Descripción del proyecto
Un innovador intercambiador de calor lleva la promesa de la geotermia a cualquier lugar
Los recursos geotérmicos profundos de fácil acceso destinados a la calefacción y la energía son fundamentales para acelerar la descarbonización de los suministros energéticos en Europa. El proyecto DeepU, financiado con fondos europeos, quiere conseguir que la energía geotérmica sea accesible prácticamente en cualquier lugar, ofreciendo una energía básica, estable e ininterrumpida para cumplir los objetivos de reducción de las emisiones de CO2. El objetivo final es extraer energía del subsuelo con una conexión profunda de circuito cerrado en forma de intercambiador de tubo en U, mediante la combinación del láser y gas criogénico en una única solución tecnológica de perforación. Esta tecnología innovadora licuará y vitrificará las rocas, lo que dejará el pozo listo para el intercambio de calor inmediatamente después de la perforación.
Objetivo
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. 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. 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, guaranteeing liquefaction and vitrification of the rocks from ground surface to greater depths. Then, 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. Hence, DeepU project targets a novel and ambitious science-to technology breakthrough in the field of geothermal exploitation. The overall aim is the creation in laboratory of a vitrified, waterproof, non-cracked U-tube exchanger for different kind 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. Then, (i) the physical-thermal phenomena affecting the rocks, (ii) an evaluation of the legislative aspects and environmental standard related to the innovation proposed, (iii) the modelling of the DeepU geothermal exploitation potential considering some virtual case studies will be assessed. The high-risk innovation proposed has the potential to make geothermal energy systems accessible anywhere in a targeted and demand-oriented manner, offering a complimentary approach and an alternative solution to traditional energy storage and production, decentralizing the power supply also in areas where this is currently deemed uneconomic.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoriaRégimen de financiación
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinador
35122 Padova
Italia