Carbon dioxide-based geothermal energy generation systems and methods related thereto
US8991510B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E50/10
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system comprises an injection well for accessing a reservoir containing a native fluid comprising a hydrocarbon. The reservoir is located below one or more caprocks, is at a first temperature, and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The system further includes a production well in fluid communication with the reservoir, a supply apparatus configured to feed a non-water based working fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature through the injection well to the reservoir. The working fluid mixes with the native fluid to form a production fluid comprising at least a portion of the working fluid and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon at a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature. An energy recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the productions well converts energy contained in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.