Triple-E, Modular

An Alternative and Modular Approach to Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Basic Information
Author: 
Sanyal, S.K.
Author: 
Granados, E.E.
Author: 
Butler, S.J.
Author: 
Horne, R.N.
Description: 
This paper describes a low-risk, low-cost and modular alternative to the conventional Hot Dry Rock or Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). In this approach, which we have named the Earth Energy Extraction System (“Triple- E” System), the injected fluid is allowed to get preheated in the injection wellbore before reaching the reservoir; this preheating is achieved through injection in ultra-slim diameter wells (2.5 to 7.5cm) and by keeping the rate of injection very low (on the order of 10 liters per second). The injected fluid then heats up further as it travels to the production well through pores and fractures in the rock. The injection wells are terminated close to and at a shallower level than the top of the productive interval in the production well. This approach avoids the two main technical limitations associated with conventional EGS: (a) creating a significant reservoir volume by artificial fracturing; and (b) fluid loss control. This approach reduces dependence on the occurrence of natural permeability that limits the scope of conventional geothermal technology. The risk of cooling of the production well by shortcircuiting of injected water, a common concern in both EGS and conventional geothermal projects, is significantly reduced by preheating of the injected water.
Publication Date: 
Saturday, January 1, 2005
Resource Language: 
English
Intelectual Originator Contact
Organization Name: 
GeothermEx, Inc.
Street Address: 
3260 Blume Drive,Suite 220
City: 
Richmond
State/Province: 
CA
Postal Code: 
94806
Country: 
United States
Phone: 
510-527-9876
Fax: 
510-527-8164
Resource Information
Access Statement: 
Abstract available online at http://www.geothermex.com/files/Sanyal_2005-1.pdf For a copy of this paper please e-mail us at mw@geothermex.com
Resource Distribution Contact
Organization Name: 
GeothermEx, Inc.
Street Address: 
3260 Blume Drive,Suite 220
City: 
Richmond
State/Province: 
CA
Postal Code: 
94806
Country: 
United States
Phone: 
510-527-9876
Fax: 
510-527-8164
Geographic Extent
North bounding latitude: 
41.9864
South bounding latitude: 
32.9376
West bounding longitude: 
-123.926
East bounding longitude: 
-114.434
Previous Citation
Bibliographic Citation: 
Sanyal, S.K., Granados, E.E., Butler, S.J., and Horne, R.N., 2005. An Alternative and Modular Approach to Enhanced Geothermal Systems. GeothermEx, Inc., Richmond, California.
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