Overview
One of the main benefits of using the Micro ORC system in petroleum wells is its ability to generate electricity from geothermal heat. Many petroleum wells have a natural geothermal gradient, meaning that the temperature increases as the well gets deeper. By using this technology, petroleum companies can significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint.
In addition to generating electricity, the Micro ORC system can also be used to power various onboard systems, such as pumps and compressors. This is particularly useful in remote locations where access to traditional power sources may be limited. By using the Micro ORC system to power these systems, petroleum companies can reduce their energy consumption and save money on fuel costs.
One specific example of the successful implementation of the Micro ORC system in a petroleum well is the use of the system in an offshore drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico. The well had a natural geothermal gradient of approximately 20 degrees Celsius per kilometer, with a temperature of approximately 150 degrees Celsius at a depth of 3 kilometers. By using the Micro ORC system to capture and convert this geothermal heat into electricity, the drilling operation was able to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by approximately 25%. This equated to a fuel cost savings of approximately $1 million per year and a reduction of 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Overall, the implementation of the Micro ORC system in the offshore drilling operation was a resounding success. It not only provided significant cost savings and environmental benefits, but also improved the operation's overall efficiency and performance.