Method for installing a geothermal system, method for utilizing geothermal energy, and geothermal system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current geothermal energy utilization methods face challenges such as corrosion and deposit issues in pipes, microseismic problems, and aquifer depletion, leading to high costs and complexity in well maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A method for installing a geothermal system that includes drilling a U-shaped well using a support structure and directional casing drilling, with a corrosion-resistant casing extending between the well's inlet and outlet, allowing for heat transfer fluid circulation without requiring an aquifer, and utilizing a heat utilization system for efficient energy extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hot water is extracted from the formation and fed back after yielding heat, then geothermal energy is utilized, but corrosion and deposits occur in pipes leading to high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful components (corrosive metals and minerals) from the geothermal water before it enters the heat exchanger system, or alternatively extracts the geothermal heat directly through a closed-loop system that never allows the geothermal water to contact the heat exchange pipes, thereby eliminating corrosion and deposit problems while maintaining energy utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as a corrosion inhibitor chemical or a heat transfer fluid in a closed-loop system) that mediates between the geothermal water and the heat exchanger pipes, protecting the pipes from direct contact with corrosive elements while still enabling heat transfer
2Use of energy by stationary object
If hot water production and re-injection of low-temperature water is implemented, then geothermal energy cycle is completed, but microseismic problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or eliminates the temperature differential that drives microseismic activity by using a closed-loop system where the heat transfer fluid is heated by geothermal heat without actual water injection, or by carefully controlling the injection temperature to minimize thermal stress on the formation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of injecting cold water into the formation and hoping it heats up (which causes microseismicity), the system circulates heat transfer fluid through underground heat exchangers that passively absorb geothermal heat without injection, inverting the conventional approach to eliminate the harmful injection process
3Reliability
If conventional drilling and well construction methods are used, then geothermal well is established, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drilling and casing installation operations into a single integrated process, or combines multiple well construction steps into fewer operations, thereby reducing the overall time and complexity while maintaining well reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary preparation of equipment and materials on the surface before drilling begins, or pre-assembles components that can be quickly installed, reducing the time spent on-site during the actual well construction process
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces costs, and mitigates microseismic risks while enabling efficient geothermal energy extraction without aquifer dependency, addressing corrosion and deposit issues.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system configured to cause a heat transfer fluid to circulate in said casing, so that said heat transfer fluid will absorb heat from said geothermal zone and will release it at said heat utilization system
Data Source
AI summary
Method for installing a geothermal system, comprising: arranging a drilling equipment, including a support structure and a terminal module, mounted on the support structure; by means of the drilling equipment, drilling the soil in succession along a substantially vertical first tract, a substantially horizontal second tract and a substantially vertical third tract, the first, second and third tracts forming a substantially U-shaped well, the first tract having a surface inlet, where the drilling is started, the third tract having a surface outlet, where the drilling is finished, the well crossing a geothermal zone; arranging a casing in the well, so that the casing extends between the inlet of the first tract and the outlet of the third tract; arranging a heat utilization system, associated with an axial end of the casing; arranging a hydraulic system configured to cause a heat transfer fluid to circulate in the casing, so that the heat transfer fluid will absorb heat from the geothermal formation and will release it at the heat utilization system.