Method for calculating ground storage device temperatures for the operation of a geothermal facility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geothermal facilities face operational disruptions due to uncertainties in energy management and thermal property assumptions, leading to potential shutdowns during peak demand times, as existing methods fail to provide reliable long-term forecasts for ground storage device temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous temperature measurements of the ground storage device and brine, or energy flow measurements, to create dynamic energy flow models that account for operational parameters and external influences, enabling the prediction of future temperature progressions and early identification of critical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed in the ground storage device to monitor background temperature, then the current measured values can be used to control and regulate the geothermal facility, but no long-term forecast of ground storage temperatures can be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously measuring temperature and energy flow data over an extended period before critical failures occur. This historical data is stored and analyzed to create predictive models that forecast future ground storage temperatures, enabling proactive intervention before thermal imbalances cause system shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measured temperature and energy flow data to continuously update and refine predictive models. The system compares actual measurements with forecasted values, and this feedback loop improves the accuracy of long-term temperature predictions, enabling better operational decisions.
2Ease of operation
If geothermal facilities operate without long-term temperature forecasts, then operational simplicity is maintained, but operational disruptions occur during peak demand times due to unpredicted thermal events
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of thermal events by continuously monitoring and storing temperature and energy flow data. Predictive models identify potential thermal imbalances before they cause disruptions, allowing operators to take preventive actions during planning phases rather than reacting to emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by transitioning from static operational assumptions to dynamic predictive modeling. The system adapts to changing thermal conditions by continuously updating forecasts based on actual measurements, enabling the facility to respond flexibly to varying demand patterns and thermal events.
3Ease of manufacture
If planning assumptions about operational management and thermal properties are used, then initial system design is simplified, but actual ground storage temperature development deviates significantly from planning values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from fixed planning assumptions to dynamic measured parameters. Instead of relying on estimated thermal properties and operational patterns, the system uses actual measured temperature and energy flow data to update predictive models, significantly improving prediction accuracy while maintaining planning simplicity through standardized measurement protocols.
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 allows for proactive management of geothermal facilities, preventing operational disruptions by enabling timely adjustments and ensuring sustainable thermal use, thereby reducing the risk of overheating or underheating and extending the system's economic viability.
Implementation Method 1
by temperature measurements (11) of the ground storage device and/or brine temperatures carried out continuously or at a correspondingly suitable sampling rate during operation of the geothermal system
Implementation Method 2
by energy flow measurements (12) at the circulation system (inlet and outlet lines)
Implementation Method 3
geothermal heat exchanger or an energy pile with inflow and outflow lines leading to the geothermal heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
water is circulated over this rock matrix into a primary circuit which is heated or cooled by a heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calculating ground storage device temperatures for operating a geothermal facility with a circulation system by means of at least one geothermal heat exchanger or an energy pile with inflow and outflow lines leading to the geothermal heat exchanger or energy pile. The underground temperature in the ground storage device and/or the temperatures on the inflow and outflow lines are measured. The method includes the following steps: designing a ground storage device model (2) for converting the measured temperature variations into dynamic energy flows in the ground storage device; designing an energy flow model (3) based on statistically determined models and influencing variables relating to heat and cold; and calculating the future temperature variations (5) in the ground storage device using the energy flow model (3) and the ground storage device model (2).