System and method for enhanced geothermal energy extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for geothermal energy extraction are limited in functionality and flexibility, relying on natural ambient heat levels in subsurface geothermal reservoirs, which restricts the amount of energy that can be harvested.
Innovation Solution
The process involves using depleted oil or gas wells to extract geothermal energy by igniting combustible materials remaining in the subsurface formations, converting them into thermal energy regardless of the natural temperature levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If natural ambient heat levels are used for geothermal energy extraction, then the extraction process is simple, but the amount of energy that can be harvested is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the geothermal reservoir by igniting combustible materials (hydrocarbons, coal, oil shale) in situ, transforming the temperature field from natural ambient levels to combustion-generated high temperatures. This allows extraction of significantly more thermal energy than would be available from natural geothermal gradients alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful residual hydrocarbons and combustible materials remaining in depleted wells into a beneficial heat source by igniting them. What was previously an environmental hazard or wasted resource becomes the primary energy source for enhanced geothermal extraction, simultaneously producing energy and sequestering carbon dioxide
2Productivity
If new geothermal wells are drilled to increase energy extraction, then energy harvest increases, but drilling costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing depleted oil and gas wells serve a dual function: first for hydrocarbon extraction, then for enhanced geothermal energy production. This multi-functional use of infrastructure eliminates the need for separate geothermal well drilling, reducing costs and environmental impact while maintaining high energy extraction capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary drilling and well construction during the hydrocarbon extraction phase, creating infrastructure that can later be repurposed for geothermal energy production. This preliminary action eliminates the need for redundant drilling operations and reduces overall environmental impact
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 allows for the efficient use of existing depleted wells, reducing drilling costs and environmental impact, while also enabling the conversion of residual hydrocarbons into energy and sequestration of carbon dioxide.
Implementation Method 1
igniting combustible materials remaining in the subsurface formations, converting them into thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
extract geothermal energy by igniting combustible materials remaining in the subsurface formations
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a system and method for actively recovering thermal energy, hydrocarbons, and other energy resources from a formation. In one example, multiple fluid conduits are inserted into a borehole. Combustion fluid is injected into the formation via one of the conduits. The combustion fluid is used to ignite and maintain a combustion zone by burning fuel in the formation. To extract thermal energy, cool fluid is circulated through the borehole via another conduit and heated by the thermal energy in the combustion zone. Thermal energy may be recovered from the heated fluid or other processing may be performed for various types of energy recovery. A fluid flow and composition of the combustion fluid and a fluid flow rate of the cool fluid may be individually controlled for purposes such as regulating heat transfer, balancing thermal energy recovery with enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and regulating temperature and pressure for safety.