Oilfield application of solar energy collection
US9810451B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P80/20
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Solar energy is collected and used for various industrial processes, such as oilfield applications, e.g. generating steam that is injected downhole, enabling enhanced oil recovery. Solar energy is indirectly collected using a heat transfer fluid in a solar collector, delivering heat to a heat exchanger that in turn delivers heat into oilfield feedwater, producing hotter water or steam. Solar energy is directly collected by directly generating steam with solar collectors, and then injecting the steam downhole. Solar energy is collected to preheat water that is then fed into fuel-fired steam generators that in turn produce steam for downhole injection. Solar energy is collected to produce electricity via a Rankine cycle turbine generator, and rejected heat warms feedwater for fuel-fired steam generators. Solar energy is collected (directly or indirectly) to deliver heat to a heater-treater, with optional fuel-fired additional heat generation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.