Magma Power has announced the issuance of a new patent from the US Patent and Trademark Office for a cutting-edge system, method, and apparatus that harnesses geothermal power from superhot geothermal fluid (SHGF) and underground magma reservoirs.
This patent is an important step forward for MagmaPower and the future of renewable energy
The company's patented system revolves around a cased wellbore that reaches deep into a magma reservoir, converting liquid-phase fluid into gas-phase fluid through a unique process of heat exchange. This gas-phase fluid is then transported to the surface for power generation, allowing for a highly efficient and continuous energy supply.
Key features of the system:
Cased wellbore design: The system includes a well casing suspended within a borehole extending from the surface to a magma reservoir. The casing forms the structural foundation of the wellbore, allowing safe and stable access to the geothermal heat source.
Boiler casing within well casing: A boiler casing housed within the well casing extends to the magma reservoir, with its terminal end submerged in magma. This design ensures optimal heat transfer from the magma to the fluid within the boiler casing.
Fluid conduit: A fluid conduit within the boiler casing delivers a liquid-phase fluid to the terminal end, where the extreme temperature and pressure of the magma convert it into a gas-phase fluid. This gas-phase fluid then travels back through the boiler casing to the surface for power generation.
Sealed well head: The system includes a well head connected to the first end of the boiler casing, sealing the well and maintaining the integrity of the fluid and pressure throughout the process. The well head also receives the fluid conduit and drill stem.
Patent claims:
Cased wellbore system: A well casing suspended within a borehole extending between the surface and the underground magma reservoir. A boiler casing housed within the well casing delivers liquid-phase fluid to the terminal end submerged in magma, where it converts to gas-phase fluid for energy generation.
Well casing depth: The well casing extends from the surface down to a boundary layer between dry rock and intrusive rock, ensuring access to the highest geothermal heat levels.
Co-axial boiler and well casing: The boiler casing is aligned co-axially with the well casing, creating an annular void space between the two casings for insulation and stability.
Insulation layer: The system includes an insulation layer within the annular void space, spanning a predetermined length of the boiler casing, including the first end. This insulation ensures maximum heat retention and energy efficiency.
Segmented boiler casing: The boiler casing is composed of multiple boiler casing segments welded together, forming a robust structure capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of the magma reservoir.
Internal compartments: The internal volume of the boiler casing is divided into multiple compartments by a set of casing plates, enhancing the system's ability to manage pressure and fluid flow.
Casing plate apertures: Each casing plate includes apertures for the fluid conduit, drill stem, and steam vents. These steam vents allow the gas-phase fluid to travel efficiently through the boiler casing to the surface.
Drill stem integration: The drill stem extends from the surface to the terminal end of the boiler casing, passing through the apertures in each casing plate, ensuring structural integrity and stability.
Welded Drill Stem: The outer surface of the drill stem is welded to the casing plates along the aperture circumference, creating a solid, reliable connection to withstand the pressure and heat of the system.
"This patent is an important step forward for MagmaPower and the future of renewable energy," Levi Conner, CEO of MagmaPower, said. "Our system offers a highly efficient and scalable solution to harness the Earth's geothermal heat, tapping into superhot geothermal fluids and magma reservoirs to generate continuous, sustainable power. We're proud to lead the way with this technology, which can significantly reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels."
"Our patented system uses an advanced wellbore and boiler casing configuration to maximise the conversion of liquid-phase fluid into gas-phase fluid," KC Conner, inventor and founder of MagmaPower, said. "This process creates a gas-phase fluid that can be used to generate electricity efficiently. By ensuring that the well casing, boiler casing, and fluid conduit are insulated and tightly sealed, we've developed a reliable and highly durable system that can operate under extreme conditions."
Richard McDonald, chief strategy officer of MagmaPower, concluded: "This system offers more than just the ability to capture geothermal energy; it's designed to optimise fluid flow, insulation, and heat conversion. Our use of multiple compartments, steam vents, and welded connections ensures the entire process is as efficient and resilient as possible. This patent solidifies MagmaPower's role as a leader in geothermal innovation."
