Sandia sustains many different, unique capabilities for designing, characterizing, and assembling novel geothermal technologies. Learn more about the various facilities used by our geothermal research program.
The Computer Science Research Institute (CSRI) brings university faculty and students to Sandia for focused collaborative research on Department of Energy computer and computational science problems. CSRI focuses on research in areas of computer...
The Electronics Development Lab offers capabilities for high temperature electronic fabrication and assembly, the evaluation of electromagnetic hardware, optical evaluation, 3D printing, and long-term storage of sensitive electronics while under electro-static protection. Image depicts...
The Sandia FACT Site provides the equipment and seismically quiet surroundings required for testing infrasound and seismic sensors, instrumentation, and monitoring systems. This site allows for geothermal tools to be tested with a wireline truck to...
The Geochemistry Laboratories at Sandia support the investigation of basic scientific questions including material behaviors at mineral-fluid interfaces and the effects of chemical environment on fracture. Experimental geochemistry studies allow researchers to build and...
Sandia has extensive experience understanding the mechanical, hydrological, chemical, and thermal forces at play in geothermal systems and during drilling projects. Geothermal drilling and development require thorough characterization of the in-situ rock properties, fracture...
A large plot of land, known as Tech Area III, allows Sandia’s geothermal research program to evaluate large systems. For example, the program has 1,000 feet of drilling pipe that was used for evaluating...
Sandia maintains a large laboratory facility for the development, assembly, and testing of geothermal technologies. Sandia’s evaluation and assembly facility provides several testing, processing, and packaging stations and capabilities for high-temperature packaging, high-temperature and...
Geothermal resources are typically associated with igneous and metamorphic rocks, which are harder than the sedimentary rocks through which most oil and gas wells are drilled. The Hard Rock Drilling Facility features a vertical...
Sandia’s High Operating Temperature (HOT) Facility houses a 20-foot-tall drill rig, heating chamber, and process gas heater. HOT can simulate conditions deep underground by elevating the temperatures directly to the drill bit and can...
The Microsystem Assembly and Brazing Facility offers advanced capabilities for epoxy die bonding, soldering, wire bonding, seam sealing, holistic packaging and materials process analysis, metal deposition (e.g., PVD, CVD, ALD), 3D printing (e.g., PEEK,...
