Multizone Geomechanical Energy Storage with Gas Caps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional geomechanical energy storage systems are limited by instability and leakage due to repeated pressurization and depressurization cycles in single-zone storage systems, relying solely on elastic strain energy, and lack inflow control devices to manage fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multizone geomechanical energy storage system with compartmentalized storage zones using packers and artificial gas caps, combined with inflow control devices to manage fluid flow and isolate underperforming zones, enhancing energy storage capacity and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single zone storage system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system becomes unstable and prone to leakage after repeated pressurization and depressurization cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple zones (first storage zone, second storage zone, third storage zone) separated by packers. Each zone can be independently pressurized and managed, preventing the instability and leakage problems that occur in single-zone systems during repeated cycles. The fractures in each zone are also compartmentalized, allowing selective activation and management of different fracture segments.
2Ease of operation
If traditional geomechanical energy storage systems rely solely on elastic strain energy, then the system is simple to operate, but the energy storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces gas caps (first gas cap, second gas cap) into the storage zones, changing the physical state parameters of the storage system. The gas caps provide compressibility and enable additional energy storage mechanisms beyond elastic strain, significantly increasing the energy storage capacity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated pressure-driven processes.
3Device complexity
If inflow control devices are not used, then the system has fewer components, but fluid flow cannot be effectively managed and underperforming zones cannot be isolated
Solution Approach 1:
Inflow control devices are installed in each zone to provide feedback-based flow management. These devices automatically regulate fluid flow based on pressure differentials and zone performance, enabling effective management of fluid distribution across multiple zones and isolation of underperforming areas without requiring complex manual intervention.
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
The multizone system increases energy storage capacity and efficiency by utilizing both gas caps and elastic strain, mitigating formation degradation and improving power generation through zonal isolation and controlled fluid displacement.
Implementation Method 1
The injected fluid may elastically deform the storage zone and expand the rock against as the storage formation is pressurized. This may build potential energy as the pressurized fluid resists overburden stresses.
Implementation Method 2
Energy stored in this fashion may be recovered by producing the fluid within the storage formation as the elastically-deformed rock relaxes to its original position.
Implementation Method 3
When power prices are suitably higher, a single storage zone or all storage zones may be produced to reclaim the stored power at the higher price. The water within each storage zone may be displaced by the expansion of the gas cap during production.
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations include a system configured for subsurface energy storage, the system comprising: at least a first wellbore drilled into one or more subsurface formations; a first downhole accumulator having a first fluid; and a first subsurface storage zone including a second fluid and the first downhole accumulator.