System and method for using controlled fractures in enhanced geothermal systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enhanced geothermal systems face challenges in efficiently recovering heat from ultra-low permeability rocks due to the lack of precise control over fracture location, size, and orientation, leading to uneven and unpredictable thermal recoveries.
Innovation Solution
The use of slot-drilling technology to mechanically cut controlled fractures in geothermal systems, allowing precise control over fracture location, size, and orientation, forming interconnected patterns to optimize heat recovery from all parts of the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional hydraulic fracturing is used in enhanced geothermal systems, then fractures can be created in ultra-low permeability rocks, but the location, size, and orientation of fractures cannot be precisely controlled, leading to uneven and unpredictable thermal recoveries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fracture creation process into multiple discrete slot-drilling operations rather than relying on a single hydraulic fracturing event. Multiple parallel slot drills create multiple controlled fractures at predetermined locations, allowing precise segmentation of the reservoir into accessible fracture zones that can be systematically stimulated and monitored for predictable thermal recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary slot-drilling operations to create controlled fracture pathways before injecting stimulation fluids. The slots are pre-positioned at specific orientations and locations to guide fracture propagation in predetermined directions, ensuring that fractures form exactly where needed for optimal thermal recovery predictability
2Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is used to create fractures in geothermal reservoirs, then heat recovery can be enabled, but the fractures are unevenly distributed leading to inefficient heat extraction from all parts of the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning slot-drills at different locations and orientations to create fractures with specific properties in different zones of the reservoir. Each slot-drill configuration is optimized for its local position, creating a heterogeneous fracture network that uniformly distributes heat extraction capability across the entire reservoir volume rather than concentrating fractures in unpredictable patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-well hydraulic fracturing to a multi-well slot-drilling configuration that adds spatial dimensionality to fracture distribution. Multiple wells drilled at different locations and angles create fractures in three-dimensional space, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the reservoir and enabling uniform heat extraction from all parts through the interconnected fracture network
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 significantly enhances thermal recovery efficiency, potentially doubling the heat recovery compared to current methods, reducing uncertainty, and ensuring even heat extraction from all parts of the geothermal reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
The stream of water is flowed through at least a first slot... Warming the stream of water
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various approaches for using controlled fractures in geothermal systems. In some examples, a method includes drilling at least one injection well bore. The method can also include cutting at least a first slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the first slot has a first end connected to the injection well bore and a distal end. The method can include cutting at least a second slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the second slot has a first end connected to the distal end of the first slot and a distal end. The method can also include drilling at least one production well bore, where the production well bore is connected to the distal end of the second slot.