Method and system for ultra-deep borehole geothermal energy harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geothermal energy conversion methods are inefficient and economically marginal due to limitations in drilling depth and heat extraction, which restricts the potential for large-scale power production.
Innovation Solution
A multivessel system for installing a production train in an ultra-deep borehole, utilizing a series of pressure vessels with gate valves, elevators, and a robotic arm to manage and seal the train sections, along with high-pressure fluid pumps and a controller to maintain constant pressure and segregate supercritical fluids, enabling deeper drilling and efficient heat extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If drilling depth is increased to access higher temperature geothermal resources, then energy extraction efficiency improves, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The production train is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled separately in pressure vessels and then connected sequentially in the borehole. This segmentation allows complex deep-borehole equipment to be installed in manageable segments, reducing overall installation complexity while enabling access to ultra-deep high-temperature resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested pressure vessels within the production train structure, where smaller pressure-containing components are housed within larger vessels. This nesting approach allows multiple functional systems to be integrated in a compact configuration, managing system complexity while maintaining the structural integrity needed for ultra-deep installation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If drilling depth is increased to 20,000-60,000 feet, then geothermal energy potential increases, but installation and maintenance difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The production train sections are pre-assembled and pre-tested in surface-based pressure vessels before being deployed to ultra-deep boreholes. This preliminary assembly and testing eliminates the need for complex in-situ construction at depth, significantly reducing installation difficulty while enabling access to 20,000-60,000 foot depths where high-energy geothermal resources exist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a surface-based multivessel assembly system as an intermediary between manufacturing and deep-borehole installation. This intermediary system allows complex production train sections to be assembled and tested in controlled surface conditions, then transferred as complete units to ultra-deep boreholes, greatly simplifying the actual field installation process.
3Productivity
If pressure sealing and fluid segregation systems are implemented, then supercritical fluid extraction efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessels in the production train are designed with multi-functionality, serving simultaneously as structural containment elements, pressure regulation devices, and fluid segregation barriers. This universal design approach provides the necessary pressure sealing and supercritical fluid extraction capabilities without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each vessel performs multiple critical functions.
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 the extraction of geothermal energy at significantly higher temperatures (up to 1,300°F) from depths of 20,000 to 60,000 feet, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies and facilitating more efficient and economical large-scale power production.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of gate valves, each gate valve being configured to provide a hermetic seal between at least two spaces
Implementation Method 2
a first vessel elevator configured to engage and hold the train section as the first vessel elevator moves in the first pressure vessel along a portion of a length of a train channel
Implementation Method 3
a pressure sealing clamp configured to hold and connect the train section to the production train
Implementation Method 4
an input-output separator configured to segregate a supercritical fluid up-flowing from the borehole from a pressurized fluid being supplied into the borehole
Implementation Method 5
a train clamp configured to engage and hold the production train in the borehole
Implementation Method 6
enabling deeper drilling and efficient heat extraction... high-pressure fluid pumps and a controller to maintain constant pressure
Implementation Method 7
Enables the extraction of geothermal energy at significantly higher temperatures (up to 1,300°F) from depths of 20,000 to 60,000 feet
Data Source
AI summary
A multivessel system is provided for installing a production train in an ultra-deep borehole into the Earth's lithosphere. The system includes a plurality of gate valves and a plurality of pressure vessels, including a first pressure vessel having a first vessel elevator configured to engage and hold a production train section as the first vessel elevator moves in the first pressure vessel along a portion of a length of a train channel, a second pressure vessel having a second vessel elevator configured to engage and hold the production train section as the second vessel elevator moves in the second pressure vessel along another portion of the length of the train channel, and a third pressure vessel, with all three pressure vessels being configured to be water cooled. The system includes a train clamp configured to engage and hold the production train in the borehole. Each of the first vessel elevator and the second vessel elevator includes a clamp configured to engage and hold the train section as the respective first vessel elevator or the second vessel elevator moves along the train channel.