Radiator Vane Heat Exchanger Layout for Non-Hydrothermal Geothermal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geothermal energy production is limited to naturally occurring hydrothermal systems, which represent only a small fraction of the total geothermal resources and are poorly distributed, hindering the widespread utilization of this renewable energy source.
Innovation Solution
The development of a Radiator Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) that creates vertical fracture zones through which fluid can be circulated, utilizing a radiator vane heat exchanger with stacked laterals oriented along maximum horizontal stress axes and vertical branches, facilitated by a steerable hydraulic jetting nozzle, to extract geothermal heat from non-hydrothermal sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If geothermal energy production is limited to naturally occurring hydrothermal systems, then existing geothermal plants can operate, but the availability and distribution of geothermal resources are severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the geothermal extraction process into separate functional components: injection wells for fluid injection, production wells for fluid extraction, and surface heat exchangers for energy recovery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables deployment in locations without natural hydrothermal systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid circulation system that transfers heat from the Earth's crust to surface heat exchangers. This intermediary system enables heat extraction from non-hydrothermal sources by creating artificial circulation pathways through the subsurface, bridging the gap between hot dry rock formations and surface energy production facilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If geothermal energy is extracted only from hydrothermal systems, then heat extraction can begin immediately, but the worldwide distribution of energy production is poor and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The enhanced geothermal system creates a universal platform that can extract heat from multiple subsurface formations including hot dry rocks, sedimentary aquifers, and crystalline basement rocks. This multi-functional capability allows the same basic system architecture to be deployed worldwide in locations with different geological conditions, dramatically expanding the geographic availability of geothermal energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying on naturally occurring three-dimensional hydrothermal reservoirs to creating controlled two-dimensional fracture zones within the subsurface. This dimensional change allows for more predictable and controllable heat extraction pathways, enabling deployment in previously unsuitable geological settings while maintaining sufficient heat extraction volumes for commercial energy production.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vertical fracture zones are created for fluid circulation, then heat extraction from non-hydrothermal sources becomes possible, but the system requires complex well configurations with stacked laterals and multiple boreholes
Solution Approach 1:
The well configuration employs a nested structure where multiple lateral branches extend from a main vertical wellbore, with each lateral containing multiple coiled tubing boreholes. This nesting approach consolidates what would otherwise require numerous separate wells into a single integrated well complex, reducing surface footprint while maintaining the extensive fracture network needed for effective heat extraction from non-hydrothermal sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes coiled tubing boreholes with curved configurations instead of straight vertical holes. This curvature allows the boreholes to navigate through the subsurface more efficiently, creating optimal fracture patterns while reducing drilling complexity. The coiled configuration also provides mechanical flexibility that simplifies the installation and operation of heating elements within the boreholes.
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 enables the commercial production of geothermal energy by creating high-permeability fracture zones, allowing for the extraction of sufficient heat volumes and temperatures, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing systems and tapping into more widely distributed geothermal resources like Hot Dry Rocks and Hot Sedimentary Aquifers.
Implementation Method 1
creating vertical fracture zones through which fluid may be circulated
Implementation Method 2
a radiator vane heat exchanger (RVHE) located in a plane defined by the injector well and the production well
Data Source
AI summary
A radiator (RAD) enhanced geothermal system (EGS) may comprise a radiator vane heat exchanger (RVHE). The RVHE may be configured to be located in a plane defined by an injector well and a production well that is defined by a principal stress direction (S1) of a plurality of principal stress directions and a maximum horizontal stress component (SHmax). The RVHE may include one or more stacked laterals oriented along SHmax. Each stacked lateral, of the one or more stacked laterals, may include one or more vertical branches oriented along S1. The RVHE may be configured to extract energy from a non-hydrothermal source of energy.