Geothermal Pump Cooling Jacket Using Recirculated Formation Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Submersible motor pumps in geothermal energy generation systems face challenges with short operational life and high maintenance costs due to extreme working conditions and aggressive components in deep water, leading to frequent shutdowns and economic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves recirculating a portion of cooled geothermal fluid through the cooling jacket of the production pump to reduce thermal load and prevent scaling, using only the pumped formation fluid for cooling without external additives, thereby extending pump life and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If submersible motor pumps are used to pump hot deep water from great depths, then large quantities of hot water can be transported to the surface for electricity production, but the pumps suffer from short operational life and high maintenance costs due to extreme working conditions and aggressive components in the deep water
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into separate functional segments: a pump section for transporting water and a motor section for providing power. The motor section is thermally isolated from the hot water environment, while the pump section handles the hot water flow. This segmentation allows the motor to operate in cooler conditions while the pump handles the extreme thermal environment, improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium is introduced as an intermediary substance that circulates through a cooling jacket surrounding the motor section. This cooling medium absorbs heat from the motor and pump components, preventing thermal degradation without requiring direct contact with the aggressive hot water. The cooling medium acts as a buffer between the thermal environment and the pump components.
2Productivity
If submersible motor pumps operate continuously in hot deep water, then electricity production can be maintained, but deposits of mineral species form in the pumps leading to increased maintenance frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature parameter of the water is modified by introducing cooler water from shallower depths to mix with the hot deep water before it enters the pump. This temperature reduction decreases the solubility of certain minerals and prevents supersaturation conditions that lead to deposit formation. The parameter change (temperature reduction) directly addresses the harmful effect (mineral deposits).
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling and mixing of the hot water with cooler shallow water occurs before the water enters the pump system. This preliminary thermal treatment prevents mineral precipitation and deposit formation in advance, protecting the pump components from scaling and maintaining continuous operation without maintenance interruptions.
3Reliability
If expensive powerful special pumps are used to meet the requirements for consistent hot water supply, then the desired operational consistency can be achieved, but the high acquisition costs and maintenance costs significantly impact economic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed to perform multiple functions: transporting hot water, cooling the motor section, and mixing water from different depths. By integrating these functions into a single system architecture, the need for separate expensive specialized equipment is reduced, lowering overall system cost while maintaining operational consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a portion of the produced electricity to power the cooling pumps and circulation systems. The cooling medium circulation and water mixing functions are self-sustaining, powered by the geothermal plant's own output rather than requiring external power sources. This self-service approach reduces operational costs and improves economic efficiency.
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 effectively cools the motor segment of the feed pump, reduces scaling and wear, and lowers maintenance costs, while maintaining efficient energy generation with minimal reduction in electrical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling jacket (1.3), which is in contact with the motor segment (1.2) at least in some areas and has a cooling fluid inlet opening (1.3.1) for receiving a cooling fluid and has a cooling fluid outlet opening (1.3.2) for discharging the cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
a return pipeline (6), which is thermally insulated at least in sections, for returning part of the cooled formation fluid to the production borehole
Implementation Method 3
conveying a hot formation fluid (2) from a production borehole (1) through a production pipeline (5) using a production pump (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for generating energy from geothermal energy is described, comprising the steps of conveying a hot formation fluid 2 from a production well through a production pipeline 5 using a conveying pump 1, the conveying pump 1 having a pump segment 1.1, a motor segment 1.2 and a cooling jacket 1.3, the Cooling jacket 1.3 is in thermal contact with the motor segment 1.2 at least in some areas and the cooling jacket 1.3 has a cooling fluid inlet opening 1.3.1 for receiving a cooling fluid and a cooling fluid outlet opening 1.3.2 for discharging the cooling fluid, the hot formation fluid 2 is passed through a surface facility for energy generation 3 with cooling of the hot formation fluid 2 and formation of a cooled formation fluid 4, - recirculation of a part 4.1 of the cooled formation fluid 4 into the production well through a return pipeline 6 that is thermally insulated at least in sections, - passing through at least a portion of the returned portion 4.1 of the cooled formation fluid through the cooling jacket 1.3 of the feed pump 1.