Deep U-tube heat exchanger breakthrough: combining laser and cryogenic gas for geothermal energy exploitationbroad
DeepU · Horizon Europe grant · 2022-03-01–2025-10-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDEROPEN-01 · scheme HORIZON-EIC · topic HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDEROPEN-01-01. CORDIS record →
Objective
The future disruptive technology envisioned in “Deep U-tube heat exchanger breakthrough: combining laser and cryogenics gas for geothermal energy exploitation (DeepU)” Project is expected to revolutionize the deep geothermal energy sector. The ultimate goal is to create a deep (>4 km) closed-loop connection in the shape of a U-tube exchanger, combining laser and cryogenic gas in a single technological drilling solution. Specific temperature control analysis and innovative laser lenses able to convey the heat and to sustain multilateral drilling will be developed alongside the U-tube creation, guaranteeing liquefaction and vitrification of the rocks from ground surface to greater depths. Then, a U-tube system ready to exchange heat with the underground becomes the main tool to exploit or store geothermal energy, meeting energy needs in power and thermal energy production. Hence, DeepU project targets a novel and ambitious science-to technology breakthrough in the field of geothermal exploitation. The overall aim is the creation in laboratory of a vitrified, waterproof, non-cracked U-tube exchanger for different kind of rocks. This will be achieved by a laser drill head combined with special drill strings sustaining the coupled action of laser and cryogenic gas, responsible for melting, evaporating and cooling even the hardest rocks. Then, (i) the physical-thermal phenomena affecting the rocks, (ii) an evaluation of the legislative aspects and environmental standard related to the innovation proposed, (iii) the modelling of the DeepU geothermal exploitation potential considering some virtual case studies will be assessed. The high-risk innovation proposed has the potential to make geothermal energy systems accessible anywhere in a targeted and demand-oriented manner, offering a complimentary approach and an alternative solution to traditional energy storage and production, decentralizing the power supply also in areas where this is currently deemed uneconomic.
Beneficiaries (7)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R.E.D. SRL | IT | coordinator | €309,496 | Yes |
| FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV | DE | participant | €1,203,944 | |
| PREVENT GMBH | DE | participant | €727,500 | Yes |
| POLITECHNIKA WROCLAWSKA | PL | participant | €392,158 | |
| UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA | IT | participant | €384,109 | |
| TERRA GEOSERV LIMITED | IE | participant | €232,975 | Yes |
| CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE | IT | participant | €175,460 |
Get the EU Defence Funding Calendar — free
The full calendar of open EU defence and dual-use funding calls, sorted by deadline, updated nightly. Delivered with DFM Analysis, our weekly briefing on who is funding what in European defence.
Or browse all open defence & dual-use calls on the funding calendar →
Defence Finance Monitor is an analytical and informational product. Grant data is official CORDIS; the paid Annual Professional subscription is handled on DFM Analysis.