Closed-Loop Geothermal Hydrogen Production

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional geothermal systems are inefficient and uneconomic for hydrogen production due to heat and pressure losses when geothermal energy is brought to the surface, and existing methods require substantial energy from fossil fuels, leading to carbon emissions.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop system is installed in geothermal wells to circulate a working fluid, capturing heat and pressure to enhance hydrogen production using methods like alkaline electrolysis, solid oxide electrolysis, and proton exchange membrane electrolysis, reducing the need for external energy and minimizing carbon emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional geothermal systems bring geothermal energy to the surface, then geothermal energy can be used for hydrogen production, but heat and pressure are lost during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeothermal energy utilizationVSAvoidheat and pressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from surface-based hydrogen production to subsurface in-well hydrogen production, moving the process to a different spatial dimension (depth) where geothermal energy conditions are naturally maintained without transport losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a working fluid as an intermediary that circulates within the well to transfer geothermal heat and pressure directly to the hydrogen production process, eliminating the need to bring geothermal resources to the surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If all hydrogen production methods use substantial energy from fossil fuels, then hydrogen can be produced at commercial levels, but carbon emissions occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen production volumeVSAvoidcarbon emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses geothermal energy available in the subsurface environment to power the hydrogen production process itself, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external fossil fuel energy inputs that would generate carbon emissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines geothermal energy utilization with hydrogen production in a single integrated system, merging two previously separate processes (geothermal energy extraction and hydrogen production) into one unified operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If geothermal brine and steam expand during rise to surface, then they can be extracted, but temperature and pressure are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeothermal brine and steam extractionVSAvoidtemperature and pressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extracting geothermal brine and steam upward to the surface, the system inverts the approach by circulating a working fluid downward and maintaining high temperature and pressure conditions within the wellbore where the geothermal resources remain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The closed-loop system increases the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen production by utilizing geothermal energy directly downhole, reducing energy requirements and carbon emissions, and enabling high-pressure hydrogen production without the need for additional compression.

Implementation Method 1

a working fluid circulated through the closed loop to capture heat and create pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

as geothermal brine and/or steam in a conventional geothermal well expands in its rise to the surface, it loses temperature due to expansion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

high pressure arising from the column of water penetrating deep in the well, thermal expansion and otherwise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 4

produce hydrogen down bore by various chemical and water splitting methods using heat from the geothermal resource and high pressure arising from the column of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11781229B2Hydrogen production from geothermal resources using closed-loop systems

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 GREENFIRE ENERGY INC

AI summary

Described are methods and systems for producing hydrogen using closed-loop geothermal technology from geothermal, oil and gas or other resources. Various configurations and types of closed-loop systems are described which enable the capture, transfer and use of heat from the resource and from chemical reactions from the processes and methods employed and to also create high down bore pressure, in each case to enhance the technical and commercial efficiency of various hydrogen production methods. As hydrogen is created at high pressures and purities which are necessary for delivery and commercial use of hydrogen, the need for additional compression and purification activities is minimized. Various of the methods and systems described can make hydrogen produced from fossil fuel inputs less carbon intensive and make renewable fuel inputs produce hydrogen entirely without carbon outputs, thereby contributing substantially to the reduction of greenhouse gasses.