| CPC H10N 10/13 (2023.02) [E21B 41/0085 (2013.01); F03G 4/00 (2021.08); F03G 4/029 (2021.08)] | 14 Claims |
|
1. A system, comprising:
a power generation assembly configured to be enclosed within a wellbore extending from a surface into a subterranean formation along a central axis and comprising:
a thermoelectric generator;
a conductor configured to conduct electricity generated by the thermoelectric generator to the surface;
a first barrier and a second barrier, wherein the first barrier is uphole of the second barrier;
a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, wherein the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are bounded by the first barrier and the second barrier, and wherein the second chamber is downhole from the first chamber and uphole from the third chamber; and
a central housing defining a central throughbore and an annular flow path in the second chamber;
wherein the central throughbore and the annular flow path are in fluid communication with the first chamber and the third chamber; and
wherein the thermoelectric generator is radially positioned between the central throughbore and the annular flow path;
wherein the power generation assembly is configured to circulate a working fluid through a closed loop in the power generation assembly in response to the receipt of geothermal energy within the subterranean formation, to cause the thermoelectric generator to generate electricity, wherein the annular flow path contains a gas that is different from the working fluid, wherein the working fluid is configured to flow through the gas when flowing through the annular flow path, and wherein the closed loop of the working fluid is entirely disposed within the wellbore.
|