Downhole geothermal power generation and storage
AssigneeBaker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
InventorsMahendra L. Joshi, Alireza Shahkarami, Robert Klenner, Michael Hughes, Alexey Tyshko, Robert Krumm
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Abstract
A system and method of generating electricity. A work string extends into a wellbore. A heat pump unit at a surface location circulates a working fluid through the work string to absorb heat from a formation surrounding the wellbore. A turbine generates a rotation from the working fluid that has absorbed the heat. A generator generates electricity from the rotation of the turbine. The electricity is transmitted to the surface location via an electrical cable.
Claims15
A method of generating electricity, comprising:
- injecting a working fluid from a surface location into a wellbore having a work string disposed therein, the work string including a downhole turbine and a downhole generator, wherein the fluid is injected into the wellbore via the work string and exits the work string into an annulus of the wellbore below the downhole turbine and the downhole generator, wherein the working fluid in the annulus absorbs heat from a formation surrounding the wellbore;
- diverting an uphole flow of the working fluid in the annulus into the downhole turbine;
- generating a rotation at the turbine via the working fluid;
- generating electricity at the generator from the rotation of the turbine;
- and
- transmitting the electricity to the surface location.
A system for generating electricity, comprising:
- a work string extending into a wellbore;
- a turbine disposed on the work string for generating a rotation from a working fluid;
- and
- a generator on the work string for generating electricity from the rotation of the turbine;
- an electrical cable for transmitting the electricity to the surface location;
- a heat pump unit at a surface location for circulating a working fluid through the work string to exit into an annulus between the work string, wherein the working fluid absorbs heat from a formation surrounding the wellbore;
- and
- a gas intake for directing the working fluid from the annulus into the turbine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.