Completion and well placement optimization using distributed fiber optic sensing in next-generation geothermal projects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geothermal reservoirs with high permeability are limited, necessitating the development of alternative designs to expand geothermal energy production, particularly in low-permeability rock formations where water is absent.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced horizontal geothermal well systems utilizing distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) for monitoring and optimization, including horizontal directional drilling, multi-stage hydraulic stimulation with proppant, and limited entry design, to create a stimulated reservoir volume acting as a subsurface heat exchanger, and the use of fiber optic cables to acquire temperature, strain, and acoustic data for well placement and completion design optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional hydrothermal reservoirs with high permeability are used, then geothermal energy can be easily harvested through natural fluid production, but economically viable reservoirs are limited and resource accessibility is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of geothermal reservoir development by transitioning from relying on natural high permeability to creating artificial permeability through hydraulic stimulation. This allows development in previously unusable low-permeability rock formations, expanding resource accessibility while maintaining ease of energy harvesting through induced fracture networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the reservoir development process into distinct phases: drilling horizontal wells, creating stimulated reservoir volumes through multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, and establishing fracture networks that connect injector and producer wells. This segmentation enables systematic creation of permeability in low-permeability formations
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced horizontal well systems with multi-stage hydraulic stimulation are implemented, then geothermal energy production from low-permeability rocks is enabled, but device complexity and monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback monitoring using distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) systems that continuously measure temperature, strain, and acoustic signals during hydraulic stimulation. This feedback enables operators to monitor fracture initiation and propagation, optimize injection parameters, and detect issues such as fracture hits or equipment failures, thereby managing system complexity through intelligent control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical monitoring systems with distributed fiber optic sensing technology. DFOS cables embedded in the wellbore provide distributed measurements of temperature, strain, and acoustic signals along the entire well length, substituting discrete mechanical sensors with a continuous optical sensing system that reduces complexity while enhancing monitoring capability
3Manufacturing precision
If distributed fiber optic sensing is used for real-time monitoring, then well placement and completion design can be optimized, but measurement and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs distributed fiber optic sensing cables that serve multiple functions simultaneously: temperature monitoring, strain measurement, and acoustic signal detection. This multi-functionality allows a single sensing system to provide comprehensive data for well placement optimization, completion design validation, and reservoir characterization, reducing the need for separate measurement systems while enhancing measurement precision
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 enables efficient geothermal energy production from low-permeability rocks by optimizing well placement, fracture initiation, and flow allocation, thereby enhancing the economic viability of geothermal energy production and expanding resource accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) for monitoring and optimization, including horizontal directional drilling, multi-stage hydraulic stimulation with proppant, and limited entry design, to create a stimulated reservoir volume acting as a subsurface heat exchanger, and the use of fiber optic cables to acquire temperature, strain, and acoustic data
Implementation Method 2
create a stimulated reservoir volume acting as a subsurface heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The produced hot fluid can be converted to steam to rotate a turbine to generate electricity or heat a working fluid with a lower boiling temperature, which evaporates and is used to rotate the turbine
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques may be used to obtain information corresponding to a well of a reservoir. An example technique may include drilling a first well, inserting a fiber optic cable into the first well, sending a laser pulse down the fiber optic cable, and capturing distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) data. The example technique may include determining, based on the DFOS data, well placement parameters for a second well, and outputting the well placement parameters for the second well.