High Temperature Sensors for Geothermal Applications

Recent studies show that geothermal energy could generate up to 100,000 Megawatts of power within the U.S., which represents about one tenth of today¿s current electrical generating capacity. Geothermal energy production requires the presence of a geophysical area with the following attributes: heat, water, and permeability. Such areas can be increased by using Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technology, which involves drilling deep into the Earth¿s crust to access hot, hard layers of rock, opening up cracks in the rock, and pumping water into them to `stimulate¿ the proper conditions for geothermal energy production. EGS requires the development of high temperature pressure sensors and instrumentation components to enable the subsurface monitoring of geothermal reservoirs during stimulation and operation. For these applications, the pressure sensors and instrumentation components must be capable of continuous operation at temperatures between -20ºC and 250ºC for over 5000 hours. This project will develop a high-temperature, amplified pressure/temperature transducer suitable for subsurface monitoring. The work will build upon previously demonstrated transducer technology developed for, and successfully evaluated by, Sandia National Laboratory. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee:The amplified high-temperature pressure transducers would be an essential component in monitoring and developing geothermal reservoirs. By increasing domestic production of this sustainable source of cost competitive electricity, the United States could reduce its dependence on foreign sources of energy