Enhancing geothermal energy production in a well
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon wells that are no longer economically viable for hydrocarbon production often face challenges in being repurposed for geothermal energy production due to limitations in thermal conductivity, hydraulic isolation, and heat transfer efficiency, which hinder the effective capture and utilization of geothermal energy.
Innovation Solution
The method involves inserting thermal materials with higher thermal conductivity than reservoir fluids or rock into the wellbore and reservoir to enhance thermal transfer, along with hydraulic isolation techniques such as settable materials or mechanical flow barriers to improve heat flow and energy capture, while using specific thermal materials and fluids to optimize thermal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrocarbon wells are repurposed for geothermal energy production using conventional methods, then the wells can be reused, but the thermal conductivity and heat transfer efficiency are insufficient to capture geothermal energy effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the wellbore system by injecting thermally conductive materials (such as graphite, metal powders, or conductive fluids) into the wellbore annulus and reservoir zones. This transforms the wellbore from a poor thermal conductor suitable for hydrocarbon production into an efficient heat transfer system capable of capturing geothermal energy at depths where temperatures are sufficient for energy generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material systems combining the wellbore structure with thermally conductive injections (such as cement grouts enhanced with graphite or metal particles, or specialized conductive fluids). These composite materials create a hybrid system that maintains the mechanical integrity of the wellbore while adding the thermal conductivity necessary for geothermal energy extraction.
2Reliability
If thermal materials are injected into the wellbore to enhance thermal conductivity, then heat transfer improves, but the complexity of the well completion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic injection methods to deliver thermally conductive materials into the wellbore and reservoir. By using fluid-based injection systems (similar to conventional well stimulation techniques), the patent avoids complex mechanical installation procedures and leverages existing hydraulic infrastructure to distribute thermal materials uniformly throughout the wellbore annulus and target zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical state or formulation of thermal materials to enable easy injection through conventional well equipment. By adjusting parameters such as viscosity, particle size distribution, or using injectable gels and slurries, the thermal materials can be delivered through standard well completion procedures without requiring specialized high-complexity installation equipment.
3Productivity
If the wellbore is used for both hydrocarbon production and geothermal energy capture, then the existing infrastructure can be utilized, but hydraulic isolation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wellbore into functionally isolated zones using packers or isolation devices. One zone maintains hydraulic communication with the reservoir for potential hydrocarbon production, while another zone is isolated and filled with thermally conductive materials for geothermal heat exchange. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without hydraulic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermally conductive materials as an intermediary substance between the wellbore and the reservoir. These materials serve a dual role: they provide the necessary thermal conductivity for geothermal energy capture while also acting as a thermal bridge that can function independently of the hydrocarbon production system, effectively mediating between the two competing uses of the wellbore.
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 significantly enhances geothermal energy production by increasing thermal conductivity, improving hydraulic isolation, and optimizing heat transfer, leading to increased energy capture and efficiency in geothermal energy recovery from previously underutilized hydrocarbon wells.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal material has a higher thermal conductivity than reservoir fluid in the reservoir or has a higher thermal conductivity than rock in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
inserting a hydraulically isolating means into the wellbore such that an interior portion of the wellbore is hydraulically isolated from the adjacent reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A method for recompleting a well is applied to a well such that the recompleted well can thermally transfer geothermal energy to surface. The recompleting method can comprise steps to hydraulically isolate a wellbore using a hydraulic isolation means, and enhance the thermal conductivity of a reservoir in which the wellbore is located by inserting a thermal material into the reservoir that displaces a reservoir fluid having a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal material.