Abstract: Herewith are methods and embodiment of an apparatus for using geothermal heat for pyrolysis. In some embodiments, a pyrolysis reaction chamber is lowered into a well, where the pyrolysis reaction can be driven by geothermal heat. In some embodiments the reaction chamber is connected to second chamber to contain the gas reaction products produced by the pyrolysis reaction. In some embodiments, the reaction chamber and the gas collection chamber are separated by some distance in the well, and are connected by a long hose or conduit. A spallation drilling apparatus is also disclosed that uses jets of hot fluid for drilling. This is compatible with drilling wells in high temperature zones, such as a lava dome. A simplified pyrolysis reactor for use in a lava dome is also disclosed, in which the dome functions to contain the reaction, and the apparatus to facilitate pyrolysis is far more compact.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid. In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid. In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid. In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith are methods and embodiment of an apparatus for using geothermal heat for pyrolysis. In some embodiments, a pyrolysis reaction chamber is lowered into a well, where the pyrolysis reaction can be driven by geothermal heat. In some embodiments the reaction chamber is connected to second chamber to contain the gas reaction products produced by the pyrolysis reaction. In some embodiments, the reaction chamber and the gas collection chamber are separated by some distance in the well, and are connected by a long hose or conduit. A spallation drilling apparatus is also disclosed that uses jets of hot fluid for drilling. This is compatible with drilling wells in high temperature zones, such as a lava dome. A simplified pyrolysis reactor for use in a lava dome is also disclosed, in which the dome functions to contain the reaction, and the apparatus to facilitate pyrolysis is far more compact.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, comprising providing salt into a well shaft that ends in a chamber in the Earth surrounded by a source of geothermal energy. The salt melts and heats up to the temperature within the chamber. The hot molten salt is then extracted, and the heat from the molten salt is used as a source of energy to generate electricity or drive an industrial process. The salt can be re-used once the heat is extracted in a closed-loop system. In some embodiments of the invention, the salt is conveyed down the well by a pneumatic conveyer system, or in other cases by using a mechanical system, such as a screw drive. Once returned to the surface, the molten salt can be used to heat graphite blocks for energy storage, or be stored and transported to remote locations to extract the heat energy.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process. The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid. In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.