GE Awarded $2MM to Develop Sensor for Geothermal Wells in the United States
Funding is part of an $11MM grant from the U.S Department of Energy to broaden access and reduce the cost of utilizing clean power from geothermal heat sources.
Billerica, MA. – November 19, 2009.
GE has been awarded $2MM to develop a sensor that can operate at the high temperatures and pressures needed for enhanced geothermal systems. The funding is part of a $11MM grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to enhance geothermal power generation in the United States. The funding involves four projects that collectively will help accelerate key advancements that enable access to new geothermal fields.
“Harnessing energy through geothermal power requires careful monitoring to ensure drilling and fracturing techniques do not cause unintended consequences,” says Ted Furlong, Measurement Solutions Technology Leader at GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies. “The sensor system will monitor pressure, temperature and strain to help ensure the safety and reliability of the well casing during operation.”
The sensor will be based on a proven design from GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies, which will refine, optimize and package the sensor for this challenging application. The new sensor will provide accurate, real-time temperature, pressure, strain and vibration sensing and high temperature geothermal environments. Geothermal energy taps sources of heat deep inside the earth to produce clean, carbon-free power. Current technology limits areas where this type of power can be accessed cost-effectively.
The three complementary projects were awarded to fellow GE businesses to develop:
* High temperature components for a pumping system that can access deeper geothermal wells;
* New technologies enabling recovery of geothermal energy from lower temperature heat sources using alternative fluids;
* A high-tech sensor that can operate at the high temperatures and pressures needed for enhanced geothermal systems, which will increase understanding of high temperature environments in the subsurface and lead to more cost-effective ways to drill new wells.
GE’s research in geothermal power is part of its companywide ecomagination initiative to drive the development of environmental friendly technologies that solve some of the world’s toughest energy challenges. Launched in 2005, GE has introduced more than 80 green products to market.
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GE Measurement & Control Solutions is a leading innovator in advanced, sensor-based measurement, non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection and condition monitoring, delivering accuracy, productivity and safety to a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. It has over 40 facilities in 25 countries and is part of GE Energy Services, which provides cleaner, smarter, more efficient solutions for its customers.