Method of extracting heat from dry geothermal reservoirs

Patent · 22 January 1974

OSTI ID:4304847

Potter, R M; Robinson, E S; Smith, M C

Hydraulic fracturing is used to interconnect two or more holes that penetrate a previously dry geothermal reservoir, and to produce within the reservoir a sufficiently large heat-transfer surface so that heat can be extracted from the reservoir at a usefully high rate by a fluid entering it through one hole and leaving it through another. Introduction of a fluid into the reservoir to remove heat from it and establishment of natural (unpumped) convective circulation through the reservoir to accomplish continuous heat removal are important and novel features of the method. (auth)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-29-031498
• Assignee: to United States Atomic Energy Commission
• Patent Number(s): US 3786858
• OSTI ID: 4304847
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY SOURCES
FRACTURES
HEAT TRANSFER
HEATING
N80200* --Energy Utilization & Economics
SEPARATION PROCESSES
WATER RESERVOIRS