Improvements in geothermal energy extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geothermal energy extraction systems lack comprehensive design parameters for optimizing energy capture from existing and new wells, considering external factors such as well depth, temperature, location, and energy demand, leading to suboptimal utilization of geothermal resources.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for recommending geothermal energy capture installation parameters, including simulations and calculations based on well characteristics, external factors, and user priorities, to optimize geothermal energy extraction apparatus design and project management from feasibility to decommissioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If comprehensive design parameters are provided for geothermal energy extraction, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy capture efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary simulations and calculations during the design phase, considering well depth, temperature, location, and energy demand to determine optimal design parameters before actual implementation. This preliminary action ensures efficient energy capture while avoiding the need for complex adjustments during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses computational models and simulations to create virtual representations of geothermal extraction systems, allowing multiple design scenarios to be evaluated without physical prototyping. This copying approach enables comprehensive parameter optimization without proportionally increasing physical system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If tailored design parameters are provided for each well, then energy extraction optimization is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy extraction optimizationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system efficiently evaluates multiple design parameters (well depth, temperature, location, energy demand) by systematically varying these inputs through computational simulations. This parameter-based approach allows tailored optimization for each well while maintaining reasonable processing time through algorithmic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces time-consuming manual design processes with automated computational simulations and calculations. By substituting mechanical/engineering manual work with computer-based modeling, the system achieves detailed well-specific optimization without proportionally increasing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If holistic project management is implemented from feasibility to decommissioning, then overall energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall energy efficiencyVSAvoidproject management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a unified platform that handles multiple functions across the entire project lifecycle - from initial feasibility assessments through design optimization to operational parameters and decommissioning considerations. This multi-functional approach improves overall energy efficiency while presenting a single integrated interface rather than multiple separate complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges various project management functions (feasibility analysis, design optimization, operational planning) into a single integrated platform. By combining these functions that previously operated separately, the system achieves holistic energy efficiency optimization without requiring users to manage multiple independent complex systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient and optimized geothermal energy extraction by providing tailored design parameters and simulations, maximizing utility and energy efficiency through holistic project management, from initial planning to final decommissioning.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid is passed down a well (injector), through a permeable reservoir passage and then up a second well (producer). Having been passed through this arrangement the fluid has absorbed heat from the surrounding rocks etc.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250314399A1Improvements in geothermal energy extraction

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 CERAPHI ENERGY LTD

AI summary

A process and/or simulation for providing one or more technical specifications of characteristics of a geothermal energy extraction apparatus for use with a well formed in the ground, the process comprising the steps of identifying one or more physical characteristics of the said well, modelling a plurality of output criteria according to a plurality of possible characteristics of a geothermal energy extraction apparatus and the said one or more physical characteristics of the said well, providing one or more technical specifications of characteristics of a geothermal energy extraction apparatus for use with said well.