Geothermal energy collection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geothermal energy extraction methods, such as enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), face challenges including high energy costs for water injection and pumping, water scarcity, groundwater contamination, and seismic risks due to fracking, while traditional methods are limited by the need for magma near the surface and steady groundwater supply.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system using a thermal mass, such as molten salt or a solid material, is inserted into a Heat Absorption Zone, where it absorbs heat and is raised to a Heat Transfer Zone for efficient heat transfer, allowing for geothermal energy harvesting without seismic damage or groundwater contamination, using a thermal mass with internal chambers or structures for heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water injection and pumping methods are used for geothermal energy extraction, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but energy costs increase and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water from the system entirely, replacing it with a closed-loop dielectric fluid that circulates through sealed boreholes. This eliminates the need for water injection and pumping, removing the source of energy consumption and environmental harm while maintaining heat transfer functionality through the dielectric fluid medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric fluid as an intermediary substance between the geothermal heat source and the energy extraction system. This fluid serves as a heat transfer medium that can operate without the environmental and energy costs associated with water-based systems, mediating the heat transfer process in a controlled closed loop.
2Productivity
If water-based geothermal systems are used, then heat extraction is effective, but water scarcity and groundwater contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes water entirely from the geothermal extraction system, replacing it with a dielectric fluid that does not pose contamination risks. This extraction of the problematic substance (water) eliminates groundwater contamination and water scarcity issues while preserving heat extraction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert, closed-loop environment using a dielectric fluid that cannot contaminate groundwater or deplete water resources. This inert system operates independently of the natural water cycle, preventing harmful interactions with the groundwater ecosystem while maintaining thermal efficiency.
3Temperature
If fracking is used to access deeper geothermal zones, then temperature and energy availability increase, but seismic risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fracking process entirely from the system, achieving deep geothermal access through conventional drilling methods alone. By eliminating fracking, the system can reach high-temperature zones without inducing seismic activity, as the dielectric fluid is injected through sealed boreholes rather than fracturing rock formations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fracturing process (fracking) with a thermal-chemical process using dielectric fluid circulation. Instead of mechanically breaking rock to access heat, the system uses controlled fluid circulation through drilled boreholes, substituting a disruptive mechanical approach with a gentler thermal process.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional drilling depths are used, then drilling costs are reduced, but temperature and energy availability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal properties parameter of the heat transfer medium by using a dielectric fluid with superior thermal characteristics. This allows the system to achieve higher effective temperature utilization at shallower depths, as the dielectric fluid can extract and transport heat more efficiently than water-based systems, compensating for the reduced depth.
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 method enables efficient geothermal energy extraction from depths greater than 100°C, reducing energy costs and environmental impact by using a substance with high volumetric energy density, like molten salt, and minimizing water usage and seismic risks.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal mass, such as molten salt or a solid material, is inserted into a Heat Absorption Zone, where it absorbs heat
Implementation Method 2
raised to a Heat Transfer Zone for efficient heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
efficient heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes methods of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid. In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.