Method and systems for heat recovery from geothermally-heated formations by directed flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geothermal systems face challenges in thermal connectivity to large portions of geothermally heated formations, leading to reduced thermal output and corrosion issues due to the presence of corrosive chemicals in geothermal fluids, which are exacerbated by temperature and pressure changes at the surface.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop geothermal system with directed fluid flow is implemented, using multiple wells to inject geothermal fluid into the formation and direct a controlled flow of heat to closed-loop wells, minimizing the extraction of corrosive fluids to the surface and enhancing thermal connectivity through convection and conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional geothermal systems extract heat from geothermally heated formations, then thermal output is achieved, but thermal connectivity to large portions of the formation is insufficient leading to system cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the geothermal formation into multiple discrete zones by drilling several wells (injection wells, production wells, and closed-loop wells) at different locations. Each well targets specific zones within the formation, allowing independent heat extraction and fluid injection operations that collectively cover a larger thermal volume and improve overall thermal connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple well types (injection wells for fluid injection, production wells for geothermal fluid extraction, and closed-loop wells for heat exchange) into a single integrated geothermal system. This merging of functions allows the system to simultaneously achieve fluid circulation, heat extraction, and thermal connectivity across multiple formation zones.
2Use of energy by moving object
If geothermal fluid is extracted to the surface for heat utilization, then heat recovery is achieved, but corrosive chemicals cause equipment corrosion and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the desired thermal energy from the geothermal fluid through heat exchangers installed in closed-loop wells, while leaving the corrosive geothermal fluid in the formation. The closed-loop working fluid circulates through heat exchangers that transfer heat without direct contact between the working fluid and corrosive geothermal formation fluids, thereby recovering heat while avoiding corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
A closed-loop working fluid serves as an intermediary medium between the heat utilization facility and the geothermal formation. This working fluid circulates through heat exchangers that are in contact with the geothermal formation fluids, enabling heat transfer while preventing direct mixing and corrosion of the primary system components by corrosive geothermal chemicals.
3Productivity
If geothermal fluid flow is increased to enhance heat extraction, then thermal output improves, but corrosive chemical transport to surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts heat from the geothermal formation through closed-loop wells where the working fluid never comes into direct contact with corrosive geothermal formation fluids. Heat is transferred through heat exchanger surfaces, allowing high heat extraction rates without transporting corrosive chemicals to the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop working fluid acts as an intermediary that enables high-rate heat extraction while preventing corrosive chemical transport. The working fluid circulates through heat exchangers positioned in the formation, transferring thermal energy without direct contact between the working fluid and corrosive geothermal fluids, thus eliminating the harmful effect of chemical transport.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient heat extraction from larger volumes of geothermally heated formations, reducing corrosion and extending the system's productive lifespan by maintaining consistent heat production over time.
Implementation Method 1
a working fluid configured to extract heat from a portion of rock and geothermal fluid in the geothermally heated formation
Implementation Method 2
enhancing thermal connectivity through convection and conduction
Implementation Method 3
a heat utilization facility located on the surface of the earth, where the heat utilization facility is configured to extract heat from the working fluid
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of wells is configured to direct the flow of geothermal fluid from at least one injection well to a vicinity of at least one closed-loop geothermal well
Implementation Method 5
injecting a closed-loop geothermal system into the at least one closed-loop geothermal well
Data Source
AI summary
Processes and systems are disclosed. The process may include obtaining a plurality of wells, including an injection well and a closed-loop geothermal well, drilled into a geothermally heated formation and inserting a closed-loop geothermal system, including a working fluid configured to extract heat from the geothermally heated formation and supply it to a heat utilization facility, configured to extract heat from the working fluid, located on the surface of the earth, into the closed-loop geothermal well. The process further includes injecting a flow of geothermal fluid into the geothermally heated formation through the injection well, such that the plurality of wells is configured to direct the flow of geothermal fluid from the injection well to the vicinity of the closed-loop geothermal well.