Method for utilizing the inner energy of an aquifer fluid in a geothermal plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for utilizing the thermal energy of geothermal water mixed with gas and crude oil from aquifers result in environmental pollution due to flue gas emissions and inefficient energy use, with methane combustion generating pollutants and requiring costly enhanced oil recovery methods.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system that separates and recirculates geothermal water and CO2, using gas and crude oil separation, heat exchangers, combustion devices, and flue gas treatment to minimize emissions, with CO2 reinjection into aquifers, optimizing energy utilization and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If methane is separated and combusted in a gas engine for electricity generation, then energy utilization is improved, but flue gas emissions cause environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures CO2 from flue gases and reinjects it into the aquifer, converting the harmful emission into a beneficial process that maintains aquifer pressure and extends resource life. The CO2 that would otherwise pollute the environment is now used to sustain the geothermal system and prevent premature depletion of the aquifer.
2Reliability
If thermal water is recirculated into the aquifer after energy utilization, then the system operates in a closed loop, but the cooled thermal water reduces aquifer pressure and shortens resource life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers CO2 from the flue gases and reinjects it into the aquifer along with the cooled thermal water. This recovery and reinjection of CO2 compensates for the pressure reduction caused by water removal, thereby extending the aquifer's productive life while maintaining closed-loop operation.
3Productivity
If gas separation and combustion processes are implemented, then energy extraction is optimized, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where the same infrastructure serves multiple purposes: CO2 capture from flue gases, CO2 compression and storage, aquifer pressure maintenance, and extension of resource life. This universal approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into an integrated solution that manages both energy extraction and environmental protection.
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 achieves environmentally neutral and CO2-free electrical and thermal energy production, maximizing energy use from aquifer fluids while minimizing emissions and extending aquifer resource life.
Implementation Method 1
separating gas by degassing the aquifer fluid in a gas separation device resulting in degassed thermal water
Implementation Method 2
using the heat energy of the degassed thermal water in at least one heat exchanger for heating at least one circulating heating medium
Implementation Method 3
performing at least one combustion process with the separated hydrocarbons in at least one combustion device and using the inner energy of the hydrocarbons by operating at least one generator
Implementation Method 4
removing undesired substances from the flue (exhaust) gas by means of a flue gas treatment device comprising a gas scrubber, in particular an amine scrubber equipment, for removing CO2 from the cooled flue gases
Implementation Method 5
reinjection of the CO2 and the cooled thermal water into the aquifer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for utilizing the inner energy of an aquifer fluid includes geothermal thermal water mixed with gas and optionally crude oil in a closed cycle to obtain an environmentally-neutral, carbon-dioxide-free utilization of the aquifer fluid and an environmentally-friendly supply of electric and thermal energy. An aquifer fluid is removed from an aquifer by means of a removal device, gas is separated by degassing the aquifer fluid in a gas-separation device, optionally crude oil is separated if necessary, the heat energy of the thermal water is utilized in at least one system for utilizing the thermal energy, the extracted gas and the optionally separated crude oil is com busted in at least one combustion device and the inner energy of the gas is utilized by operating a generator, the CO2 being removed from the waste gas and recycled into the aquifer.