摘要:
Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet. The system can further include a controller operatively coupled to the water flow network and programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct at least one portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a first sequence, and direct the at least one portion or a different portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a second sequence different than the first sequence.
摘要:
Systems and methods for variable rate steam injection, including via solar power for enhanced oil recovery, are disclosed. Several embodiments include using the variable nature of solar-generated steam to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery processes. In particular embodiments, the variable rate injection can provide more uniform steam distribution in an oil-bearing formation, at a lower cost than if the same amount of steam were provided on a continuous basis.
摘要:
The disclosed technology includes converting solar energy to thermal energy and delivering heat for use in a process. A representative method includes transferring solar energy to a working fluid and transferring energy from the working fluid to a heating element positioned inside a heating well. The heating well contains a thermal energy storage substance (TESS). A controller controls the heating element, which is in thermal communication with the TESS. In some embodiments, the TESS releases and absorbs heat as latent heat, which reduces temperature variation in heat exchange between the heating well and the formation surrounding the heating well. In such embodiments, the TESS is positioned between the heating element and an outer casing of the heating well. In addition to heating wells, the disclosed technology can be applied to other processes involving heat delivery.
摘要:
Heat storage devices suitable for storing solar energy, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes a storage housing that contains a working fluid. A working fluid inlet pipe is coupled to the storage housing. A plurality of concrete plates are positioned in the housing, with the adjacent plates at least partially forming individual flow passages. A working fluid outlet pipe is coupled to the housing. A controller maintains a predominantly laminar flow of the working fluid in the flow passages. In some embodiments, the working fluid can be thermal oil having a boiling temperature of 300° C. or higher.
摘要:
Separators and mixers for delivering controlled-quality solar-generated steam over long distances for enhanced oil recovery, and associated systems and methods. A representative method includes heating water to steam at a solar field, separating a liquid fraction from the steam, directing the steam toward a target steam user via a first, steam conduit, and directing the liquid fraction toward the target steam user in parallel with the steam via second, liquid fraction conduit. The method can further include mixing the liquid fraction and the steam before delivering the combined liquid fraction and steam to the target user.
摘要:
Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters, for processes including enhanced oil recovery. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a water source, a solar collector that includes a collector inlet, a collector outlet, and a plurality of solar concentrators positioned to heat water passing from the collector inlet to the collector outlet, a fuel-fired heater, a steam outlet connected to an oil field injection well, and a water flow network coupled among the water source, the solar collector, the heater, and the steam outlet. The system can further include a controller operatively coupled to the water flow network and programmed with instructions that, when executed, direct at least one portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a first sequence, and direct the at least one portion or a different portion of the flow through the solar collector and the fuel-fired heater in a second sequence different than the first sequence.