Fracturing hot rock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically fracturing hard, brittle rocks like granite for geothermal energy extraction is challenging due to inconsistent communication between wellbores, as existing methods fail to create a reliable and efficient network of fractures.
Innovation Solution
A chemical reaction between an alkali metal, such as sodium, and water is used to fracture hot rocks, where the alkali metal is introduced into the well and reacts with water to produce an exothermic reaction, creating fractures that connect wellbores and allow for efficient heat transfer and energy extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic fracturing is used on hard, brittle rocks, then fractures can be created, but the communication between wellbores is inconsistent and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic fracturing system with a chemical reaction system. Alkali metals (such as sodium or potassium) are introduced into the wellbore and react chemically with the hot rock formation to create fractures. This chemical approach (using reactive metals) substitutes the mechanical approach (using high-pressure fluid injection), thereby resolving the inconsistency problem associated with hydraulic fracturing in hard, brittle rocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the fracturing mechanism from mechanical pressure to chemical reactivity. By selecting alkali metals with appropriate reactivity levels and controlling their interaction with the hot rock, the system achieves more predictable and reliable fracture creation. The chemical reaction parameters (metal type, amount, reaction conditions) can be precisely controlled to ensure consistent wellbore communication.
2Reliability
If chemical reaction between alkali metal and water is used, then consistent communication network between wellbores is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses water as an intermediary substance that facilitates the chemical reaction between alkali metals and hot rock. The water is introduced into the wellbore along with or after the alkali metals, and it mediates the reaction process by providing the necessary chemical environment. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system compared to directly reacting metals with rock, as water is easy to handle and delivers consistent results.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical reaction system is designed to be self-propagating and self-regulating to some extent. Once the alkali metals are introduced and react with water and hot rock, the exothermic nature of the reaction provides its own energy continuation, reducing the need for external energy input or complex control systems. The reaction naturally progresses through the formation, creating the fracture network without requiring additional mechanical intervention.
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 provides a consistent and efficient communication network between wellbores, enabling effective heat transfer and energy extraction from hot rocks, overcoming the limitations of hydraulic fracturing in hard, brittle rocks.
Implementation Method 1
A chemical reaction between an alkali metal, such as sodium, and water is used to fracture hot rocks, where the alkali metal is introduced into the well and reacts with water to produce an exothermic reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for harnessing geothermal energy using fracturing of hot rock. The system has at least a first well and a second well. The method involves introducing an alkali metal downhole in a first well. A solution is also introduced into the first well. The solution produces an exothermic reaction with the alkali metal. The gas and heat fracture the hot rock producing fractures. The fractures fluidly connects the first well to the second well. A solution, such as water, can be pumped through the first well, through the fractures, and into the second well. The hot rock passes geothermal energy to the water which can then be utilized.