Icelandic team files patent to boost geothermal wells

Landsvirkjun and Reykjavik University (HR) have jointly filed a patent application with the European Patent Office for a new technical solution designed to improve the utilisation of geothermal wells with insufficient pressure.

Ejector-based approach to low-pressure wells

The patented solution is based on a method for determining the size and thermodynamic properties of an ejector system. An ejector is a pump-like device that connects fluid streams operating at different pressure levels. The approach enables geothermal wells that were previously considered unsuitable for production due to low pressure to be brought into use.

According to the project partners, the solution can improve the overall utilisation of geothermal systems without requiring major or costly interventions. It is intended to extend the productive lifetime of geothermal wells and improve the economic performance of geothermal power and heat generation.

Testing at Theistareykir geothermal field

The technology has been tested both at Landsvirkjun’s Theistareykir geothermal field in northeast Iceland and at the Energy Engineering Laboratory at Reykjavik University. The partners report positive results from these trials, supporting the technical feasibility of the approach under real operating conditions.

The solution may be particularly relevant for geothermal fields where wells have already been drilled and capital invested, but where pressure limitations have prevented their use for energy production.

Long-standing research collaboration

The patent application is the result of more than a decade of formal collaboration between Reykjavik University and Landsvirkjun in research, innovation, and technology development related to energy and climate solutions. The project received funding from Iceland’s Technology Development Fund in 2021.

The inventors include doctoral students, faculty members, and former students from the engineering department at Reykjavik University, as well as a geothermal operations specialist from Landsvirkjun’s Mývatn area.

Supporting efficient resource use

The partners state that the technology aligns with broader goals of sustainable energy utilisation and more efficient use of natural resources. By enabling additional production from existing geothermal assets, the approach could support energy transition objectives while reducing the need for new drilling.

Source: Reykjavik University