System and method thermopile energy harvesting for subsurface well bore sensors
A system and method for powering a borehole sensor with thermal energy is disclosed. The system includes a tubular pipe inserted into a subsurface borehole. A borehole casing is coaxially disposed with the tubular pipe. An annular space between the casing and the tubular pipe has a power source placed in the borehole to power a sensor in response to a temperature gradient between a surface of the casing and a surface of the tubular pipe. The method includes attaching thermopiles on the borehole casing or tubing; placing the thermopile in the annulus between the casing and the tubing; inducing a thermal gradient across the thermopile; generating an electrical energy in response to the temperature gradient; powering the sensor from the generated energy; and monitoring vertical expansion of a CO2 plume.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- NA0003525
- Assignee:
- National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)
- Patent Number(s):
- 11,319,779
- Application Number:
- 16/912,778
- OSTI ID:
- 1892892
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 06/26/2020
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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