Curtailed-Power Shale Oil Heating for Stable Kerogen Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid growth of wind and photovoltaic power generation in regions with insufficient local absorption capacity and delayed power transmission construction leads to high curtailment rates, hindering the efficient utilization of curtailed power for traditional electric heating methods in low-to-medium maturity shale oil extraction, which requires a stable heat source for commercial development.
Innovation Solution
A low-to-medium maturity shale oil extraction system utilizing curtailed power heating, comprising a transmission line, surface control platform, downhole electric heaters, and downhole temperature and pressure monitoring controllers, dynamically adjusting heating strategies to optimize kerogen decomposition and fluidity, with a dedicated high-voltage transmission line to stabilize power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stable electric heating methods are used for shale oil extraction, then heating stability is improved, but curtailed power from wind and PV generation cannot be efficiently utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the heating system by adjusting heating power in real-time based on fluctuating curtailed power supply from wind and PV generation. The controller modulates the heating elements to adapt to varying energy input, transforming a static heating system into a dynamic one that can handle unstable power sources while maintaining extraction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including heating temperature, power input levels, and extraction rates to match the variable characteristics of curtailed power. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system converts an unsuitable unstable power source into an effective heating input for shale oil extraction
2Object-generated harmful factors
If wind and PV power generation is increased to reduce carbon emissions, then energy structure optimization is improved, but curtailment rate increases due to insufficient local absorption capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of curtailed power (wasted energy from excessive wind and PV generation) into a beneficial resource by utilizing it as the heat source for shale oil extraction. This transforms energy waste into valuable thermal energy, simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and eliminating curtailment losses
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a multi-functional application for curtailed power, using it both for grid stabilization and for industrial heating purposes. This universal utilization approach allows the same power source to serve multiple functions, preventing energy waste while supporting renewable energy expansion
3Productivity
If heating power is increased to improve kerogen decomposition efficiency, then extraction efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous heating action using curtailed power, ensuring that the decomposition process operates continuously rather than intermittently. This continuous operation maximizes the utilization of available curtailed power while maintaining efficient kerogen breakdown, preventing energy waste from repeated heating cycles
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
Efficiently utilizes curtailed power for shale oil extraction, enhancing kerogen decomposition efficiency, improving mobility and recoverability, promoting commercialization, ensuring grid stability, and reducing carbon emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the downhole electric heaters are configured to heat the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the heating process is intended to promote the cracking of unconverted hydrocarbons, heavy oil, and kerogen in the organic-rich shale into lighter oil
Data Source
AI summary
A low-to-medium maturity shale oil extraction system based on curtailed power heating includes a transmission line with an input terminal electrically connected to curtailed power from a wind and PV power generation base and an output terminal electrically connected to an input terminal of a surface control platform, where downhole electric heaters are located inside a heating well; the heating well penetrates through an upper sealing layer and is located in a reservoir; downhole temperature and pressure monitoring controllers are provided in the heating well; the downhole temperature and pressure monitoring controller is electrically connected to the downhole electric heater; and a production well penetrates through the upper sealing layer and is located at a side of the heating well adjacent to the ground in the reservoir. The system avoids resource waste caused by power curtailment, enhances energy utilization efficiency, and improves the mobility and recoverability of shale oil.