Drilling layout formed in a subsoil for a geothermal installation, installation and associated method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling layouts for geothermal installations are costly and difficult due to the need for precise drilling angles and high accuracy, particularly at points of convergence, which can damage tools and slow down the process.
Innovation Solution
The drilling layout involves drilling the central well, flank well, and drains in the same vertical plane, with separated intersections and inclined angles less than 45°, using a rotary swivel system to maintain drilling fluid pressure and guide the drill bit, facilitating efficient heat exchange and reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If drains converge at a single point with high drilling accuracy, then heat exchange surface area is maximized, but drilling complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat exchange system into multiple separate drains distributed in space rather than converging at a single point. Each drain operates independently, segmenting the heat exchange function across multiple locations. This segmentation reduces the complexity of achieving precise convergence while maintaining adequate heat exchange surface area through distributed drainage points.
2Area of stationary object
If drains converge at a single point, then spatial distance between drains is minimized, but drilling accuracy requirements become extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point convergence model to a distributed spatial arrangement of drains. By utilizing three-dimensional space distribution rather than two-dimensional convergence, the system achieves adequate heat exchange surface area without requiring extreme drilling precision at a single location. The drains are positioned at different spatial coordinates, reducing the stringency of accuracy requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elbows are used to connect inclined shaft and drains, then drainage direction is flexible, but drilling tools are damaged or rendered inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using elbows to change drainage direction after drilling, the patent inverts the approach by designing drains that directly follow the inclined shaft trajectory. The drains are drilled to connect naturally with the inclined shaft geometry, eliminating the need for directional change components like elbows. This inversion protects drilling tools from damage while achieving adequate drainage coverage.
4Reliability
If high drilling accuracy is required for convergence, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but drilling speed decreases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by distributing drainage functions across multiple drains rather than requiring all drains to converge with high precision at a single point. Each drain contributes partially to the overall heat exchange function, allowing faster drilling speeds while maintaining adequate system reliability through the cumulative effect of multiple distributed drains.
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 simplifies drilling trajectories, reduces angular deviations, and enhances heat exchange efficiency while minimizing environmental impact and construction costs, allowing for effective thermal energy transfer and conversion.
Implementation Method 1
efficient heat exchange between a heat transfer fluid and the subsoil in which it is located
Implementation Method 2
As it circulates, particularly in the drains, the heat transfer fluid stores thermal energy from the subsoil, mainly from the radioactivity of the earth's crust
Implementation Method 3
the heat transfer fluid stores thermal energy from the subsoil, mainly from the radioactivity of the earth's crust
Implementation Method 4
the conversion of recovered thermal energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
This layout includes at least one heat exchange unit including at least one central well extending from the surface of the subsoil, at least one flank well extending from the surface of the subsoil and having an inclined lateral portion, at least two separate drains connecting the central well and the inclined lateral portion of the flank well. For the or each heat exchange unit, the central well, the flank well and each drain are set out in the one same vertical plane, the intersections between the drains and the central well and between the drains and the inclined lateral portion being separated from one another and the drains opening inclined by an angle less than 45° with respect to the inclined lateral portion.