Geothermal Aquifer Fluid Utilization with Closed-Loop CO2 Reinjection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for utilizing the internal energy of geothermal thermal water mixed with gas and oil from aquifers are not environmentally neutral and result in carbon dioxide emissions, with inefficient use of energy resources and environmental pollution from combustion exhaust gases.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system is implemented for extracting aquifer fluid, separating gas and oil, using thermal energy in heat exchangers, and conducting combustion processes with exhaust gas cleaning to remove CO2, followed by reinjection of CO2 and cooled thermal water into the aquifer, optimizing energy use while minimizing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If combustion process is used to utilize energy of separated gas, then electrical energy generation is improved, but carbon dioxide emissions and environmental pollution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the harmful CO2 emissions from combustion and reinjects them into the aquifer, converting an environmental harm into a beneficial closed-loop system that prevents atmospheric pollution while maintaining energy generation
Solution Approach 2:
By reinjecting CO2 into the aquifer, the patent creates a closed environment where combustion products are contained and reused, preventing their release into the atmosphere and effectively creating an inert system regarding harmful emissions
2Power
If gas separation device is used to separate methane from aquifer fluid, then energy utilization is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where the same infrastructure (aquifer, injection wells) serves both for fluid storage and for CO2 sequestration, while the combustion system simultaneously generates electricity and produces CO2 for reinjection, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple functions
3Loss of energy
If thermal water is used to generate electricity, then energy recovery is improved, but thermal energy loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous recirculation of thermal water back into the aquifer, maintaining the thermal energy cycle and allowing sustained energy recovery operations without depleting the thermal resource
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 environmentally neutral and carbon dioxide-free utilization of aquifer fluid energy, providing efficient electrical and thermal energy supply with reduced environmental impact by eliminating emissions and maximizing energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
separation of the gas by degassing of the aquifer fluid in a gas separation device, resulting in degassed thermal water
Implementation Method 2
use of the thermal energy of the degassed thermal water in at least one heat exchanger to heat at least one circulated heating medium
Implementation Method 3
carrying out at least one combustion process of the separated hydrocarbons in at least one combustion device
Implementation Method 4
using the internal energy of the hydrocarbons by operating at least one generator
Implementation Method 5
removing unwanted substances from the exhaust gas of the combustion process using an exhaust gas cleaning device comprising an amine scrubber for separating CO2 from the cooled exhaust gases
Implementation Method 6
re-injection of the CO2 and the cooled thermal water into the aquifer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for utilizing the inner energy of an aquifer fluid (A) comprising geothermal thermal water (T) mixed with gas (G) and optionally crude oil (E) in a closed cycle. The object of the invention is to obtain an environmentally-neutral, carbon-dioxide-free utilization of the aquifer fluid (A) and an environmentally-friendly supply of electric and thermal energy. To achieve this, an aquifer fluid (A) is removed from an aquifer (0) by means of a removal device (10), gas (G) is separated by degassing the aquifer fluid (A) in a gas-separation device (11), optionally crude oil (E) is separated if necessary, the heat energy of the thermal water (T) is utilized in at least one system for utilizing the thermal energy (12-14), the extracted gas (G) and the optionally separated crude oil is combusted in at least one combustion device (24, 24a) and the inner energy of the gas (G) is utilized by operating a generator (25), the CO2 being removed from the waste gas and recycled into the aquifer.