Geothermal Energy Capture in CO2-EOR Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shale reservoirs, despite being thermally mature and capable of generating hydrocarbons, face challenges in efficient heat transfer and energy conversion due to their high temperatures and low permeability, limiting the effective recovery of oil and gas, as well as the potential for geothermal energy utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing various methods and systems for capturing geothermal energy from oil and gas wells, including heat exchangers and low-temperature geothermal systems, to enhance oil recovery and generate electricity, which can be used for well operations and sold back to the grid, even after hydrocarbon production declines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is performed to increase permeability, then hydrocarbon flow is improved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to the small volume of rock affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydrocarbon production and geothermal energy extraction into a single integrated system. The same wellbores and fracture networks used for hydrocarbon recovery are simultaneously utilized for heat extraction, merging two separate functions into one infrastructure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wellbores and fracture networks serve multiple purposes: they function as both production pathways for hydrocarbons and heat transfer pathways for geothermal energy extraction. This multi-functionality allows the system to address both hydrocarbon recovery and heat extraction needs without requiring separate infrastructure.
2Productivity
If wellbores are drilled close together to fracture significant reservoir volume, then hydrocarbon recovery is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closely-spaced wellbore infrastructure, while complex for hydrocarbon recovery, becomes economically viable when used for dual purposes. The same complex network of wellbores and fractures serves both hydrocarbon production and geothermal energy extraction, amortizing the infrastructure complexity across two revenue-generating functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productive use of the infrastructure throughout the well lifecycle. After hydrocarbon production declines, the same wellbores continue to function for geothermal energy extraction, ensuring continuous useful action from the infrastructure without requiring abandonment or plugging.
3Power
If heat is extracted from production streams, then geothermal energy generation is improved, but production stream temperature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary device between the production stream and the geothermal energy conversion system. This intermediary allows heat transfer without direct mixing, enabling temperature control and maintaining production stream integrity while extracting thermal energy for power generation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If wells are plugged after hydrocarbon production declines, then environmental safety is improved, but potential geothermal energy source is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends the productive life of wellbores by transitioning from hydrocarbon production to geothermal energy extraction. This continuous useful action delays or eliminates the need for plugging, maintaining both environmental safety controls and energy production capability throughout the extended well lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the well from hydrocarbon production mode to geothermal energy extraction mode. By changing the primary function and operating conditions rather than abandoning the well, the system preserves the energy source while maintaining environmental safety through controlled operation.
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
These methods enable extended hydrocarbon recovery, increased profitability of wells, reduced costs, and the generation of geothermal energy from existing infrastructure, delaying or eliminating well plugging and reducing carbon footprint.
Implementation Method 1
heat exchangers and low-temperature geothermal systems
Implementation Method 2
converting heat from relatively lower temperature heat sources into mechanical work and/or electricity
Implementation Method 3
power generators, engines, and turbine systems that convert heat to mechanical work (typically for purposes of turning a generator to generate electricity from the mechanical work) using a working fluid that undergoes a phase change according to the Organic Rankin Cycle or Brayton Cycle
Implementation Method 4
a working fluid that undergoes a phase change
Implementation Method 5
The wellbore and the associated fracture network will also tend to enhance the transmission of heat from the shale into the wellbore due to the flow of hydrocarbons and other fluids
Implementation Method 6
transmission of heat from the shale into the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced oil recovery method in which carbon dioxide is injected into a well to pressure the well or add lift a production flow from the well recaptures the injected carbon dioxide for reinjection into the well for lift or into another well in a group of for pressuring the well or adding lift to the production flow from the well. Geothermal energy in the production stream can be converted to electrical power for use in the recapturing of the carbon dioxide or other operations at the well site.