Abstract: A high-thermal conductivity slurry composition is contemplated that includes a slurry mixture comprising a high-thermal k material, water, and an optional dispersant. Preferably, the high thermal k material is in the form of a plurality of particles having a wide size distribution that spans across at least 2 log units and is present in an amount effective such that the slurry composition has, upon compaction or settling of the slurry mixture at a target location, a thermal conductivity of at least 3 W/m° K.

Abstract: Thermal energy is extracted from geological formations using a heat harvester. In some embodiments, the heat harvester is a once-through, closed loop, underground heat harvester created by directionally drilling through hot rock. The extracted thermal energy can be converted or transformed to other forms of energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved geoheat harvesting enhancements are presented in which a wellbore contains a closed loop geoheat harvesting system that is thermally coupled to a hot and dry rock formation via thermal reach enhancement structures that extend from the wellbore into the formation and that are filled with a thermally conductive filler. Preferred configurations and/or operational parameters are determined by a model that calculates heat flow in a three-dimensional system considering time changes and the influence of the thermal reach enhanced intrinsic thermal conductivity of the rock.

Abstract: A high-thermal conductivity grout composition is provided. The composition includes a grout mixture including a cementitious material, a retarder, and a high-thermal k material that advantageously can form a pumpable slurry upon admixture with water. The retarder is present in an amount effective that delays setting of the grout mixture at a target location having a geostatic target temperature of at least 300° F. for at least two hours. The high-thermal k material is present in an amount effective such that the grout mixture has, upon setting at the target location, a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W/m° K.

Abstract: A high-thermal conductivity slurry composition is provided that includes slurry mixture comprising a high-thermal k material and an optional dispersant. The high thermal k material is in form of a plurality of particles having a wide size distribution that spans across at least 2 log units. The high-thermal k material is present in an amount effective such that the slurry composition has, upon compaction or settling of the slurry mixture at a target location, a thermal conductivity of at least 3 W/m° K.

Abstract: An insulated joint in a pipe-in-pipe system comprises a weld that connects two inner pipes while respective outer pipes circumferentially enclose the inner pipes and terminate at a position distal from the weld. Respective rings are coupled to the inner pipes at the distal position and the outer pipes are welded to the rings. A joint insulation material covers the weld, and a sleeve segment covers the weld and joint insulation material. Preferably, the sleeve segment is formed from two half-pipe sleeve portions and welded to the rings to so secure the sleeve segment to the joined pipe-in-pipe segments. Contemplated pipe-in-pipe systems have significantly reduced thermal loss and provide strength sufficient for a pipe laying process that includes pipe bending and pipe straightening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved geoheat harvesting enhancements are presented in which a wellbore contains a closed loop geoheat harvesting system that is thermally coupled to a hot and dry rock formation via thermal reach enhancement structures that extend from the wellbore into the formation and that are filled with a thermally conductive filler. Preferred configurations and/or operational parameters are determined by a model that calculates heat flow in a three-dimensional system considering time changes and the influence of the thermal reach enhanced intrinsic thermal conductivity of the rock.

Abstract: A thermal reach enhanced geothermal wellbore is provided. The geothermal wellbore includes a wellbore extending from a topside surface to a target location in a formation. The geothermal wellbore further includes a plurality of fissures that distally extend from the target location into the formation and that are at least partially filled with a compacted high-thermal k material. The compacted high-thermal k material terminates on a proximal end at the target location of the wellbore and is thermally coupled to a high-thermal conductivity grout or slurry through which heat is conducted to a working fluid that is contained in a closed loop working fluid conduit embedded in the grout or slurry.

Abstract: A thermal reach enhanced geothermal wellbore has a plurality of fissures at a target location that distally extend into the formation and that are at least partially filled with a compacted high-thermal k material. The compacted high-thermal k material terminates on a proximal end of the fissure at the target location of the wellbore and is thermally coupled to a high-thermal conductivity grout or slurry through which heat is conducted to a working fluid that is contained in a closed loop working fluid conduit embedded in the grout or slurry.

Abstract: Thermal energy is extracted from geological formations using a heat harvester. In some embodiments, the heat harvester is a once-through, closed loop, underground heat harvester created by directionally drilling through hot rock. The extracted thermal energy can be converted or transformed to other forms of energy.