Subterranean CO2 Sensor Nodes for High-Resolution Sequestration Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration lack efficient and cost-effective systems for monitoring and data acquisition in subterranean environments, leading to incomplete and biased geological models.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising underground and above-ground assemblies, including sensors like accelerometers, geophones, and electromagnetic sensors, with a conduit for insertion into the subsurface, powered by batteries or renewable sources, and capable of wireless data transmission, to detect attributes associated with CO2 sequestration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring systems are used for CO2 sequestration, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and data quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into discrete sensor nodes that can be independently deployed at different depths and locations within the subterranean formation. Each node contains integrated sensors, power, and communication capabilities, allowing modular deployment that improves measurement precision while managing system complexity through standardized units.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless communication acts as an intermediary between the underground sensor nodes and surface monitoring systems, eliminating the need for complex wired infrastructure while maintaining high data quality. This allows precise measurements to be transmitted without requiring complex physical connection systems.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor nodes are designed as cost-effective, disposable units that can be rapidly deployed without requiring expensive recovery or maintenance. Each node is manufactured at low cost using standard components, enabling comprehensive monitoring coverage while keeping individual unit costs affordable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor node is designed to perform multiple monitoring functions (seismic, acoustic, pressure, temperature sensing) within a single integrated unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized systems, thereby lowering overall manufacturing and deployment costs while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If more sensors are deployed, then data completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into numerous simple, identical sensor nodes rather than a few complex centralized systems. This segmentation allows data completeness to improve through increased spatial coverage while each individual node remains simple in design, managing overall system complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where sensor nodes transmit data wirelessly to surface systems, which then provide feedback for system optimization. This automated feedback loop improves data completeness by ensuring comprehensive data collection while reducing manual intervention complexity.
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
Provides high-resolution, cost-effective data acquisition for CO2 sequestration, enhancing geological models by filling data gaps and enabling applications such as earthquake prediction and mineral resource identification.
Implementation Method 1
The sensors can include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, geophones, CO2 sensors, DAS, electromagnetic sensors, and gravitometers
Implementation Method 2
The sensors can include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, geophones, CO2 sensors, DAS, electromagnetic sensors, and gravitometers
Implementation Method 3
The sensors can include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, geophones, CO2 sensors, DAS, electromagnetic sensors, and gravitometers
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration sensor system includes an underground sub-assembly including one or more sensors configured to detect at least one attribute associated with CO2 sequestration below a terranean surface; and an above-ground sub-assembly positionable on the terranean surface proximate the underground sub-assembly and including at least one controller communicably coupled to the one or more sensors.