OLI SYSTEMS INC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: C53-21a

Description

Trouble-free performance of downhole and surface components contributes significantly to the generation of low-cost electricity from geothermal energy systems. Because geothermal environments can be extremely corrosive, managing the corrosion of alloys used in geothermal system through a combination of proper alloy selection and operational practices is essential. Unfortunately, materials selection and operational guidance for geothermal systems at present are qualitative and provide mainly lagging indication of performance. The proposed project will develop a fully physics-based model to enable predictive approach to managing corrosion of geothermal systems. The overall objective of Phase 1 is to extend the mixed solvent electrolyte model to model electrochemical kinetics and localized corrosion of alloys and chemistries encountered in geothermal systems. The effect of scale formation on corrosion will be considered. Limited laboratory data will be developed by California Polytechnic Pomona to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach. Validation of the model will be performed using existing geothermal corrosion data. In Phase 2, the model will be further extended to include a variety of non-aqueous/mixed solvent systems that may be used in Enhanced Geothermal Systems and additional alloys that may be considered either as monolithic or coating applications. An advisory module will be created to convert the detailed model predictions into implemental action items/recommendations. The model will be incorporated in a cloud platform. Broader benefits of the project will include the ability to model electrochemical kinetics in non-aqueous environments involved in energy storage and metal separation applications.