Geothermal pressure testing unit and method

Abstract

A device, includes a hydraulic unit configured to be fluidly connected to a geothermal loop, a sensor configured to measure at least a parameter of a fluid circulating in the geothermal loop and through the hydraulic unit, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of: pressure, flow rate, temperature, density, and viscosity of the fluid circulating in the geothermal loop, and a computing device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the computing device is configured to receive data from the sensor, calculate, via the processor, a pressure loss based on the data, and determine, based on the pressure loss in view of a predetermined theoretical pressure loss of the geothermal loop, if an integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to a predetermined criteria to test the integrity of the geothermal loop.

Description

GEOTHERMAL PRESSURE TESTING UNIT AND METHODCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a PCT Application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 599616, entitled “Geothermal Pressure Testing Unit and Method”, filed November 16, 2023, which is herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an automated pressure testing system (PTS) to ensure the integrity and / or the operation of geothermal loops.

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it may be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] A geothermal loop is a closed-loop system, which travels underground, and which circulates fluids that transport heat back and from the surface for power generation and / or heating and / or cooling purposes. Ensuring integrity of the geothermal loop, as well as its correct operation, can be useful in both prolonging the longevity of the geothermal loop as allowing it to run at desired operational levels. However, there may be difficulties in ascertaining the integrity and / or operational status of the geothermal loop. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to allow for testing of a geothermal loop.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram, illustrating the components of a pressure testing system, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0007] FIG. 2 is a flow chart, illustrating a process utilizing the pressure testing system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the present disclosure are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0009] As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection (e.g., where the connection may not include or include intermediate or intervening components between those coupled) and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. The term “set” may refer to one or more items. Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify common or the same elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification.

[0010] As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer”; “up” and “down”; “upper” and “lower”; “upward” and “downward”; “above” and “below”; “inward” and “outward”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and “connecting” refer to “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more intermediate elements or members.”

[0011] Furthermore, when introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or moreof the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the phrase A “based on” B is intended to mean that A is at least partially based on B. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive (e.g., logical OR) and not exclusive (e.g., logical XOR). In other words, the phrase A “or” B is intended to mean A, B, or both A and B.

[0012] In addition, as used herein, the terms "real time", "real-time", or "substantially real time" may be used interchangeably and are intended to describe operations (e.g., computing operations) that are performed without any human-perceivable interruption between operations. For example, as used herein, data relating to the systems described herein may be collected, transmitted, and / or used in control computations in "substantially real time" such that data readings, data transfers, and / or data processing steps occur once every second, once every 0.1 second, once every 0.01 second, or even more frequent, during operations of the systems (e.g., while the systems are operating). In addition, as used herein, the terms "continuous", "continuously", or "continually" are intended to describe operations that are performed without any significant interruption. For example, as used herein, control commands may be transmitted to certain equipment every five minutes, every minute, every 30 seconds, every 15 seconds, every 10 seconds, every 5 seconds, or even more often, such that operating parameters of the equipment may be adjusted without any significant interruption to the closed-loop control of the equipment. In addition, as used herein, the terms "automatic", "automated", "autonomous", and so forth, are intended to describe operations that are performed are caused to be performed, for example, by a computing system (i.e., solely by the computing system, without human intervention). Indeed, it will be appreciated that the data processing and control systems described herein may be configured to perform any and all of the data processing and control functions described herein automatically.

[0013] Geothermal wells can be drilled, and piping can be run into and back out of the well to generate a closed loop flow path as a geothermal loop. Fluid can be introduced (e.g., pumped) into the well (e.g., via an output pipe of the geothermal loop) whereby the fluid will be exposed to higher or lower temperatures in the well, thus heating or cooling the fluid. This heated or cooled fluid can be transmitted back to the surface via an input pipe (e.g., a return pipe of the geothermal loop) coupled to the output pipe and the fluid in the input pipe may be transmitted to a heat exchanger to remove the heat from the heated fluid for use in, for example, generation of electricity. The fluid may also pass through a pump that is coupled to the output piping to return the fluid into the well via the output pipe to repeat the above process.

[0014] Prior to bringing a geothermal loop into operation, one or more tests can be performed to ensure that the geothermal loop is operating as designed and / or expected. Examples of testing can be leak testing and pressure drop testing to ensure, for example, that there are no leaks or portions of the geothermal loop that have collapsed. In the case of a leak, for example, the amount of fluid in the system may be reduced. In the case of a collapse of a portion of the piping of the geothermal loop, for example, the pump that circulates the fluid through geothermal loop operate in an unexpected manner and / or operate at a higher rate (e.g., require more energy to operate) to compensate for the collapse in a section of pipe.

[0015] One technique for detection of a leak and / or collapse in a geothermal loop includes the introduction of a set amount of fluid into a geothermal loop. This fluid can be monitored and sensed results of the fluid can be used in determining the functionality of the geothermal loop. In one embodiment, a Pressure Testing System (PTS) is fluidly connected to the geothermal loop and is used to measure aspects of the operation of the geothermal loop. This can include gathering sensed values and comparing the sensed values with calculated expected values to determine passing or failing results of the geothermal loop. In this manner, actual measured values can be compared against, for example, calculated theoretical values for the geothermal loop and their correspondence can provide an indication of whether the geothermal loop is operating correctly or if there is a structural issue with the geothermal loop (e.g., a leak, a collapsed section, etc.). This process can be performed in real-time ornear real-time and the results can be provided to a user and / or transmitted, for example, to the cloud for recording of the results of the test. Moreover, the theoretical results can be calculated based at least in part on local requirements that may be uniquely set based on the location of the PTS and the geothermal loop it is testing.

[0016] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a Pressure Testing System (PTS) 100 comprising a computing device 102 that includes any suitable industrial computing device, a desktop computing device, a laptop, or the like and includes various components to perform various analysis operations. The PTS 100 also consists of one or more sensors disposed in a hydraulic unit 116. In some embodiments, the PTS 100 also includes additional elements of the hydraulic unit 116.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the computing device 102 may include a communication component 104, a processor 106, a memory 108, storage 110, input / output (I / O) ports 112, a display 114, as well as additional or fewer components. Although computing device 102 is described as including the components presented in FIG. 1, the computing device 102 should not be limited to including the components listed in FIG. 1. Indeed, computing device 102 may include additional or fewer components than described below.

[0018] The communication component 104 may be a wireless or wired communication component that may facilitate communication between different monitoring systems, communication devices, various control systems, and the like. The communication component 104, for example, can be utilized to transmit data results generated by the computing device 102 to an external storage system or external computing device to allow, for example, for data logging of results calculated by the computing device 102.

[0019] The processor 106 may be any type of computer processor or microprocessor capable of executing computer-executable code. Additionally, processor 106 may also include multiple processors that may perform the operations described herein. It should also be noted that while processor 106 is illustrated, in some embodiments, additional processing circuitry, for example, accelerators, such as tensor processing units (TPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or other processing circuitry may be present in the computing device 102. In someembodiments, these additional processing circuitries can operate as a processor that performs one or more of the operations described herein, for example, by executing instructions stored in media to perform one or more of the operations described herein.

[0020] In some embodiments, the processor 106 operates to execute an algorithm or computer code stored in memory 108 or storage 110 of the computing device 102 with respect to received pressure test data. These pressure tests can include, for example, circulation, leak, and pressure drop trials. The processor executing code can perform and / or validate these tests and determine pass criteria, which may account for local norms, rules requirements of the country where the test is performed. In this manner, the PTS 100 can be initialized with local requirements that are applied in generation of test criteria to determine whether the testing data indicates a pass or fail of the geothermal loop.

[0021] The memory 108 and the storage 110 may be any suitable articles of manufacture that can serve as media to store processor-executable code, data, or the like. These articles of manufacture may represent non-transitory computer-readable media (i.e., any suitable form of memory or storage) that may store the processor-executable code used by processor 106 to perform the presently disclosed techniques. Memory 108 and the storage 110 may also be used to store data received via the I / O ports 112, data analyzed or transmitted by the processor 106, or the like.

[0022] The I / O ports 112 may be interfaces that may couple the computing device 102 to various types of I / O modules and / or as an interface to enable the computing device 102 to connect and communicate with surface instrumentation (i.e. sensors), servers, and the like. Additionally, the computing device 102 as illustrated includes a display 114. However, it should be noted that display 114 can be optional and, accordingly, may not be present in some embodiments of the computing device 102.

[0023] However, in embodiments where the display 114 is present as part of the computing device 102, the display 114 may include any type of electronic display such as a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting-diode display, and the like. In these embodiments, for example, data acquired via communication component 104 and / or data analyzed by or modified by theprocessor 106 may be presented on the display 114. Likewise, operational information of the computing device 102 can be presented on display 114. The computing device 102 could also be used to record and display any type of data (and not only pressure tests data), for example drilling data, drilling rig statuses for maintenance purposes, data from cementing / grouting unit, wastewater properties, etc.

[0024] In certain embodiments, display 114 may be a touch screen display or any other type of display capable of receiving inputs from an operator. The results of the test may also be visualized in a display 114 using IO devices of the PTS 100 or sent to another VO device (such as a tablet) connected to the PTS 100 via a local network. This can be of use, for example, in situations where the PTS 100 is set up at a rig site where an internet connection is unavailable, and results of the testing undertaken by the PTS are otherwise unable to be transmitted to offsite storage. In some embodiments, the computing device 102 can sensor data and calculations results as well as transfer them to a cloud 124 or other offsite storage at a later time, for example, when connected via a network connection to cloud 124. In some embodiments, the cloud 124 can be a network of servers and / or web services hosted, for example, on the internet.

[0025] In this manner, the respective computing device 102 can operate to provide test data information to an external network, inclusive of cloud 124. Cloud 124 can be populated with the data from the computing device 102 for access by the computing device 102 and / or other authorized computing devices. In some embodiments, the computing device 102 can collect and transmit real-time (or near real-time) data to cloud 124 (i.e., the cloud computing system). Furthermore, the data transmitted to cloud 124 can be encrypted to provide security to the transmitted data.

[0026] FIG. 1 also illustrates an example of a hydraulic unit 116 which includes sensors 118, a hydraulic system 120, and an electrical system 122. As noted above, the sensors 118 may be a part of the PTS 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hydraulic unit 116 can be part of the PTS 100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the computing device 102 or elements therein can be disposed in a common enclosure with the hydraulic unit 116. In other embodiments, the hydraulic unit 116 may be disposed in an enclosure that is distinctfrom an enclosure housing the computing device 102. When the computing device 102 is in a separate enclosure from the hydraulic unit 116, the physical separation therebetween can provide for a broader of the computing device 102 as a data acquisition system. For example, the computing device 102 could be used to record and display any type of data (i.e., not solely pressure tests data of the hydraulic unit 116), for example, drilling data, drilling rig statuses for maintenance purposes, data from cementing / grouting unit, wastewater properties, etc.

[0027] In some embodiments, the hydraulic system 120 can include one or more of pumps (e.g., recirculation pumps), valves, and piping as part of a geothermal loop. As noted above, testing of the geothermal loop may include flowing a fluid (e.g., water or another fluid) through the geothermal loop and measuring characteristics of that fluid to determine if there are issues with the geothermal loop. The hydraulic unit 116 can also include an electrical system 122 which, for example, can include power distribution and electrical safety devices of electrical components of the hydraulic unit 116. These devices can include, for example, circuit breakers, switches, transformers, etc. These devices can provide proper powering of the equipment of the hydraulic system 120 (and can, in some embodiments, power the sensors 118).

[0028] The sensors 118 of the hydraulic unit 116 can be utilized in the testing process by measuring various characteristics of the fluid passing through the geothermal loop and transmitting the results as input data to the computing device 102 (for example, operating as a data acquisition system).

[0029] Sensors 118 can operate to sense or take metrological measurements. In some embodiments, sensors 118 can include one or more of pressure sensors (e.g., to measure pressure in the geothermal loop), flow sensors (e.g., to measure flow rate in the geothermal loop), temperature sensors (e.g., to measure temperatures in the geothermal loop), viscosity sensors (e g., to measure viscosity of the fluid in the geothermal loop), and / or proximity sensors (e.g. tank level). The sensors 118 in this manner measure characteristics of the fluid passing through the geothermal loop as data that can be transmitted to the computing device 102 for analysis. Through use of these measured characteristics, the computing device 102, operating as a data acquisition system, can determine whether there are issues with aninstalled geothermal loop (i.e., if the geothermal loop passes or fails an inspection, for example, in line with local requirements of a jurisdiction in which the geothermal loop is located).

[0030] In some embodiments, the sensors 118 may be disposed on (and / or in) an output pipe 126 of a geothermal loop, on (and / or in) an input pipe 128 of the geothermal loop (illustrated as enclosed in cement 130 or other material in a geothermal well), and / or on (and / or in) one or more pumps or other equipment of the hydraulic system 120. The sensor results (i.e., measured sensor data) can be measured and transmitted in real-time (or in near real-time) to the computing device 102 that implements calculations to determine, for example, pressure losses in the geothermal control loop. These measurements can alternatively be stored and transmitted at a prescribed later time by the sensors 118.

[0031] In one non-limiting embodiment, the sensor measurements of the sensors 118 are made in a static system (i.e., a fixed amount of fluid being pumped through the geothermal loop at fixed pressure by a pump of the hydraulic system 120). In another embodiment, the sensor measurements of the sensors 118 are made in a dynamic system, for instance by varying the flow rate of the fluid (i.e., through varying pump speed) and measuring the pressure loss for different flow rates. By varying characteristics of the fluid, corresponding pressure losses can be observed to provide a more robust characterization of a pressure profile. When the flow rate (or other flow characteristic) is dynamically varied, this process can be accomplished either manually or automatically, for instance by the computing device 102 controlling at least one component such as a circulation pump of the hydraulic system 120 of the PTS 100.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart 132 describing a process of the PTS 100 operating as a data acquisition system, in accordance with an embodiment. It should be noted that at least some of the blocks of flow chart 132 can be implemented and / or performed by the computing device 102 and the hydraulic unit 116, although the method of flow chart 132 (as well as the techniques previously discussed) may be performed by any suitable computing system, computing device, and / or the like. In this way, it should also be understood that some or all of the below described processing operations may be performed by one or more componentsof the computing device 102, including the processor 106, the memory 108, or the like, and may be executed by the processor 106, for example, executing code, instructions, commands, or the like stored in the memory 108 and / or the storage 110 (e.g., a tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium).

[0033] Subsequent to (or as part of) completion of installation of a geothermal loop, the PTS 100 is fluidly connected to the geothermal loop via its hydraulic components (for instance pipe connections and / or valves). These connections couple, for example, the hydraulic system 120 to output pipe 126 and input pipe 128. Thereafter, in block 134, a fluid (e g., water or another fluid) is introduced into the geothermal loop. This fluid is pumped through the geothermal loop for a predetermined amount of time, for example, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, two hours, three hours, or another set period of time. The fluid may be pumped in one direction, or the other, and the setup may include a system to reverse the flow utilizing, for example, manual or automatic switch valves.

[0034] During the pumping of the fluid through the geothermal loop, parameters of the fluid may be measured (e.g., sensed) via the sensors 118. Parameters of interest can include one or more of flow, pressure, temperature, density, and / or viscosity of the fluid (e.g., when the fluid is a mixture of water and another fluid or a separate fluid from water) in the geothermal loop. In some embodiments, PTS 100 can be initialized to measure particular parameters (characteristics) as part of the testing operation. The initialization of the PTS can also include providing local requirements of a jurisdiction in which the geothermal loop is located to tailor the PTS 100 for testing in a particular region. These local requirements may be preprogrammed and selectable for the PTS 100 so that a user can initiate a PTS 100 for a particular jurisdiction and that selection will impact the results of the test based on the applicable local requirements.

[0035] The sensor measurements taken in block 136 may be inline or, at least for some of the measurements (e.g., temperature), taken on samples collected from the geothermal loop. The parameters of interest can be measured as the fluid, for example, passes through output pipe 126, passes through input pipe 128, or both and / or as fluid passes through a pump of the hydraulic system 120 of the hydraulic unit 116. For example, flow and pressuremeasurements can be taken by the sensors 118 before the fluid enters into the geothermal loop (e.g., at a connection to output pipe 126) and at the exit of the geothermal loop (e.g., at a connection to input pipe 128). Additionally, for example, temperature and pressure measurements can be taken by the sensors 118 at the exit of the geothermal loop (e.g., at a connection to input pipe 128). Additionally, as noted above, the measurements of the sensors 118 can selectively be made as part of a static system and / or a dynamic system, based on desired results to be ascertained.

[0036] In block 138, the measurements (parameters) are collected from the geothermal loop and are transmitted to the computing device 102 (e.g., operating as a data acquisition system). In some embodiments, the sensor results (e.g., sensed parameters or measured data) are transmitted to a computing device 102, for example, in real-time or in near real-time. In other embodiments, the transmission of sensed data in block 138 is implemented at a predetermined time subsequent to the data measurements being taken. This will allow the sensors 118 to operate independently from the computing device 102 in data acquisition with the computing device 102 receiving and analyzing the data at a later time.

[0037] In block 140, the computing device 102 operates to calculate characteristics of the geothermal loop (e.g., pressure loss) based on the received data transmitted from the sensors 118. In some embodiments, this calculation can be implemented via the processor 106 executing code stored on one or both of the memory 108 and the storage 110. Theoretical characteristics for the geothermal loop can be generated and stored, for example, in one or both of the memory 108 and storage 110 of the computing device 102. One technique to generate these theoretical characteristics for pressure loss (or drop) estimation is based on a theoretical formulation of Darcy- Wei sbach with an adaptive friction factor for each flow regime. In some embodiments, a laminar friction factor is the usual formulation either in the Darcy or Fanning form and a turbulent regime friction factor can be solved with the Haaland equation. A transitional regime is obtained from a linear junction between the laminar and turbulent form. In this manner, theoretical values for characteristics of a particular geothermal loop of interest are generated and saved in the computing device.

[0038] The geothermal loop characteristics calculated in block 140 can be generated using the same method as that described above with respect to calculation of the theoretical geothermal loop characteristics. However, the geothermal loop characteristics calculated in block 140 will have as data inputs the sensed data values received by the computing device 102 from block 138. In this manner, the computing device 102 will calculate actual fluid characteristics of the geothermal loop, as calculated based on the received sensed data from sensors 118.

[0039] In block 142, the processor 106 can operate to compare the calculated geothermal loop characteristics of the geothermal loop from block 140 with the theoretical fluid characteristics (i.e., predetermined characteristics) of the geothermal loop that are stored in the computing device. For example, this process can include a pressure loss check test that includes comparison of a test pressure drop record time series generated from the sensor 118 data with a predetermined (calculated theoretical) value thereof. The calculated results from block 140 should have a difference of less than a certain tolerance with the theoretical profile. This is illustrated in block 144, in which it is determined by the processor 106 whether a threshold value (e.g., a difference between the calculated geothermal loop characteristics and the theoretical geothermal loop characteristics) is met. This threshold value may be set, at least in part, based upon local requirements of a jurisdiction in which the geothermal loop is located to tailor the PTS 100 for testing in a particular region. Another approach to determining the threshold applied in block 144 is to, for example, apply an inversion approach to check for convergence to operational parameters between the calculated and theoretical loop characteristics. Again, an amount of divergence between the calculated and theoretical loop characteristics can be impacted by local requirements regarding tolerances and this can impact the result generated in block 144.

[0040] In this manner, based on the calculations (and on geographically applicable standards), the PTS 100 (e.g., via the processor 106 executing code stored in memory 108 and / or storage 110) determines if the calculated geothermal loop characteristics correspond to a predetermined criterion (block 144) relative to predetermined theoretical loop characteristics of the geothermal loop. If the fluid characteristics meet the threshold, in block146, the PTS 100 (e.g., via the processor 106 executing code stored in memory 108 and / or storage 110) determines that the geothermal loop has passed its test. The result of the test (i.e., pass) can be stored (e.g., in memory 108 and / or in storage 110), displayed (e.g., on the display 114), and / or transmitted (e.g., to cloud 124) for logging and / or review. In some embodiments, the testing process can be reiterated subsequent to block 148.

[0041] If, however, the PTS 100 (e.g., via the processor 106 executing code stored in memory 108 and / or storage 110) determines that the calculated geothermal loop characteristics do not correspond to a predetermined criterion (block 144) relative to predetermined theoretical loop characteristics of the geothermal loop, in block 146 an alarm will be sent and / or operations of the hydraulic unit will be altered. In some embodiments, in conjunction with block 146, inspection and / or repair of the geothermal loop may be performed, for example, based upon issuance of the alarm. In conjunction with block 146 (or thereafter), the results of the test (i.e., fail) can be stored (e.g., in memory 108 and / or in storage 110), displayed (e.g., on the display 114), and / or transmitted (e.g., to cloud 124) for logging and / or review in conjunction with block 148.

[0042] In some embodiments, in conjunction with block 146, the PTS 100 (e.g., the processor executing code stored in the memory 108 and / or storage 110) can generate one or more control signals that are transmitted to controllers of components of the hydraulic system 120 to alter operational characteristics of the components of the hydraulic system 120 (e.g., flow rate of a pump). Alternatively, in conjunction with block 146, the PTS 100 (e.g., the processor executing code stored in the memory 108 and / or storage 110) can generate one or more control signals that are transmitted directly to components of the hydraulic system 120 to alter operational characteristics of the components of the hydraulic system 120 (e.g., flow rate of a pump). In this manner, the results of the test can also be utilized to alter operation of the hydraulic unit 116 (e.g., pump speeds which can also be selected utilizing information of the geothermal loop, for example, pipe size of the 126 the output pipe 126 and / or the input pipe 128 of the geothermal loop).

[0043] In some embodiments, characteristics of the output pipe 126 and / or the input pipe130 is hardening, the geothermal loop may behave differently. Accordingly, in some embodiments, testing of the geothermal loop can be undertaken to adjust flow of fluid that corresponds to a monitored state of the fluid to counteract the forces from the hardening cement 130. This would allow for protection of the geothermal loop during installation.

[0044] The subject matter described in detail above may be defined by one or more clauses or embodiments, as set forth below.

[0045] In certain embodiments, a device includes a hydraulic unit configured to be fluidly connected to a geothermal loop; a sensor configured to measure at least a parameter of a fluid circulating in the geothermal loop and through the hydraulic unit, wherein the parameter comprises at least one of: pressure, flow rate, temperature, density, and viscosity of the fluid circulating in the geothermal loop; and a computing device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the computing device is configured to: receive data from the sensor; calculate, via the processor, a pressure loss based on the data; and determine, based on the pressure loss in view of a predetermined theoretical pressure loss of the geothermal loop, if an integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to a predetermined criteria to test the integrity of the geothermal loop.

[0046] The device of the preceding embodiment, wherein the memory in operation stores the data received from the sensor and the pressure loss.

[0047] The device of any of the preceding embodiments, including a display to provide at least a result of the determination to a user.

[0048] The device of any of the preceding embodiments, including a communication component configured to connect to a local network or a global network.

[0049] The device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the computing device is configured to generate a control signal utilized to control the hydraulic unit.

[0050] The device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the hydraulic unit comprises a pump configured to vary the flow rate of the fluid and measuring the pressure atan inlet of the geothermal loop and an outlet of the geothermal loop for a plurality of flow rates, wherein determining if the integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to the predetermined criteria is based on a plot of pressure losses relative to the flow rate of the fluid as varied.

[0051] In certain embodiments, a method includes circulating a fluid through a geothermal loop via a hydraulic unit; sensing, via a sensor, one or more parameters of the fluid circulating through the geothermal loop, wherein the parameters include at least one of: pressure, flow rate, temperature, density, and viscosity of the fluid circulating in the geothermal loop; collecting data from the sensor; calculating a pressure loss based on the data; and determining, based on the pressure loss in view of a predetermined theoretical pressure loss of the geothermal loop, if an integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to a predetermined criteria to test the integrity of the geothermal loop.

[0052] The method of the preceding embodiment, wherein the determining if the integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to a predetermined criteria includes comparing a pressure loss rate to one or more predetermined values.

[0053] The method of any of the preceding embodiments, including varying the flow rate of the fluid and measuring the pressure at an inlet of the geothermal loop and an outlet of the geothermal loop for a plurality of flow rates, wherein the determining if the integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to the predetermined criteria is based on a plot of pressure losses relative to the flow rate of the fluid as varied.

[0054] The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flow rate of the fluid is varied using a computing device coupled to the hydraulic unit.

[0055] The method of any of the preceding embodiments, including storing the collected data in a memory of the computing device.

[0056] The method of any of the preceding embodiments, including transmitting the collected data to a local network or a global network.

[0057] The method of any of the preceding embodiments, including displaying a result of the determination to a user via a display of the computing device.

[0058] The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the collecting, calculating, and determining steps are performed by a processor of the computing device.

[0059] In certain embodiments, a tangible and non-transitory machine readable medium, comprising instructions to cause a processor to perform the steps of any of methods of any of the preceding embodiments.

[0060] The brief summary presented above is intended only to familiarize the reader with certain aspects and contexts of embodiments of the present disclosure without limitation to the claimed subject matter.

[0061] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Moreover, the order in which the elements of the methods described herein are illustrated and described may be re-arranged, and / or two or more elements may occur simultaneously. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0062] Finally, the techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function]...” or “step for [perform]ing [a function], . it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device, comprising: a hydraulic unit configured to be fluidly connected to a geothermal loop; a sensor configured to measure at least a parameter of a fluid circulating in the geothermal loop and through the hydraulic unit, wherein the at least one parameter comprises at least one of: pressure, flow rate, temperature, density, and viscosity of the fluid circulating in the geothermal loop; and a computing device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the computing device is configured to: receive data from the sensor; calculate, via the processor, a pressure loss based on the data; and determine, based on the pressure loss in view of a predetermined theoretical pressure loss of the geothermal loop, if an integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to a predetermined criteria to test the integrity of the geothermal loop.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the memory in operation stores the data received from the sensor and the pressure loss.

3. The device of claim 1, comprising a display to provide at least a result of the determination to a user.

4. The device of claim 1, comprising a communication component configured to connect to a local network or a global network.

5. The device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the computing device is configured to generate a control signal utilized to control the hydraulic unit.

6. The device of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hydraulic unit comprises a pump configured to vary the flow rate of the fluid and measuring the pressure at an inlet of thegeothermal loop and an outlet of the geothermal loop for a plurality of flow rates, wherein determining if the integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to the predetermined criteria is based on a plot of pressure losses relative to the flow rate of the fluid as varied.

7. A method, comprising: circulating a fluid through a geothermal loop via a hydraulic unit; sensing, via a sensor, one or more parameters of the fluid circulating through the geothermal loop, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of: pressure, flow rate, temperature, density, and viscosity of the fluid circulating in the geothermal loop; collecting data from the sensor; calculating a pressure loss based on the data; and determining, based on the pressure loss in view of a predetermined theoretical pressure loss of the geothermal loop, if an integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to a predetermined criteria to test the integrity of the geothermal loop.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the determining if the integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to a predetermined criteria includes comparing a pressure loss rate to one or more predetermined values.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, comprising varying the flow rate of the fluid and measuring the pressure at an inlet of the geothermal loop and an outlet of the geothermal loop for a plurality of flow rates, wherein the determining if the integrity of the geothermal loop corresponds to the predetermined criteria is based on a plot of pressure losses relative to the flow rate of the fluid as varied.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the flow rate of the fluid is varied using a computing device coupled to the hydraulic unit.

11. The method of any of the claims 7 to 11, comprising storing the collected data in a memory of the computing device.

12. The method of any of the claims 7 to 11, comprising transmitting the collected data to a local network or a global network.

13. The method of any of the claims 7 to 12, comprising displaying a result of the determination to a user via a display of the computing device.

14. The method of any of the claims 7 to 13, wherein the collecting, calculating, and determining steps are performed by a processor of the computing device.

15. A tangible and non-transitory machine readable medium, comprising instructions to cause a processor to perform the steps of any of method claims 10 to 14.

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