Description
Closed loop horizontal co-axial geothermal well solutions can be completed in most geological settings. However, the final energy output is dependent on the thermal conductivity of especially the rock where the horizontal well section is completed and both the geothermal temperature gradient and the hardness of the rock will impact the drilling costs.
With the very limited geological requirements and as no fluids will circulate in the geological formation, operations of this geothermal solution are versatile.
For district heating a heated fluid can be delivered for direct usage in both 3rd and 4th generation grids.
There is a whole range applications in industrial processes where the heated fluid can be delivered for direct usage.
Districted cooling is predicted to become a larger market than district heating. Using an absorption chiller the heated fluid can be cooled to 6 degrees Celsius and distributed through a district cooling grid similar to a district heating grid.
Finally, the flow direction in a co-axial solution can be changed and a fluid, heated by excess power, can be circulated through the solution to re-heat the geothermal reservoir for later usage.
The basic geological requirements for a successful completion of a co-axial closed loop horizontal geothermal well solution will be reviewed and each of the energy applications will be described in detail.
