Identification to Future Research for High Temperature Instrumentation for Geothermal Applications

This work reviews the critical improvements needed to enhance high temperature (HT) geothermal instrumentation towards reliable characterization of deep subsurface geothermal wells and reservoirs. To close the current technology gap R&D efforts must be rationally prioritized; Sandia National Laboratories interviewed multiple experts from geothermal industries who have firsthand experience with evaluating the geothermal subsurface, including Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) geothermal instrumentation developers and service providers for well evaluation. To support the rigorous advancement of geothermal energy production as a global renewable energy resource, we identify four priority R&D needs: HT embedded electronic system, HT high pressure harsh fluid sensing hardware, HT means for communications, and HT energy storage.