Geothermal Energy Harvesting via Working Fluid Circulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current renewable energy sources like wind and solar power are unpredictable and require extensive infrastructure, while geothermal energy has untapped potential for continuous energy production, necessitating efficient methods for geothermal energy harvesting.

Innovation Solution

A renewable geothermal energy harvesting system that involves distributing a working fluid into thermal contact with a subterranean geothermal formation, transferring thermal energy, and utilizing it in thermal application systems, either by retrofitting existing oil and gas wells or installing new wells, to extend their life and generate green energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If wind and solar energy are used to combat climate change, then renewable energy generation is achieved, but the energy supply becomes unpredictable and requires extensive infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy generationVSAvoidenergy supply predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a working fluid as an intermediary substance that transfers thermal energy from the geothermal formation to the surface. This mediator enables reliable energy extraction by facilitating heat transfer through a controlled fluid circulation system, eliminating the unpredictability of direct wind and solar conversion while maintaining renewable energy generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If wind and solar energy infrastructure is deployed, then renewable energy capacity is increased, but maintenance and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy capacityVSAvoidinfrastructure maintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The geothermal system utilizes the Earth's natural heat as a self-sustaining energy source. The working fluid circulates through the wellbore infrastructure, absorbing thermal energy automatically without requiring active control systems, complex maintenance, or operational intervention, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining high energy productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent describes converting existing oil and gas wells into geothermal energy wells, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated renewable energy infrastructure, thereby decreasing overall device complexity and maintenance requirements while increasing renewable energy capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If existing oil and gas wells are converted to geothermal wells, then the useful life of marginal wells is extended, but the infrastructure must be retrofitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell lifeVSAvoidinfrastructure retrofitting

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables existing wellbores to serve dual purposes: originally drilled for hydrocarbon extraction, then converted for geothermal energy production. The same casing, wellbore structure, and surface infrastructure can be reused with minimal modifications, making the retrofitting process economically viable and technically straightforward while extending the operational life of marginal wells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively harnesses thermal energy from geothermal formations for various applications, such as electrical power generation and storage, extending the life of depleted wells and providing a reliable, continuous energy source.

Implementation Method 1

transferred thermal energy from the geothermal formation to the working fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

distributing the working fluid from the ground surface into thermal contact with a subterranean geothermal formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11434880B1Renewable geothermal energy harvesting systems and methods

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 TAYLOR MARK H

AI summary

Renewable geothermal energy harvesting methods may include distributing at least one working fluid from a ground surface into thermal contact with a subterranean geothermal formation; transferring thermal energy from the geothermal formation to the working fluid; distributing the working fluid to the ground surface; and distributing the working fluid directly to at least one thermal application system. Renewable geothermal energy harvesting systems are also disclosed.