Energy extraction from crustal magma bodies
An open heat exchanger system for extracting thermal energy directly from shallow crustal magma bodies is described. The concept relies on natural properties of magma to create a permeable, solidified region surrounding a borehole drilled into the magma chamber. The region is fractured, possessing large surface area, and is sealed from the overburden. Energy is extracted by circulating a fluid through the system. Thermal stress analysis shows that such a fractured region can be developed at depths up to 10 km. An open heat exchanger experiment conducted in the partial melt zone of Kilauea Iki lava lake demonstrated the validity of this concept. Effective heat transfer surface area an order of magnitude greater than the borehole area was established during a two-day test period. The open heat exchanger concept greatly extends the number of magma systems that can be economically developed to produce energy.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6740186
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-82-1386C; CONF-820392-3; ON: DE83001276
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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