CO2 Geothermal Wells for Low-Temperature Power Without Hydrofracturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional renewable energy systems, such as wind and solar, face limitations due to high costs and inefficiencies, and geothermal systems require high temperatures and large-scale hydrofracturing, which can have adverse environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide-based geothermal energy system that utilizes injection and production wells without large-scale hydrofracturing, using supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid to access underground reservoirs at lower temperatures, converting thermal energy into electricity and heat, and sequestering excess carbon dioxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional geothermal systems use large-scale hydrofracturing to access high-temperature reservoirs, then energy generation capability is improved, but environmental harm and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter requirement by using supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid that can efficiently extract thermal energy at lower reservoir temperatures (90°C to 300°C) compared to conventional systems that require much higher temperatures. This parameter change eliminates the need for large-scale hydrofracturing while maintaining energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of supercritical carbon dioxide, which can transition between supercritical, liquid, and gaseous states. This allows the working fluid to efficiently absorb and transport thermal energy from the reservoir through natural convection and phase changes, enabling energy extraction without mechanical fracturing of the rock formation
2Temperature
If conventional geothermal systems require high temperatures for operation, then thermal energy availability is improved, but system accessibility and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the temperature parameter requirement by demonstrating that supercritical carbon dioxide can efficiently extract thermal energy from reservoirs at temperatures as low as 90°C to 300°C. This makes geothermal energy accessible in locations without high-temperature resources, significantly improving system accessibility and ease of deployment
3Use of energy by moving object
If water-based working fluids are used in geothermal systems, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but environmental harm from water consumption and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful factor of excess carbon dioxide emissions into a beneficial working fluid. By using supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid, the system achieves efficient heat transfer while simultaneously sequestering carbon dioxide that would otherwise be harmful to the environment. The carbon dioxide is injected into the reservoir, absorbs thermal energy, and is then recovered and reused in a closed-loop system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the working fluid from water to supercritical carbon dioxide, which has superior thermodynamic properties for heat extraction at lower temperatures. Supercritical CO2 has high density and heat capacity, enabling efficient thermal energy transfer without the environmental harms associated with water consumption, contamination, and evaporation
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 system provides a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly means of generating renewable energy, capable of operating at lower temperatures and reducing carbon footprint, while offering carbon sequestration and increased revenue potential through carbon offset sales.
Implementation Method 1
exposure of the non-water based working fluid to the first temperature can produce heated non-water based working fluid
Implementation Method 2
thermal energy contained in the heated non-water based working fluid can be converted to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof
Implementation Method 3
using supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A geothermal energy generation system comprises one or more injection wells for accessing one or more reservoirs having a first temperature, wherein the reservoirs are located below one or more caprocks and are accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. Each of the injection wells has an injection well reservoir opening, and one or more production wells each having a production well reservoir opening. A non-water based working fluid can be provided to the injection wells at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Exposure of the working fluid to the first temperature can produce heated working fluid capable of entering one or more production wells. An energy converting apparatus is connected to each of the one or more injection wells and the one or more productions wells and thermal energy contained in the heated working fluid can be converted to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof, in the energy converting apparatus.