Description du projet
Un échangeur de chaleur innovant apporte la promesse d’une géothermie universelle
Des ressources géothermiques profondes, mais facilement accessibles, pour le chauffage et l’électricité sont essentielles pour accélérer la décarbonation de l’approvisionnement énergétique en Europe. Dans le but de réaliser les objectifs mondiaux de réduction des émissions de CO2, le projet DeepU, financé par l’UE, souhaite rendre l’énergie géothermique accessible presque partout, fournissant une énergie de base stable et ininterrompue. Son objectif ultime est d’extraire l’énergie du sous-sol par le biais d’une connexion profonde en boucle fermée sous la forme d’un échangeur à tube en U, en combinant le laser et le gaz cryogénique en une unique solution technologique de forage. Cette technologie innovante va liquéfier et vitrifier les roches, de sorte que le trou de forage sera prêt pour l’échange de chaleur immédiatement après le forage.
Objectif
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.
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HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinateur
35122 Padova
Italie