As part of last week's $99 million announcement by the U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) research and development projects, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) will manage seven new projects across seven states, totaling $7 million in funding. Two projects involve geothermal energy research:
E-Spectrum Technologies, Inc., San Antonio, TX
$985,773 for a Near-Real-Time Electromagnetic Data-Link for Geothermal Downhole Instruments
This effort proposes a high-temperature electromagnetic tool to provide wireless, near-real-time access to geothermal well downhole data in reservoirs up to 300°C. The proposed effort will leverage existing electromagnetic data transmission technology used for oil and gas exploration to provide a cost-effective means to characterize underground environmental variables such as bit vibration, downhole temperature, and pressure conditions. This capability will minimize risks associated with developing geothermal energy as a viable power source.
Olympic Research, Inc., Port Townsend, WA
$1,009,468 for Controlled-Porosity Ceramic Materials for High Temperature Downhole Applications
Advanced geothermal energy production is challenged by the harsh thermal and chemical environments posed by fluids produced in geothermal wells. This technology introduces a novel method of forming high performance ceramic components in place to extend the operating life of the well components.