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

Project description

Innovative heat exchanger brings promise of geothermal anywhere

Easily accessible deep geothermal resources for heating and power are fundamental for accelerating the decarbonisation of energy supplies in Europe. The EU-funded DeepU project seeks to make geothermal energy accessible almost anywhere, providing a stable, uninterrupted, baseload energy to meet global CO2 emission reduction targets. The ultimate goal is to extract energy from the underground using a deep closed-loop connection in the shape of a U-tube exchanger by combining laser and cryogenic gas into a single technological drilling solution. This innovative technology will liquefy and vitrify the rocks, leaving the borehole ready for heat exchange immediately after drilling.

Objective

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.

Fields of science

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Coordinator

R.E.D. SRL
Net EU contribution
€ 309 495,81
Address
VIA GIULIO CESARE SCALIGERO 20
35136 Padova Pd
Italy

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Nord-Est Veneto Padova
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost
€ 309 495,81

Participants (6)