Electrically Controlled Propellants for Geothermal Heat Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic fracturing methods in geothermal wells face inefficiencies in heat exchange due to lack of complexity in fracture networks, requiring high injection rates and large volumes of fluid, and pose safety risks with reactive propellants that cannot be controlled once ignited.
Innovation Solution
The use of electrically controlled propellants and electro-conductive proppants to create complex fracture networks by igniting the propellants via electrical current, reducing the need for large fluid volumes and reactive materials, and allowing for controlled fracturing and repeated stimulation of subterranean formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional hydraulic fracturing is used to create fractures in subterranean formations, then conductive channels are formed for fluid flow, but the fracture networks lack complexity and provide insufficient surface area for effective heat exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating complex fracture networks with multiple branching fractures instead of single simple fractures. The fracturing fluid is designed to create a distributed network of conductive channels that segment the rock formation into multiple pathways, significantly increasing the total surface area available for heat exchange between the injected fluid and the surrounding rock formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane fractures to three-dimensional complex fracture networks. By injecting fracturing fluid at controlled rates and pressures, the system creates fractures that extend in multiple directions and depths, adding spatial dimensions to the fracture geometry. This dimensional expansion dramatically increases the contact surface area between the fluid and rock formation for heat transfer.
2Area of stationary object
If high injection rates and large volumes of fracturing fluid are used to create complex fracture networks, then more extensive fracture surfaces are created, but fluid consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic injection strategies where the injection rate and pressure are continuously adjusted during the fracturing process. The system transitions from high-rate initial injection to create primary fractures, then reduces to lower rates for maintaining and extending the fracture network. This dynamic control optimizes fluid utilization by matching injection parameters to the real-time state of fracture propagation, creating extensive surface area with reduced overall fluid volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters including injection rate, fluid viscosity, and pressure to optimize fracture network creation. By using viscous fracturing fluid that maintains pressure effectively, the system creates complex fracture patterns at lower injection volumes. The fluid properties are specifically tailored to maximize fracture surface area while minimizing the total quantity of fracturing fluid required.
3Productivity
If conventional reactive propellants are used for fracturing, then fracture networks can be created, but safety risks increase because the propellants cannot be controlled once ignited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional chemical/combustion-based propellants with an electrically controlled system. Instead of using reactive materials that ignite uncontrollably, the system uses electro-conductive proppants combined with controlled electrical current application. This substitution of the activation mechanism from chemical combustion to electrical control provides precise on-demand activation, maintaining the ability to create fracture networks while eliminating the safety risks associated with uncontrolled reactive propellants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electro-conductive proppants as an intermediary between the electrical control system and the rock formation. These specially designed proppants serve as both the fracturing agent and the electrical conduit. The intermediary nature of these proppants allows controlled energy transfer from the electrical source to the rock formation, enabling precise control of the fracturing process while maintaining safety through electrical rather than chemical activation.
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 enhances heat exchange efficiency by creating extensive fracture networks that increase the surface area for heat transfer, reduces fluid and proppant usage, and minimizes safety risks with controlled ignition and re-ignition capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electro-conductive proppants and an electrically controlled propellant are introduced into a subterranean formation. An electrical current is applied to the plurality of electro-conductive proppants, wherein the plurality of electro-conductive proppants is operable to conduct the electrical current through the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
An electrical current is applied to the plurality of electro-conductive proppants, wherein the plurality of electro-conductive proppants is operable to conduct the electrical current through the subterranean formation. The electrically controlled propellant is ignited by the application of the electrical current
Implementation Method 3
The electrically controlled propellant is ignited by the application of the electrical current. Ignition of the electrically controlled propellant causes rubblization of the subterranean formation and creates a complex fracture network in the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 4
Ignition of the electrically controlled propellant causes rubblization of the subterranean formation and creates a complex fracture network in the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 5
An injection fluid is introduced into the subterranean formation, wherein the injection fluid is configured to absorb heat from an available surface area of the subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides for a method of enhancing heat transfer between an injection fluid and a subterranean formation. The method comprises of introducing a fracturing fluid into a first wellbore and a second wellbore comprising a plurality of electro-conductive proppants and electrically controlled propellant, wherein the fracturing fluid is introduced at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more primary fractures in the subterranean formation. The method further comprises of applying an electrical current, wherein the plurality of electro-conductive proppants is operable to receive the electrical current and igniting the electrically controlled propellant through application of the electrical current from the plurality of electro-conductive proppants to rubblize the subterranean formation. The method further comprises introducing an injection fluid into the first wellbore, wherein the injection fluid is operable to absorb heat from available surface area from the rubblized subterranean formation.