Utilization of the Innovative A.S.C. Technology for 24/7 Solar Enhanced Oil Recovery

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the usage of the innovative ASC technology on low cost storage of solar thermal energy to generate high pressure steam for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to be utilized in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). The technology is patented, simulated and tested at Masdar Solar Platform in Masdar City- Abu Dhabi. Simulation showed that the solar radiation is concentrated by thousands of times allowing for high temperature hot air receive fixed to the ground. The heated air will then be used to store thermal energy in low cost compact bed refractory materials or even bedrocks. Thermal energy can be retrieved upon demand and high-pressure steam can be generated to be utilized in Solar Enhanced Oil Recovery. The concentration of solar energy at a fixed focal point allows easy storage and utilization of solar energy. Temperatures at around a Thousand Degrees Celsius were obtained even at low solar radiation which allows energy to be stored in low cost compact bed and high-pressure steam can easily be generated even during night. Financial and technical feasibility of the system is being investigated. The system is self-cleaning and has low wind resistance hence not needed to be placed inside a glass house. The temperature and energy of the hot air is measured in various weather conditions and is simulated to be stored in a compact bed refractory ceramic materials. The size of the system is scalable and modular hence it can meet the demand for any scale. The novelty of this technology is of its low cost and ability to store solar energy cheaply to supply it upon demand.