Hydraulic Properties

OG’s Innovative Methods to Control Hydraulic Properties of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), or Hydraulic Properties, initiative supports the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of technologies and techniques to control the fluid flow within the fracture network in EGS reservoirs in order to optimize them for heat extraction. EGS systems use human-made reservoirs to access subsurface heat where natural subsurface conditions lack sufficient fluid flow—or permeability—or water to allow heat to be drawn to the surface for energy.  

Projects under this initiative are developing targeted and reversible in-reservoir fracture permeability modification systems or methods and yield long-term reservoir productivity improvements. The ability to customize reservoirs via these methods will increase reservoir efficiency and longevity, ultimately helping to drive down EGS costs, reduce the risk of development, and accelerate the path towards widespread commercialization. 

 

Hydraulic Properties Successes

Breakthroughs in Controlling Fluid Flow  

Each project in this initiative has made significant progress toward the goal of controlling fluid flow in the subsurface. For instance, Cornell University’s project has identified an ideal material for temperature-sensitive swelling particles that would enable the redirection of fluids in an EGS from colder to hotter flow paths. Oklahoma State University’s research team is developing an ionic liquid that has demonstrated a 35% reduction in frictional pressure when compared with water, as well as a reduction in frictional pressure with increasing temperature at both micro- and reservoir scales. Montana State University’s laboratory work, which has the potential to mitigate inefficiencies in EGS reservoir performance, has determined through simulations that reservoir permeability changes of several orders of magnitude are possible at temperatures of 180 °C. Across numerous technologies and processes, the portfolio of Hydraulic Properties projects are making breakthroughs in controlling fluid flow, which will ultimately serve to maintain and enhance effective heat extraction from EGS reservoirs. 

 

Pursuing Outreach Across All Projects 

All projects in this initiative worked with under-resourced communities during the first phase, supporting training, recruitment, and mentoring that will help bolster the U.S. energy workforce. The Navajo Technical University project, for example, provided internship opportunities on the project. The University of New Mexico project provided internships, created K-12 geothermal curriculum modules, and supported the University of Utah’s Refugees Exploring the Foundations of Undergraduate Education in Science (REFUGES) program, which connects 7th–12th grade students from underrepresented communities with resources like one-on-one tutoring and mentoring. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) presented in science and engineering classes at educational institutions and led tours of LBNL for Contra Costa College students. 

 

Hydraulic Properties Selectees