Patent ID: 12228112

Similar numerals used in the Figures denote similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates an example of the overall arrangement used to practice embodiments of the methods to be delineated herein. Numeral10globally references the overall arrangement. A geologic formation12having thermal energy having a temperature of at least 90° C. and which may be and typically above 150° C., or even 600° C. or greater, includes a subterranean loop arrangement having an inlet well14and an outlet well16, which may be co-located, interconnected with at least one interconnecting section18. In the example, several sections18are depicted. The thermal gradient will depend on the formation characteristics.

At the surface20, inlet14and outlet16are connected to a power generation device22. Device22completes the loop arrangement as a closed loop which will be referenced for simplicity as L. As will be evident, the sections18are disposed within the geologic formation for the purpose of recovering thermal energy from the surrounding formation12. For clarity, the closed loop, L, and particularly, sections18may include fissures, fractures, cracks within which fluid may be transported, however, this will not detract from the point of the closed loop concept; despite the fact that there may be localized multidirectional flow anomalies, the flow pattern remains closed in the inlet, interconnect, outlet, power generation device22combination of elements.

The geologic formation may be any formation that provides a temperature as noted above. In this regard, examples include a geothermal formation, a low permeability formation, hot dry rock, a sedimentary formation, a volcanic formation, a high temperature formation, a variable permeability formation and combinations thereof. These are examples only; any number of others are within the purview of the invention.

The formation, depending on its nature will have a predetermined potential thermal output capacity which can be analyzed in advance by suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art. Each formation will, of course, have a different output capacity.

In consideration of this, each loop, L, will have a predetermined potential thermal output capacity which is reflective of its design parameters, such as number of sections18, geometric arrangement thereof, depth, length, formation temperature, formation rock properties, inter alia. All of these parameters will be apparent to those skilled.

For recovery, a working fluid is circulated through the loop, L, and exits the outlet well16flows through power generation device22which converts thermal and/or kinetic energy into electricity for use by an end user globally referenced with numeral24and/or is redistributed at26for alternate uses to be discussed herein after. Once circulated as indicated, the working fluid is reintroduced to the inlet14.

The working fluid is thermally “charged” or loaded by circulating the working fluid through the closed-loop, L, at a relatively low flow rate during the charging period. The residence time of the working fluid within the subsurface flow path is increased, and hence the fluid is heated up to a high temperature via conductive heat transfer with the surrounding formation12.

The system is “discharged” by increasing the flow rate significantly and flushing out the volume of heated working fluid within the hot subsurface portion of the closed circuit, L.

The working fluid may comprise water, super critical carbon dioxide, etc., and include a drag reducing additive such as a surfactant, a polymeric compound, a suspension, a biological additive, a stabilizing agent, anti-scaling agents, anti-corrosion agents, friction reducers, anti-freezing chemicals, biocides, hydrocarbons, alcohols, organic fluids and combinations thereof. Other suitable examples will be appreciated by those skilled. It is contemplated that the working fluid may be compositionally modified dynamically where changing subsurface thermal characteristics dictate.

Referring now toFIGS.2A,2B,2C and2D, shown are schematic illustrations of the possible dispositions and combinations of the interconnecting sections18. The illustration generally shows that the adjacent interconnecting sections may be symmetrical, asymmetrically relative to adjacent interconnecting sections, in interdigital relation to adjacent interconnecting sections, in coplanar relation to adjacent interconnecting sections, in parallel planar relation to adjacent interconnecting sections, in isolated or grouped networks and combinations thereof. Specific geometric disposition will vary on the temperature gradient characteristics. The Figures are exemplary only; suitable variations will be appreciated by the designer.

FIG.3illustrates an example where the loop, L, includes a plurality of interconnecting sections18with the output16of one section18serves as the input14of an adjacent section18with common collection at power generation device22. In this manner the loop, L, is subdivided into a daisy chain configuration for operation of the method.

The potential thermal output capacity is the maximum sustainable thermal energy output of the system. Thermal output may be varied temporarily with the methodology disclosed herein, but the long-term average output (i.e. averaged over months or years) cannot exceed the potential thermal output capacity.

The overall geothermal efficiency of a system is equal to the average thermal output divided by the potential thermal output capacity, what is typically referred to as geothermal “capacity factor”. It is advantageous to have a high capacity factor, or high utilization of the available potential thermal output capacity. Conventionally this is achieved by constant thermal output at or near the potential thermal output capacity. Many geothermal systems operate at >90% capacity factor in this manner, sometimes referred to as “baseload” operations. The disclosed methodology enables a high geothermal capacity factor while also providing flexible on-demand energy output rather than a constant output.

FIG.4illustrates an example based on transient thermodynamic modelling of a closed-loop multilateral system described in Applicant's co-pending Application No. PCT/CA2019000076, among others. The inputs for the thermodynamic model are tabulated below.

FIG.4Example Data

Vertical InVertical OutLateralsTotal Length481048105648Casing ID (mm)215.9215.9215.9Casing OD (mm)244.5244.5NACement OD (mm)298.5298.5NARock Thermal Conductivity3.23.23.2(W/m · K)Roughness (mm)0.050.050.15Elevation In0−4415−4415Elevation Out−44150−4415Number of lateral legs12Surface Temperature (° C.)10Temperature Gradient (° C.) per km34.3Bottom Hole Temperature (° C.)161.3Rock Density (kg/m3)2663Rock Specific Heat (J/kgK)1112

The figure shows three operating scenarios for the same geothermal loop: operating in a baseload manner with a constant flow rate (Base Case), in which case the thermal output equals the potential thermal output capacity; operating with a charging cycle for 16 hours at 33 kg/s and then discharging for 8 hours at 130 kg/s; and operating with a charging cycle for 12 hours at 30 kg/s and then discharging for 12 hours at 100 kg/s.

Typically, the charging cycle would be done when the energy price is low or there is an excess of variable renewable supply. This allows the interconnecting sections18, referenced herein previously to recover the thermal energy from the formation.

FIG.5illustrates focussed details over the timeframe of 3 days. The average flow rate over the combined charge/discharge periods is approximately equal to the optimum fixed flow rate if the system was operated in a baseload manner. In this example, the same subsurface well arrangement as noted in the earlier Figures, if it were operated in a baseload manner, would equal the potential thermal output capacity at all times when the flow rate is equal to 60 L/s. In the vernacular, the system would operate at the full subsurface geothermal capacity. This is a critical differentiator from some prior art (Ormat at Puna) where the average geothermal output over combined “charging” and “discharging” cycles is significantly below long-term capacity.

The charging cycle establishes a strong thermosiphon, driven by the density difference of the cold fluid in the inlet well14compared to the hot fluid in the outlet well16. During the charging cycle, the thermosiphon pressure drive is higher than required to maintain the desired flow rate. Flow rate is therefore controlled by choking flow downstream of the outlet well16, using a flow-control valve or other apparatus (not shown) to apply a pressure-drop. The flow-control valve is automated and may be controlled with software that uses a thermodynamic model to calculate the required position of the valve. The control valve also helps manage the pressure in the subsurface loop, to keep it within desirable bounds based on the density of the working fluid and pump discharge pressure.

When discharging, flow rate can be immediately increased by releasing the choke (opening the control valve). This near-instantaneous increase in flow rate enables a fast-ramping capability. Flow rate can be increased to until the hydraulic pressure losses through the closed circuit loop equal the thermosiphon pressure drive.

Flow can be increased beyond this level using a pump, which would require a parasitic power load. However, as long as the majority of the pressure drive is generated by the thermosiphon effect, the parasitic load is practically acceptable.

Using these methodologies, flow rate can be controlled to match power output to the end-user demand, through both the charging and discharging cycles and residency time of the working fluid in the loop.

In the prior art traditional open geothermal systems or flow in porous media, the pumping pressure required to reach the high flow rates while discharging cause an unacceptably high parasitic pump load and drastically reduce or eliminate any gains in net power output. It has been found that the practical limit is achieved when the ratio of the pressure losses in the circuit to the thermosiphon pressure drive is approximately 1.5. The system must be designed to have a hydraulic pressure loss less than 1.5 times the thermosiphon pressure drive. Ideally, pressure losses are less than 1 times the thermosiphon drive and the entire flow is driven by the thermosiphon. Accordingly, there is no parasitic pump load.

Energy is stored within the working fluid itself. During the charging cycle, sufficient residence time is required to heat the working fluid enough to accommodate the discharge cycle. For example, if the discharge cycle is typically 8 hours long, the fluid circuit transit time must be at least 8 hours (averaged over both discharge and charge cycles).

During the charging cycle, energy can also be stored temporarily in rock adjacent to the subsurface flow path and outlet well16. At low flow rates, heat is transferred conductively from hotter rock in the formation12into the working fluid and as the fluid progresses through the system, it encounters cooler rock (typically shallower, for example in the outlet well16), where energy is transferred from the fluid to the cooler rock and stored temporarily. During the discharging cycle, the average fluid temperature drops, and the stored heat is transferred back into the working fluid.

A closed loop avoids the operational problems with traditional geothermal systems, which are exacerbated when varying the flow drastically as discussed herein. For example, common operational issues are caused by brine, solids, scaling, plugging, and dissolved gases.

The dispatchability disclosed herein integrates well with cryogenic air storage (CES), hydrogen production, or other systems that use stored electrical energy. An example of the process flow is shown below. The CES charging cycle can use cheap excess power from the grid or co-located renewables (for example, solar during the peak daytime hours). The CES can also use produced geothermal power to charge but is not necessary. In one embodiment, the geothermal system would generate a fixed amount electricity throughout the charge and discharge cycle. The increase in thermal energy produced during the discharge cycle is directed to heat the air stream from the CES process, prior to expansion in a turbine.

There are several advantages when using CES with dispatchable geothermal:

The heat engine (which converts thermal energy to electricity) is only sized for the charge cycle, not the peak output of the discharge cycle, dramatically reducing equipment and capital costs.

Minor additional facilities are required to supply heat to the CES facility.

CES is discharging only over several peak hours in the day. The dispatchable geothermal system discharging cycle can match the CES discharging cycle.

FIG.6illustrates the thermal output over 30 years of the “Base Case” and “8 Hour Dispatchable Case” referred to in previous Figures. The base case is operated in baseload manner and equal to the available thermal output capacity, while the “8 Hour Dispatchable Case” obtains an effective capacity factor of ˜97% despite operated in a dispatchable output and thus substantially equates with the predetermined potential thermal output capacity of the formation.

This illustrates the primary invention, that the output can be made dispatchable while still retaining a high geothermal capacity factor, typically over 80% and approaching 100%.

The transient thermodynamic simulations described above were tested in a prototype geothermal system in central Alberta, Canada. The system includes a multilateral U-tube heat exchanger 2.4 km deep and 2.5 from surface site to site. The results validate the modelling and demonstrate dispatchability can be predicted and controlled by modulating the flow rate using, in this embodiment, an automated control valve at the outlet well. The empirical results confirm that the system is very fast ramping and when combined with a power generation system such as an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), can meet the fast-ramping requirements of integrating with Solar systems.

FIG.7demonstrates how the dispatchable geothermal system is used when integrated with other non-dispatchable renewables. The system is turned down during peak hours for Solar and ramped-up as Solar declines. The dispatchable geothermal fills the gap between the energy demand and the non-dispatchable renewables. This is only an example and the output can be modified to match any combination of charging/discharging cycles and the flow rate can be varied to meet any shaped output within physical limits.

Solar electricity is used as an example, however, the same dispatchable mechanisms can be used to integrate into direct heat use applications such as district heating systems or in district cooling systems.

FIG.8illustrates multiple dispatchable geothermal loops in a network. The charge/discharge cycles may be scheduled for each loop so that the aggregate output meets the required shaped output profile. The flow rate, thermosiphon, and temperatures are controlled in each loop using an automated control system coupled to a thermodynamic model. The charge discharge cycles may be sequenced or simultaneous depending on the situation and the parameters of each loop.

FIG.9is a process flow diagram to plan, control, and optimize the integration of non-dispatchable renewables with dispatchable geothermal. Providing an electrical grid system that has a demand profile over time, existing supply profiles from varying non-dispatchable renewable sources like PV, Wind, Baseload Nuclear, etc, the control technology optimizes a network of dispatchable renewable geothermal generators to fill the gap between the existing non-dispatchable supply profile and the demand profile. The optimization parameter can be to meet net demand, or it can be to maximize the price or revenue (price multiplied by volume) received, or any other combination of factors. These may form only a part of the optimization/scheduling algorithm.

In a network of dispatchable geothermal loops, a network of power generation modules (not shown) would be utilized which convert potential and thermal energy into electricity. These power generation systems may be ORCs, flash plants, pressure drive systems, direct turbines, or any other conversion means. The power generation modules may be arranged in series or parallel or a combination. The control system directs flow from each geothermal loop to the appropriate conversion module(s) based on proximity, scheduling, temperature, and other relevant factors.

FIG.10illustrates the combined power output capacity of a network of power generators which is necessarily higher than the potential thermal output capacity of the geothermal loop network. The power generation capacity is designed to meet the peak output of the geothermal network when dispatching, which may be set to meet the peak demand from the end-user. This figure illustrates that while the subsurface system has a high geothermal capacity factor, over 80% and typically over 90%, (where the denominator is the potential thermal output capacity), the surface power conversion modules have a relatively lower capacity factor to enable dispatching.

FIG.11illustrates an embodiment of the invention designed to mitigate electrical grid saturation with intermittent sources of power. In the example, a solar recovery arrangement30is operatively connected to a loop, L, (loop arrangement or solution) and more specifically to the array30at32. The power generation device22is in electrical communication with the grid (not shown) with a specific capacity. This is generally denoted by reference numeral34.

For the following example, loop arrangement or loop solution is intended to embrace the arrangement discussed herein previously, namely the wells,14,16and interconnection18in a thermal bearing geologic formation which may include the power generation device22.

Solar has a leading place in today's shift to newer cleaner forms of power. Success can, however, bring its own complications. Many electrical grids are now saturated with wind and solar, to the point that it is getting difficult to absorb more intermittent sources of power. Scalable green dispatchable power is required in this scenario. The technology herein can complement new or even existing solar plants.

A typical 10 MW loop, L, unit combines a 5 MW subsurface baseload solution with an ORC and surface facilities scaled to 10 MW. This is to facilitate the inherent dispatchability of the energy produced by the loop, L. This may then be further scaled by the simple addition of more loop arrangements, L. By way of example, a 200 MW loop, L, arrangement has the following operational data.

Example—Grid Saturation Mitigation

LOOPPeakAverageLoad FactorARRANGEMENTCapacity (MW)Utilization (MW)(%)Solar Capacity2004020%Loop Capacity20010050%Transmission Capacity20014070%Peak CapacityAverageLoad FactorSOLAR ONLY(MW)Utilization (MW)(%)Solar Capacity70014020%Loop Capacity00N/ATransmission Capacity70014020%Peak CapacityAverageLoad FactorSOLAR + BATTERY(MW)Utilization (MW)(%)Solar Capacity70014020%Battery Capacity (8 h)200N/AN/ATransmission Capacity20014070%
Solar Only Solution

For a 200 MW solar farm, because of its intermittent nature, would produce on average only 40 MW. In the event that it is desired to increase the average power production 3.5 times or an additional 100 MW on average, one would have to add an additional 500 MW solar farm and an additional 500 MW in transmission capacity for the simple reason that the solar load factor is going to range between 10% and 25%. Unfortunately, not only does this involve increasing the surface footprint 3.5 times, it also requires upgrading the transmission network 3.5 times (or more undesirably, building new transmission lines to a new solar farm). This is further worsened since most of the increased capacity would be produced at times of the day where considerably below average prices would be achievable.

The Loop Solution

In contrast, one could achieve the same results by incorporating a 200 MW loop solution directly under the existing surface footprint of the current or planned solar farm. Advantageously, no new land acquisition would be required. Furthermore, because the loop arrangement would use its inherent dispatchability to produce power around the 20% load factor of the solar farm, there will be no need for any additional transmission capacity—saving both time and money. Finally, while the loop would not have the transmission capacity to produce much during the period of peak solar production around midday, midday production (which is often of little value) could be shifted to attractive monetization because of the pricing premium to be achieved for dispatchable, rather than intermittent or baseload power.

Solar+Battery Solution

Of course, solar could mimic the loop solution by the addition of enough batteries, but at considerable cost. Instead of just adding a 200 MW loop solution, the solar developer would need to add 500 MW of solar capacity, requiring a massively expanded surface footprint and 200 MW of 8-hour battery storage—resulting in inevitable increased costs and delay.

As a variation to the example,FIG.11depicts an arrangement using a windmill36as the prime mover.

Referring now toFIG.12, shown is a further variation to the example. Numeral40represents a geographic area on which power distribution centres42are arranged to provide electrical delivery via44to the power transmission grid (not shown). As is known, the grid has an output capacity. The centres42contribute to a power production system over the geographic area40with a designed maximum power production quantity and a second effective or “real” power production quantity on the grid.

Clearly, over an expanse of area40between centres42, there are occasionally “brownouts” or other delivery anomalies that occur for a variety of reasons known to those skilled such as is spikes of heavy user demand or redistribution between centres42.

In order to alleviate inconsistent delivery issues, loop arrangements, L, may be integrated on the circuit of centres42, such as between adjacent electrically communicating centres42. As with the previous examples and specification herein, the closed loop configuration can be provided within the underlying geologic formation to produce a predetermined energy output from available potential thermal capacity attributed to the formation.

The working fluid can then be circulated as has been discussed and selectively thermally discharged through said power production arrangement22to maintain power production to the capacity throughout said power transmission grid. This accordingly mitigates the anomalies or irregularities noted above.

Depending on the geographic area and other factors, a main distribution hub46comprising a plurality of loop arrangements, L, could augment or replace some or all of centres42and individually positioned loops, L.