Patent classifications
F24T10/30
Systems for generating energy from geothermal sources and methods of operating and constructing same
The present disclosure describes a system and a method for generating energy from geothermal sources. The system includes an injection well and a production well extending underground into a rock formation, a first lateral section connected to the injection well and a second lateral section connected to the production well, the first and second lateral sections connected with a multilateral connector, defining a pressure-tested downhole well loop within the rock formation and in a heat transfer arrangement therewith. The downhole well loop cased in steel and cemented in place within the rock formation. The downhole well loop to receive working fluid capable of undergoing phase change between liquid and gas within the downhole well loop as a result of heat transferred from the rock formation. The system also includes a pump to circulate working fluid, a turbine system to convert the flow of working fluid into electricity, and a cooler.
GEOTHERMAL AERIFICATION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS
A geothermal aerification system includes a basin for storing water and a network of geothermal piping in fluid communication with the basin. The network of geothermal piping is configured to adjust a temperature of the water and is located at a depth below a ground surface to circulate the water to selectively absorb geothermal energy to increase a temperature of the water, or to dissipate heat to decrease the temperature of the water. The system also includes a network of water distribution pipes in fluid communication with the basin. The network of water distribution pipes is configured to discharge the water at the adjusted temperature proximate to the ground surface.
GEOTHERMAL PLANT FOR EXTRACTING ENERGY FROM A GEOTHERMAL RESERVOIR LOCATED BELOW THE OCEAN BOTTOM
A geothermal plant, for extracting energy from a geothermal reservoir located below the ocean bottom, includes a floating platform; a riser that extends from a well drilled into the geothermal reservoir, to the floating platform; an electrical pump having a mechanical actuation part located in a bore of the riser, and an electronic part located outside the riser, wherein the electrical pump is configured to pump a geothermal liquid from the geothermal reservoir to the floating platform; and a power plant located on the floating platform and configured to use a steam produced by the geothermal liquid to generate electrical power. The electrical pump is placed at a depth of the riser where the geothermal liquid is in a single-phase.
GEOTHERMAL PLANT FOR EXTRACTING ENERGY FROM A GEOTHERMAL RESERVOIR LOCATED BELOW THE OCEAN BOTTOM
A geothermal plant, for extracting energy from a geothermal reservoir located below the ocean bottom, includes a floating platform; a riser that extends from a well drilled into the geothermal reservoir, to the floating platform; an electrical pump having a mechanical actuation part located in a bore of the riser, and an electronic part located outside the riser, wherein the electrical pump is configured to pump a geothermal liquid from the geothermal reservoir to the floating platform; and a power plant located on the floating platform and configured to use a steam produced by the geothermal liquid to generate electrical power. The electrical pump is placed at a depth of the riser where the geothermal liquid is in a single-phase.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAGMA-DRIVEN THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
A method for carrying out a thermochemical process includes injecting one or more feed streams into a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is maintained at a reaction temperature using heat obtained directly from a subterranean heat source. The method includes maintaining the one or more feed streams in the reaction chamber for a residence time to form one or more product streams from the one or more feed streams. The one or more product streams are removed from the reaction chamber.
System and method for magma-driven thermochemical processes
A method for carrying out a thermochemical process includes injecting one or more feed streams into a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is maintained at a reaction temperature using heat obtained directly from a subterranean heat source. The method includes maintaining the one or more feed streams in the reaction chamber for a residence time to form one or more product streams from the one or more feed streams. The one or more product streams are removed from the reaction chamber.
Geothermal systems and methods with an underground magma chamber
A geothermal system is used for obtaining heated heat transfer fluid, such as steam, via heat transfer with an underground reservoir of magma. The geothermal system includes a wellbore extending between a surface and into an underground chamber formed in a reservoir of magma. The chamber may be formed by injecting a fluid at an increased pressure into underground magma to form a cavity that acts as the underground chamber.
Ground heat-exchange system with water-filled boreholes
An economical ground heat exchanger system uses water-filled membrane liners in cylindrical augured holes. A submersible pump in a drain reservoir is shared by multiple boreholes. Thermal connection with a building or industrial process occurs through a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the reservoir. The pump sends water tempered by the heat exchanger to the water-filled holes, where it exchanges heat with the ground before overflowing through gravity drain piping back to the reservoir for continued recirculation. Heat transfer with the ground occurs through thermal contact between the water, the membrane liners, and earth supporting the liners. Optional raised borehole support rims maintain an above grade water level and allow removed soil to be re-used as a berm or planter over manifold pipes that connect the system components, thus eliminating the cost of trenching for the manifold pipes.
Thermochemical reactions using geothermal energy
A method for producing hydrogen by thermochemical splitting of water includes injecting one or more feed streams of water into a reaction chamber. The method further includes using heat from a subterranean heat source to carry out the thermochemical splitting of water to form hydrogen and oxygen in the reaction chamber. The formed products are subsequently removed from the reaction chamber.
Thermochemical reactions using geothermal energy
A method for producing hydrogen by thermochemical splitting of water includes injecting one or more feed streams of water into a reaction chamber. The method further includes using heat from a subterranean heat source to carry out the thermochemical splitting of water to form hydrogen and oxygen in the reaction chamber. The formed products are subsequently removed from the reaction chamber.