Patent · US Active

Method for thermal profile control and energy recovery in geothermal wells

US11156386B2 · kind B2 · utility

13Cited by
22References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 27, 2019
Grant dateOct 26, 2021
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 27, 2039

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/10
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for controlling temperature maxima and minima from the heel to toe in geothermal well lateral sections. The method includes disposing at least a pair of wells proximately where thermal contact is possible. Working fluid is circulated in one well of the pair in one direction and the working fluid of the second well is circulated in as direction opposite. to the first. In this manner temperature equilibration is attainable to mitigate maxima and minima to result in a substantially more uniform temperature of the working fluids in respective wells and the rock formation area there between. Specific operating protocol is disclosed having regard to the temperature control for maximizing thermal energy recovery.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.