Geothermal 3D Subsurface Modeling with Gravity and Magnetotelluric Surveys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geologic modeling in geothermal technologies faces challenges due to inaccessibility of subsurface data, leading to inaccurate models and uncertainty in geothermal system development, which affects well productivity and overall system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A 3D geologic model is generated through gravity surveys and magnetotelluric data, combined with depth-limited inversions and well data, while a temperature distribution model is created using radial basis functions, and vertical and horizontal wells are drilled based on these models to gather detailed subsurface data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geologic modeling is performed using traditional methods, then exploration and development can proceed, but the models are inaccurate and uncertain due to inaccessibility of subsurface data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gravity surveys and magnetotelluric surveys as intermediary methods to indirectly obtain subsurface geological information. These geophysical surveys act as mediators between the inaccessible subsurface features and the surface-based measurement equipment, enabling accurate geologic modeling without direct subsurface access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical subsurface exploration (drilling) with geophysical field surveys (gravity and magnetotelluric measurements). This substitution allows for non-invasive, cost-effective acquisition of subsurface data before committing to expensive drilling operations, thereby improving model accuracy while reducing information loss.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive subsurface data collection is performed through drilling, then model accuracy improves, but exploration and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs gravity surveys and magnetotelluric surveys as preliminary actions before drilling operations. These pre-drilling geophysical surveys provide sufficient geological information to create accurate 3D models, enabling better well placement planning and reducing the need for extensive exploratory drilling, thereby lowering overall exploration and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary geophysical survey methods (gravity and magnetotelluric) required to achieve adequate model accuracy, rather than performing all possible subsurface investigations. This selective approach provides sufficient information for successful geothermal development without incurring excessive exploration costs.
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 the accuracy of geologic modeling, allowing for precise characterization of subsurface features and improved geothermal system development, increasing productivity and reducing exploration and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
generating a three-dimensional (3D) geologic model of a subsurface region by: collecting gravity survey data
Implementation Method 2
collecting magnetotelluric (MT) data
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for developing and characterizing geothermal well systems. Data collected from a survey area is used to generate a 3D geologic model and a temperature distribution model of a subsurface region in the survey area. Using the 3D geologic model and the temperature distribution model, a vertical observation well is drilled to a specified depth, facilitating further collection of data from the survey area and improvement of the 3D geologic model and the temperature distribution model.