Subterranean Energy Storage Zoning for Fluid Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems face limitations in expanding storage capabilities, particularly in subterranean zones, due to geological constraints and inefficiencies in fluid communication and control, which affect the efficiency and reliability of energy production.
Innovation Solution
A system is developed to optimize fluid communication and control between subterranean zones and wellbores using fluid control devices, multiple well configurations, and hydraulic fracturing techniques to enhance fluid storage and retrieval, allowing for enhanced energy storage capacity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional single-zone subterranean storage is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the subterranean storage system into multiple independent zones (first subterranean zone, second subterranean zone, etc.), each capable of storing working fluid. This segmentation allows the system to expand storage capacity by adding more zones without requiring complete system redesign, thereby increasing quantity of substance while managing device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple subterranean zones with a common wellbore infrastructure and surface facilities into an integrated system. The wellbore serves as a shared conduit connecting multiple storage zones, and the surface facilities manage fluid transfer between zones and external systems. This merging approach increases storage capacity while avoiding the complexity of completely separate systems for each zone.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple subterranean zones are implemented, then storage capacity increases, but fluid communication and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surface facility system that acts as an intermediary between multiple subterranean zones and the external environment. This intermediary controls fluid injection and extraction operations, managing pressure and flow rates to maintain efficient operation across all zones. The surface facility coordinates fluid communication between zones, simplifying control despite the multi-zone configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of fluid flow between subterranean zones based on system demands and zone conditions. The surface facilities can adjust injection and extraction rates, switch between different zone configurations, and respond to changing operational requirements. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation by adapting the system behavior to current needs rather than requiring fixed control mechanisms.
3Volume of stationary object
If hydraulic fracturing is used to create storage zones, then storage volume increases, but geological constraints and system reliability are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs hydraulic fracturing and zone creation activities before the energy storage system becomes operational. All necessary subsurface infrastructure, including fractures and sealing structures, is established in advance during the construction phase. This preliminary action allows the system to rely on pre-established geological structures during operation, reducing reliability concerns related to active fracturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sealing structures and pressure management systems designed to cushion and contain the hydraulic fracturing effects before they can compromise system reliability. Sealing elements are installed beforehand to prevent uncontrolled fluid migration, and the system includes pressure relief and monitoring mechanisms that were prepared in advance to maintain reliability despite the use of hydraulic fracturing for volume expansion.
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 system enables increased energy storage capacity, improved efficiency, and flexibility in energy production by optimizing fluid flow and pressure management across multiple subterranean zones and wellbores, reducing downtime and enhancing overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
The subterranean energy storage relies on the elasticity of the earth and the overburden on the rock where the working fluid is stored
Implementation Method 2
the overburden on the rock where the working fluid is stored
Implementation Method 3
Both systems can gain some geothermal energy from the earth to warm the working fluid
Implementation Method 4
A subterranean zone can be made up of man-made hydraulic fractures
Data Source
AI summary
An expanded system and method for storing energy underground as high-pressure fluid in one or more subterranean zones and utilizing one or more wells. The wells may be connected to some or all of the subterranean zones which may be naturally occurring volumes in the rock structure, hydraulically fractured volumes in the rock structure, or hydraulically fractured an sealed volumes in the rock structure.