Deep U-tube heat exchanger breakthrough: combining laser and cryogenic gas for geothermal energy exploitation

The DeepU project aims to revolutionize geothermal energy by developing a U-tube heat exchanger using laser and cryogenics for efficient deep energy exploitation and storage.

Subsidie
€ 3.425.640
2022

Projectdetails

Introduction

The future disruptive technology envisioned in Deep U-tube heat exchanger breakthrough: combining laser and cryogenics gas for geothermal energy exploitation (DeepU) Project is expected to revolutionize the deep geothermal energy sector.

Project Goals

The ultimate goal is to create a deep (>4 km) closed-loop connection in the shape of a U-tube exchanger, combining laser and cryogenic gas in a single technological drilling solution.

Temperature Control and Drilling Innovations

Specific temperature control analysis and innovative laser lenses able to convey the heat and to sustain multilateral drilling will be developed alongside the U-tube creation. This will guarantee liquefaction and vitrification of the rocks from ground surface to greater depths.

Heat Exchange System

A U-tube system ready to exchange heat with the underground becomes the main tool to exploit or store geothermal energy, meeting energy needs in power and thermal energy production.

Science-to-Technology Breakthrough

Hence, the DeepU project targets a novel and ambitious science-to-technology breakthrough in the field of geothermal exploitation.

Laboratory Creation

The overall aim is the creation in the laboratory of a vitrified, waterproof, non-cracked U-tube exchanger for different kinds of rocks. This will be achieved by a laser drill head combined with special drill strings sustaining the coupled action of laser and cryogenic gas, responsible for melting, evaporating, and cooling even the hardest rocks.

Assessment Areas

The project will assess the following areas:

  1. The physical-thermal phenomena affecting the rocks.
  2. An evaluation of the legislative aspects and environmental standards related to the innovation proposed.
  3. The modeling of the DeepU geothermal exploitation potential considering some virtual case studies.

Innovation Potential

The high-risk innovation proposed has the potential to make geothermal energy systems accessible anywhere in a targeted and demand-oriented manner. It offers a complementary approach and an alternative solution to traditional energy storage and production, decentralizing the power supply also in areas where this is currently deemed uneconomic.

Financiële details & Tijdlijn

Financiële details

Subsidiebedrag€ 3.425.640
Totale projectbegroting€ 3.425.640

Tijdlijn

Startdatum1-3-2022
Einddatum31-10-2025
Subsidiejaar2022

Partners & Locaties

Projectpartners

  • R.E.D. SRLpenvoerder
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA
  • PREVENT GMBH
  • FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • TERRA GEOSERV LIMITED
  • CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
  • POLITECHNIKA WROCLAWSKA

Land(en)

ItalyGermanyIrelandPoland

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