System and method for enhanced geothermal energy extraction

Abstract

Provided are a system and method for actively recovering thermal energy, hydrocarbons, and other energy resources from a formation. In one example, multiple fluid conduits are inserted into a borehole. Combustion fluid is injected into the formation via one of the conduits. The combustion fluid is used to ignite and maintain a combustion zone by burning fuel in the formation. To extract thermal energy, cool fluid is circulated through the borehole via another conduit and heated by the thermal energy in the combustion zone. Thermal energy may be recovered from the heated fluid or other processing may be performed for various types of energy recovery. A fluid flow and composition of the combustion fluid and a fluid flow rate of the cool fluid may be individually controlled for purposes such as regulating heat transfer, balancing thermal energy recovery with enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and regulating temperature and pressure for safety.