Magma Energy Extraction

Abstract

The rate at which energy can be extracted from crustal magma bodies has an important influence on the economic viability of the magma energy concept. Open heat exchanger systems where fluid is circulated through solidified magma offer the promise of high energy extraction rates. This concept was successfully demonstrated during experiments in the molten zone of Kilauea Iki lava lake. Ongoing research is directed at developing a fundamental understanding of the establishment and long term operation of open systems in a crustal masma body. These studies show that magma solidifying around a cooled borehole will be extensively fractured and fotm a permeable medium through which fluid can be circulated. Numerical modeling of the complete maem energy extraction process predicts that high quality thermal energy can be delivered to the wellhead at rates that will produce from 25 to 30 ERI electric.