toward a subsurface reservoir of magma; and a thermally driven processing device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling system, a residential heating system, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

30. The partially cased wellbore comprises: a first borehole section extending from the surface toward the magma reservoir, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the surface; 30. The geothermal system of claim 29, comprising a second borehole section extending from a terminus of the first borehole section to a terminus of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the subterranean chamber of magma, the walls of the second borehole section being hardened magma.

31. The partially cased wellbore comprises:

31. The geothermal system of claim 30, further comprising a fluid pathway extending from an inlet at the surface to the termination of the well bore and then from the termination to an outlet at or above the surface, the fluid pathway configured to receive a heat transfer fluid at the inlet and discharge heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet.

32. The fluid path includes: an annular passage formed in the first borehole section between the casing and an outer wall of a fluid conduit disposed within the partially cased well; an annular path within the second borehole section between the wall of the second borehole section and the outer wall of a fluid conduit; 32. The geothermal system of claim 31 , comprising: a passage within the fluid conduit.

33. 33. The geothermal system of claim 32, wherein the fluid conduit is a drill stem with the drill bit removed.

34. 33. The geothermal system of claim 32, wherein the fluid conduit is a drill stem having a drill bit attached thereto.

35. 33. The geothermal system of claim 32, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a thermal insulation layer.

36. 31. The geothermal system of claim 30, wherein the casing comprises an alloy attached to an interior wall of the first borehole section.

37. The partially cased wellbore comprises:

31. The geothermal system of claim 30, further comprising at least one second borehole within the subterranean magma chamber extending from the second borehole portion.

38. The partially cased wellbore comprises:

31. The geothermal system of claim 30, further comprising a plurality of second boreholes extending from the second borehole portion within the magma reservoir, the plurality of second boreholes forming a borehole network with the magma reservoir.

39. 30. The geothermal system of claim 29, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of water, a salt water solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils.

40. 30. The geothermal system of claim 29, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid.

41. 30. The geothermal system of claim 29, wherein at least a portion of the heat transfer fluid from the thermally driven treatment device is returned to the well.

42. supplying a heat transfer fluid to a partially cased wellbore, the partially cased wellbore comprising: a first borehole section extending from the surface toward the magma reservoir, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the surface; a second borehole section extending from a terminal end of the first borehole section to a terminal end of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the magma chamber, the second borehole section having walls of hardened magma; receiving a heated heat transfer fluid in the partially cased well; and providing at least a portion of the vapor phase portion of the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermally driven process.

43. providing at least a portion of the vapor phase portion of the heated heat transfer fluid to a thermally driven process; supplying at least a portion of the vapor phase portion of the heated heat transfer fluid to a turbine; operating the turbine with a vapor-phase heat transfer fluid to generate electricity; and directing at least a portion of the condensed heat transfer fluid back into the partially cased wellbore.

44. A borehole extending from the surface into an underground reservoir of magma; a chamber located within the borehole and extending at least partially into the subsurface magma chamber; an inlet conduit configured to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface into the chamber; an outlet conduit configured to allow flow of heated heat transfer fluid from the chamber toward the surface.

45. 45. The wellbore of claim 44, further comprising a valve configured to open to allow flow of the heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet conduit when pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value.

46. 45. The wellbore of claim 44, wherein the outlet conduit comprises an insulating layer.

47. 45. The well of claim 44, wherein the outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a thermally driven treatment device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating system, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

48. 45. The wellbore of claim 44, wherein the chamber is in thermal contact with one or both of a wall of the borehole extending into the subterranean chamber of magma and a casing disposed on the wall.

49. 49. The wellbore of claim 48, further comprising a heat transfer layer in contact with a wall of the chamber and in contact with one or both of a wall of the borehole extending into the subterranean reservoir of magma and the casing disposed on the wall.

50. 45. The wellbore of claim 44, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of water, a salt water solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils.

51. 45. The wellbore of claim 44, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid.

52. A borehole extending from the surface into an underground reservoir of magma; a wellbore comprising: a chamber located within the borehole and extending at least partially into the subterranean reservoir of magma; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of a heat transfer fluid within the chamber.

53. The well comprises: an inlet conduit configured to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface into the chamber; an outlet conduit configured to permit flow of heated heat transfer fluid from the chamber toward the surface of the earth.

54. 54. The geothermal system of claim 53, further comprising a valve configured to open to allow flow of the heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet conduit when pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value.

55. 54. The geothermal system of claim 53, wherein the outlet conduit comprises a thermal barrier.

56. 54. The geothermal system of claim 53, wherein the outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a thermally driven treatment device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating system, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

57. 53. The geothermal system of claim 52, wherein the chamber is in thermal contact with one or both of a wall of the borehole extending into the subterranean chamber of magma and a casing disposed in the wall.

58. 58. The geothermal system of claim 57, further comprising a heat transfer layer in contact with a wall of the chamber and in contact with one or both of a wall of the borehole extending into the underground reservoir of magma and the casing disposed on the wall.

59. 53. The geothermal system of claim 52, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of water, a salt water solution, one or more refrigerants, and one or more thermal oils.

60. 53. The geothermal system of claim 52, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more of a molten salt, an ionic liquid, and a nanofluid.

61. 1. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising: providing a heat transfer fluid to a chamber disposed within a borehole extending at least partially into a subsurface chamber of magma; receiving a heated heat transfer fluid in the chamber; supplying at least a portion of the vapor phase portion of the heated heat transfer fluid to at least one turbine; operating the at least one turbine with a vapor-phase heat transfer fluid to generate electricity; and directing at least a portion of the condensed heat transfer fluid back into the chamber.

62. 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising retaining the heat transfer fluid in the chamber until the pressure of the heat transfer fluid reaches at least a threshold value.

63. 63. The method of claim 62, wherein the heat transfer fluid is water, and wherein maintaining the heat transfer fluid in the chamber until the pressure of the heat transfer fluid reaches at least the threshold pressure comprises maintaining the water in the chamber until the water becomes vapor at least at the threshold pressure.

64. 62. The method of claim 61, wherein the chamber extends at least partially into the subterranean chamber of magma.

65. 1. A method of forming a wellbore extending from the earth's surface into a subsurface chamber of magma, the method comprising: drilling a first borehole from the surface into the subsurface magma chamber; and drilling a second borehole from the first borehole and extending further into the subsurface chamber of magma.

66. 66. The method of claim 65, further comprising applying a casing to at least a portion of the first borehole.

67. 67. The method of claim 66, wherein applying the casing comprises transporting well casing to the first borehole during or after advancing a drill bit used to drill the first borehole toward the subsurface chamber of magma.

68. 66. The method of claim 65, wherein drilling the first borehole comprises drilling in a first direction from the surface to a target depth.

69. 69. The method of claim 68, wherein drilling the second borehole comprises drilling further into the subterranean chamber of magma at an angle to the first direction.

70. 66. The method of claim 65, further comprising drilling an additional borehole extending from the second borehole.

71. 66. The method of claim 65, further comprising drilling a plurality of second boreholes extending from the first borehole, each of the plurality of second boreholes extending in a different direction into the subterranean chamber of magma.

72. 66. The method of claim 65, further comprising providing a flow of cooling fluid within the second borehole during or after drilling of the second borehole to cause magma within the magma chamber to harden and form a wall of the second borehole.

73. a first borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; and at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the subterranean chamber of magma.

74. 74. The wellbore of claim 73, further comprising a casing applied to at least a portion of said first borehole.

75. 74. The wellbore of claim 73, wherein said at least one second borehole further extends into said subterranean chamber of magma at an angle relative to the first direction of said first borehole.

76. 74. The wellbore of claim 73, further comprising an additional borehole extending from said at least one second borehole.

77. 74. The wellbore of claim 73, further comprising a plurality of second boreholes extending from said first borehole, each of said plurality of second boreholes extending in a different direction into said subterranean chamber of magma.

78. 74. The well of claim 73, wherein the second borehole comprises a wall formed of hardened magma.

79. a first borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a wellbore comprising: at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the magma chamber; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of a heat transfer fluid into the wellbore.

80. 80. The geothermal system of claim 79, further comprising a casing applied to at least a portion of said first borehole.

81. 80. The geothermal system of claim 79, wherein said at least one second borehole further extends into said subterranean chamber of magma at an angle relative to the first direction of said first borehole.

82. 80. The geothermal system of claim 79, further comprising an additional borehole extending from said at least one second borehole.

83. 80. The geothermal system of claim 79, further comprising a plurality of second boreholes extending from the first borehole, each of the plurality of second boreholes extending in a different direction into the subterranean chamber of magma.

84. 80. The geothermal system of claim 79, wherein said at least one second borehole comprises a wall formed of hardened magma.

85. a step of supplying water into a wellbore, the wellbore including a first borehole within the underground chamber of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface and an end at a predetermined depth; at least one second borehole extending from the first borehole within the magma chamber; receiving steam from the well; supplying at least a portion of the received steam to at least one turbine; powering the at least one turbine with the steam to generate electricity; and directing at least a portion of the condensate back to the well during operation of the at least one turbine.

86. 1. A method of operating a geothermal system, the method comprising: delivering molten salt down a wellbore extending from the surface of the earth and into a subsurface chamber of magma; receiving heated molten salt from the well; and providing the heated molten salt to a thermally driven process.

87. 87. The method of claim 86, further comprising returning at least a portion of the molten salt from the thermally driven process to the well.

88. 87. The method of claim 86, further comprising delivering the molten salt downwardly through an annulus formed between a wall of the wellbore and an outer wall of a fluid conduit configured to return the heated molten salt to the surface.

89. 89. The method of claim 88, wherein the fluid conduit comprises a drill stem positioned within the wellbore.

90. The well comprises: a borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a casing disposed within the magma reservoir and extending from the surface to at least an upper limit of the magma reservoir.

91. 91. The method of claim 90, wherein the casing extends into the subterranean chamber of magma.

92. 91. The method of claim 90, wherein the casing extends only partially into the magma chamber, and wherein a surface of the borehole within the magma chamber comprises hardened magma.

93. The well comprises: a first borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the first borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; and at least one second borehole extending from said first borehole within said subterranean chamber of magma.

94. A well extending into a subterranean chamber of magma, the well comprising: a borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a casing disposed within the magma reservoir and extending from the surface to at least an upper limit of the magma reservoir.

95. The borehole is a first borehole section extending from the earth's surface toward the subsurface magma chamber, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the surface; 95. The wellbore of claim 94, comprising: a second borehole section extending from a terminus of the first borehole section to a terminus of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the subterranean chamber of magma, the walls of the second borehole section being hardened magma.

96. The well further comprises: a chamber located within the borehole and extending at least partially into the subsurface magma chamber; an inlet conduit configured to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface into the chamber; an outlet conduit configured to permit flow of heated heat transfer fluid from said chamber towards said surface.

97. 97. The wellbore of claim 96, further comprising a valve configured to open to allow flow of the heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet conduit when pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value.

98. 97. The well of claim 96, wherein the outlet conduit comprises an insulating layer.

99. 97. The well of claim 96, wherein the outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a thermally driven treatment device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reactor, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating device, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

100. a borehole located within the underground reservoir of magma, the borehole having an opening at the surface of the earth and an end at a predetermined depth; a casing disposed within the borehole and extending from the surface to at least an upper limit of the underground reservoir of magma; a fluid pump configured to provide a flow of molten salt into the well.

101. The borehole is a first borehole section extending from the earth's surface toward the subsurface magma chamber, the first borehole section comprising a casing extending from a first end at the surface; 101. The geothermal system of claim 100, comprising a second borehole section extending from a terminal end of the first borehole section to a terminal end of the wellbore, the second borehole section extending into the underground reservoir of magma, the walls of the second borehole section being hardened magma.

102. The well further comprises: a chamber located within the borehole and extending at least partially into the subsurface magma chamber; an inlet conduit configured to allow flow of a heat transfer fluid from the surface into the chamber; an outlet conduit configured to allow flow of heated heat transfer fluid from the chamber toward the surface of the earth.

103. 103. The geothermal system of claim 102, further comprising a valve configured to open to allow flow of the heated heat transfer fluid through the outlet conduit when pressure in the chamber is at least a threshold value.

104. 103. The geothermal system of claim 102, wherein the outlet conduit comprises a thermal barrier.

105. 103. The geothermal system of claim 102, wherein the outlet conduit is fluidly connected to a thermally driven treatment device comprising one or more of a turbine, a reaction vessel, a condenser, a water distillation system, a thermally driven cooling device, a residential heating device, an agricultural system, and an aquaculture system.

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