Construction and operation of geothermal wells
US12359850B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/10
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and system for geothermal energy harvesting using both conductive and convective heat transfer are provided. A geothermal well is provided with inlet and outlet wellbores and an interconnecting wellbore therebetween, the interconnecting wellbore fluidly connected to a plurality of fluid conduits, such as fractures. The interface of the wellbore and fractures with the surrounding earth may be impermeably sealed with a sealant. A heat transfer fluid is circulated throughout the system to extract thermal energy from the earth by conduction, as well as by convection. By providing the plurality of fluid conduits and by utilizing convective as well as conductive heat transfer, the rate of energy extraction may be increased.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.