Methods and systems to harvest energy from the earth

摘要

The present disclosure provides an engine assembly that is installed below the surface of the earth to harvest the thermal energy of the earth, using a working fluid in a closed loop system, and convert it into electricity, which can be commercialized at the surface. The subterranean engine comprises a hot region and a cold region, and a working fluid that moves between the two regions. The movement and efficiency of the working fluid operates the pistons that drive a generator coupled to the pistons, thereby generating electricity. The hot region of the engine is primarily powered by the geothermal energy. The engine can further incorporate renewable energy to improve the movement of the working fluid between the hot and cold regions. The system can further be used to store renewable energy below ground.

主权项

1. A method for extracting geothermal energy comprising the steps of:
disposing a vertical piston system in a vertical section of a well bore having a heat exhaust region, said vertical piston system configured to move in the vertical direction relative to the earth's surface; disposing a plurality of horizontal pistons in a heat intake region of a horizontal well bore, said horizontal pistons configured to move in the horizontal direction relative to the earth's surface, wherein each horizontal piston defines a separate chamber in the heat intake region; providing fluid communication between said heat intake region and heat exhaust region; moving a working fluid between said heat intake region and said heat exhaust region, wherein said movement is at least in response to a temperature difference between said heat intake region and said heat exhaust region;coupling the vertical piston system to a generator to generate electricity in response to at least said movement of the working fluid.