Conventional Geothermal Systems and Unconventional Geothermal Developments: An Overview

This paper provides an overview of conventional geothermal systems and unconventional geothermal developments as a common reference is needed for discussions between energy professionals. Conventional geothermal systems have the heat, permeability and fluid, requiring only drilling down to °C, normal heat flow or decaying radiogenic granite as heat sources, and used in district heating. Medium-temperature (MT) 100°C - 190°C, and high-temperature (HT) 190°C - 374°C resources are mostly at plate boundaries, with volcanic intrusive heat source, used mostly for electricity generation. Single well capacities are °C - 500°C) and a range of depths (1 m to 20 Km), but lack permeability or fluid, thus requiring stimulations for heat extraction by conduction. HVAC is 1 - 2 m deep and shallow geothermal down to 500 m in wells, both capturing °C, with °C are either advanced by geothermal developers at <7 Km depth (Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), drilling below brittle-ductile transition zones and under geothermal fields), or by the Oil & Gas industry (Advanced Geothermal Systems, heat recovery from hydrocarbon wells or reservoirs, Superhot Rock Geothermal, and millimeter-wave drilling down to 20 Km). Their primary aim is electricity generation, relying on closed-loops, but EGS uses fractures for heat exchange with earthquake risks during fracking. Unconventional approaches could be everywhere, with shallow geothermal already functional. The deeper and hotter unconventional alternatives are still experimental, overcoming costs and technological challenges to become fully commercial. Meanwhile, the conventional geothermal resources remain the most proven opportunities for investments and development.

A combined method using Lattice Boltzmann Method(LBM)and Finite Volume Method(FVM)to simulate geothermal reservoirs in Enhanced Geothermal System(EGS)

With the development of industrial activities,global warming has accelerated due to excessive emission of CO_(2).Enhanced Geothermal System(EGS)utilizes deep geothermal heat for power generation.Although porous medium theory is commonly employed to model geothermal reservoirs in EGS,Hot Dry Rock(HDR)presents a challenge as it consists of impermeable granite with zero porosity,potentially distorting the physical interpretation.To address this,the Lattice Boltzmann Method(LBM)is employed to simulate CO_(2)flow within geothermal reservoirs and the Finite Volume Method(FVM)to solve the energy conservation equation for temperature distribution.This combined method of LBM and FVM is imple-mented using MATLAB.The results showed that the Reynolds numbers(Re)of 3,000 and 8,000 lead to higher heat extraction rates from geothermal reservoirs.However,higher Re values may accelerate thermal breakthrough,posing challenges to EGS operation.Meanwhile,non-equilibrium of density in fractures becomes more pronounced during the system's life cycle,with non-Darcy's law becoming significant at Re values of 3,000 and 8,000.Density stratification due to buoyancy effects significantly impacts temperature distribution within geothermal reservoirs,with buoyancy effects at Re=100 under gravitational influence being noteworthy.Larger Re values(3,000 and 8,000)induce stronger forced convection,leading to more uniform density distribution.The addition of proppant negatively affects heat transfer performance in geothermal reservoirs,especially in single fractures.Practical engineering considerations should determine the quantity of proppant through detailed numerical simulations.

Structural Controls Analysis and Its Correlation with Geothermal Occurrence at Barrier Volcanic Complex (BVC), Turkana, Kenya

Geothermal is a clean energy source that is freely available in the subsurface. The exploitation of this vital resource needs intensive exploration in order to identify and quantify its occurrence. The three parameters considered when assessing the viability of a geothermal system include;heat source, fractures and fluids. Geological structures are important in transportation of fluids to and from the heat source aiding in recharge of the geothermal system and enhancing productivity. Remote sensing method was applied in mapping the structures at Barrier Volcanic Complex (BVC) by using hill shading technique which utilized four illumination angles of the sun (azimuth) i.e. 45°, 90°, 150°, and 315°, constant elevation of 45° and exaggeration of 10. The data used was Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) Satellite Imagery. ArcGIS Software was used for lineaments delineation and density mapping, PCI Geomatica was used to generate major faults, while Georose and Rockworks 17 were used to generate the rose diagrams. Geological structural analysis was done by delineating lineaments, determining the density distribution of lineaments and finally determining the structural trends of lineaments. The generated major faults in the area and the location of the occurrence of surface manifestations were compared with the generated lineaments. A total of 260 lineaments were generated whereby at 45° there was a total of 60 lineaments, at 90° 95 lineaments, at 150° 61 lineaments, and at 315° 44 lineaments. The results of structural analysis in the area as shown by the rose diagrams indicate an NNE-SSW and N-S trending of structures. In conclusion, the study area is highly fractured as indicated by the presence of numerous lineaments. These lineaments provide good recharge to the geothermal system and enhance the geothermal reservoir in the area.

Exploring Heat Sources Using Gravimetric Data: A Case Study of Magadi Geothermal Prospect, Kenya

Understanding the location of the subsurface heat sources is crucial for efficient geothermal resource exploration and exploitation. This study aimed to investigate the faults and the depth to heat sources for a geothermal system in Magadi, southern Rift Valley, through the integration of gravity mapping, 3D Euler deconvolution, and spectral analysis. Gravity mapping is a powerful geophysical method widely used to infer subsurface density variations, which are indicative of geological structures and volcanic intrusions that can be potential heat sources. The Volcano-Tectonic and Fluvial-Deltaic Sedimentation process of the Kenyan rift which encompasses the Magadi basin are responsible for geomorphic and geologic processes in the area. Alkali lava sheets of Magadi plateau trachytes covered with lacustrine sediments characterize 80% of the area. Deeper is the Tanzanian craton basement, overlain by Pliocene to Miocene volcanic and sedimentary rocks. A gravity survey with a data density of 2.375 stations/km2 produced high-resolution anomaly and total horizontal derivative maps showing gravity highs between −180 mGals to −174 mGals along the eastern zone of the study area. A buried major fault trending N-S was delineated in the mid-upper region of the area by Euler solutions at an average depth of 350 meters. Deeper features associated with possible volcanic dykes and sills gave Euler depth ranges of 0.7 km to 2.2 km. Radial average spectral analysis showed depth to the top of shallow and deep features at 2.4694 km and 5.827 km respectively. The correlation between gravity anomalies, geological structures, and present hot springs supports the hypothesis that volcanic processes have played a significant role in the development of the geothermal system in the study area.

Distribution,exploitation,and utilization of intermediate-to-deep geothermal resources in eastern China

The part of China,east of the Hu Huanyong Line,is commonly referred to as eastern China.It is characterized by a high population density and a well-developed economy;it also has huge energy demands.This study assesses and promotes the large-scale development of geothermal resources in eastern China by analyzing deep geological structures,geothermal regimes,and typical geothermal systems.These analyses are based on data collected from geotectology,deep geophysics,geothermics,structural geology,and petrology.Determining the distribution patterns of intermediate-to-deep geothermal resources in the region helps develop prospects for their exploitation and utilization.Eastern China hosts superimposed layers of rocks from three major,global tectonic domainsd namely Paleo-Asian,Circum-Pacific,and Tethyan rocks.The structure of its crust and mantle exhibits a special flyover pattern,with basins and mountains as well as well-spaced uplifts and depressions alternatively on top.The lithosphere in Northeast China and North China is characterized by a thin,low density crust and mantle,whereas the lithosphere in South China has a thin,low density crust and a thick,high density mantle.The middle and upper crust contain geobodies with high conductivity and low velocity,with varying degrees of development that create favorable conditions for the formation and enrichment of geothermal resources.Moderate-to-high temperature geothermal resources are distributed in the MesozoiceCenozoic basins in eastern China,although moderate temperature geothermal resources with low abundance dominate.Porous sandstone reservoirs,karstified fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs,and fissured granite reservoirs are the main types of geothermal reservoirs in this region.Under the currently available technical conditions,the exploitation and utilization of geothermal resources in eastern China favor direct utilization over large-scale geothermal power generation.In Northeast China and North China,geothermal resources could be applied for large-scale geothermal heating purposes;geothermal heating could be applied during winter along parts of the Yangtze River while geothermal cooling would be more suitable for summer there;geothermal cooling could also be applied to much of South China.Geothermal resources can also be applied to high value-added industries,to aid agricultural practices,and for tourism.

Integrated application of gravity,aeromagnetic,and electromagnetic methods in exploring the Ganzi geothermal field,Sichuan Province,China

The Ganzi geothermal field is located in the Songpan-Ganzi orogenic belt in Sichuan Province.Many hot springs are exposed along the Yalahe valley in Ganzi geothermal field,which is a favorable area for hightemperature geothermal resource exploration.However,the geological model of heat exchange,the regional structure controlling hydrothermal convection and the development model of geothermal reservoirs are still unclear.Therefore,further studies are necessary to meet the geothermal exploration requirements in the middle and deep strata of this geothermal field.In this study,a geological model of the geothermal system of Ganzi geothermal field is proposed.We are convinced that there exists a hydrothermal convection system in the Ganzi geothermal field,the heat transfer of which is accomplished through deep-rooted major faults.Therefore,the identification of deep-rooted major faults and the description of geothermal reservoirs are the research objects of the integrated geophysical methods.The main factors controlling the geothermal reservoirs in the deep-rooted Xianshuihe major fault and Yalahe fault zones are analyzed by using gravity,aeromagnetic,and electromagnetic methods and techniques.The analysis results of regional gravity and aeromagnetic anomalies show that the Xianshuihe major fault has produced obvious gravity and aeromagnetic anomalies on the surface,and thus the position and strike of this fault can be accurately predicted by inversion of the aeromagnetic anomalies.Geothermal reservoirs show low-resistivity anomalies in the electromagnetic profile.The inversion results of the controlled source audio-frequency magnetotelluric(CSAMT)data show that geothermal reservoirs are mainly developed along the Yalahe valley,and the west side of the valley is more favorable for geothermal exploration.This study is of guiding significance to the efficient exploitation and utilization of the Ganzi geothermal field.

Factors controlling the distribution of granite reservoirs of hydrothermal system type in South China:A case study of Huangshadong geothermal field in Yuezhong Depression,China

The granitoids widely distributed in South China are characterized by multi-stage evolution via episodic intrusions,in a complex geodynamic setting.Since granites have high radioactive heat generation and excellent thermal conductivity,a deep moderate-to high-temperature geothermal system can be formed in the presence of high-quality,fissured granite geothermal reservoirs and thermal insulation with appropriate cap rocks.The key to exploring deep geothermal resources is to identify high-quality fissured granite geothermal reservoirs of a certain scale in a thermal anomaly zone with high background heatflow values.To determine the controlling effects of the distribution and development characteristics of granite geothermal reservoirs on the generation and enrichment of deep geothermal resources,this study analyzed the characteristics of the geothermal reservoirs in the Huangshadong geothermal field in the Yuezhong Depression,Guangdong Province,and their controlling effects on the formation of geothermal resources.The results are as follows.The hydrothermal system in the Huangshadong geothermal field mainly distributed in the contact zones between magmatic plutons and surrounding rocks,is significantly controlled by faults,followed by neoid volcanic apparatus and magmatic activities.That is,the geothermal system therein is under joint control of structures and magmas.Moreover,fractured zones of neoid transtensional faults conduct the geothermal water in the hydrothermal system and control its shallow discharge.Therefore,the hydrothermal system in the study area is characterized by the control of transpressional tectonic zone and volcanic apparatus,and geothermal water conduction through fractured zones of transtensional faults.

Characteristics and prospect of geothermal industry in China under the“dual carbon”target

Geothermal energy utilization in China had been promoted actively during the 13^(th)Five-Year Plan period(2016-2020),with resultant achievements showing unique Chinese characteristics.Buildings(measured by areas)heated/cooled by intermediate-to-deep geothermal energy increased more rapidly than those by shallow geothermal energy.Geothermal power generation was restricted by the distribution of the resource and the sufficiency of local power supply.With the proposition of“dual carbon goal”by the central government of China and the coming era of great development of renewable energy,geothermal energy will be provided more development opportunities in room heating/cooling and power generation in the country ever than before.However,tackling technology bottlenecks and introduction of appropriate policy support are still urgently needed for nurturing a healthy environment for geothermal industry.Analysis suggests that a near-to medium-term development of geothermal energy shall be focused on a comprehensive and efficient utilization both through heating/cooling and power generation.Room heating/cooling by intermediate-to-deep and shallow geothermal energy shall be promoted nationwide according to local resource endowment and economic conditions.Geothermal power generation in Yunnan and Tibet shall be pushed forward in an orderly way.For medium-and long-term development,focus shall be put on power generation by using low to medium temperature geothermal energy and hot dry rocks.The"hot spring+"model shall be adapted in steps on a regular basis.To achieve these,measures including attaching importance to tackling key technologies,promoting standards for geothermal energy development and utilization,strengthening geothermal energy exploration and evaluation,and seeking for necessary policy support shall be taken.

Deep bedrock geothermal resources in the Maichen Sag,Beibuwan Basin and their potential for exploitation and utilization

The Maichen Sag in the south-central part of the Beibuwan Basin is abundant in geothermal resources that have not been widely exploited and utilized due to inadequate research on it.This study evaluated the geothermal resources in the Maichen Sag based on the regional geological setting and geothermal conditions.Grid units for assessment and a geological model for areas with geothermal resources were established using spatial analysis techniques.The spatial distribution models of the physical and thermophysical properties of the geothermal reservoirs were also built using the Kriging interpolation method.Based on the terrestrial heat flow distribution in the target areas,the spatial distribution of the geo-temperature field through the inversion under the constraints of the temperature data from boreholes were predicted.Factors such as deep geo-temperature,thermophysical properties of rocks,and terrestrial heat flow values,were integrated into this quantitative evaluation of geothermal resources through the geological modeling-based volume method and the geothermal reservoir engineering-based numerical simulation method.The results show that the Maichen Sag has favorable heat source conditions with intersected,deep-rooted faults and widely developed Upper Paleozoic fissured granite geothermal reservoirs.The northern outer slope zone at a burial depth of 3‒5 km on the tectonic plane of the basement in the sag is suggested to be a potential target area,where,as calculated using the volume method,is likely to be the home to the total geothermal resources of 80.4×10^(9)GJ(i.e.,2.75×10^(9)tonnes of coal equivalent(tce))in the bedrock geothermal reservoirs at a burial depth of 3‒6 km.The geotemperature of 172‒201℃at a formation depth of 5 km in the sag also indicates that the deep geothermal resources are of high value for exploitation.

Simulation study of supercritical carbon dioxide jet fracturing for carbonate geothermal reservoir based on fluid-thermo-mechanical coupling model

Geothermal energy is a kind of renewable,sustainable and clean energy resource.Geothermal energy is abundant in carbonate reservoirs.However,low matrix permeability limits its exploitation.The super-critical carbon dioxide(SC-CO_(2))jet fracturing is expected to efficiently stimulate the carbonate geothermal reservoirs and achieve the storage of CO_(2) simultaneously.In this paper,we established a transient seepage and fluid-thermo-mechanical coupled model to analyze the impact performance of sc-CO_(2) jet fracturing.The mesh-based parallel code coupling interface was employed to couple the fluid and solid domains by exchanging the data through the mesh interface.The physical properties change of sC-CO_(2) with temperature were considered in the numerical model.Results showed that SC-CO_(2) jet frac-turing is superior to water-jet fracturing with respect to jetting velocity,particle trajectory and pene-trability.Besides,stress distribution on the carbonate rock showed that the tensile and shear failure would more easily occur by SC-CO_(2) jet than that by water jet.Moreover,pressure and temperature control the jet field and seepage field of sC-CO_(2) simultaneously.Increasing the jet temperature can effectively enhance the impingement effect and seepage process by decreasing the viscosity and density of SC-CO_(2).The key findings are expected to provide a theoretical basis and design reference for applying SC-CO_(2) jet fracturing in carbonate geothermal reservoirs.

An Integrated Framework for Geothermal Energy Storage with CO_(2)Sequestration and Utilization

Subsurface geothermal energy storage has greater potential than other energy storage strategies in terms of capacity scale and time duration.Carbon dioxide(CO_(2))is regarded as a potential medium for energy storage due to its superior thermal properties.Moreover,the use of CO_(2)plumes for geothermal energy storage mitigates the greenhouse effect by storing CO_(2)in geological bodies.In this work,an integrated framework is proposed for synergistic geothermal energy storage and CO_(2)sequestration and utilization.Within this framework,CO_(2)is first injected into geothermal layers for energy accumulation.The resultant high-energy CO_(2)is then introduced into a target oil reservoir for CO_(2)utilization and geothermal energy storage.As a result,CO_(2)is sequestrated in the geological oil reservoir body.The results show that,as high-energy CO_(2)is injected,the average temperature of the whole target reservoir is greatly increased.With the assistance of geothermal energy,the geological utilization efficiency of CO_(2)is higher,resulting in a 10.1%increase in oil displacement efficiency.According to a storage-potential assessment of the simulated CO_(2)site,110 years after the CO_(2)injection,the utilization efficiency of the geological body will be as high as 91.2%,and the final injection quantity of the CO_(2)in the site will be as high as 9.529×10^(8)t.After 1000 years sequestration,the supercritical phase dominates in CO_(2)sequestration,followed by the liquid phase and then the mineralized phase.In addition,CO_(2)sequestration accounting for dissolution trapping increases significantly due to the presence of residual oil.More importantly,CO_(2)exhibits excellent performance in storing geothermal energy on a large scale;for example,the total energy stored in the studied geological body can provide the yearly energy supply for over 3.5×10^(7) normal households.Application of this integrated approach holds great significance for large-scale geothermal energy storage and the achievement of carbon neutrality.

Geothermal anomalies in the Xianshuihe area: Implications for tunnel construction along the Sichuan-Tibet Railway, China

This study presents a comprehensively analysis of geothermal characteristics in the Xianshuihe geothermal area along the Sichuan-Tibet Railway,using temperature logging,temperature monitoring and thermal conductivity measurement,and regional geothermal geological survey data.The research focuses on the geothermal background,geothermal field,and their potential impact on the surrounding tunnels.The investigation reveals that the average heat flow value in the study area is approximately 73.0 mW/m^(2),significantly higher than the average terrestrial heat flow in China's Mainland(62.5 mW/m^(2)).This high terrestrial heat flow signifies a distinct thermal background in the area.In addition,geothermal anomalies in the area are found to be closely associated with the distribution of hot springs along NW faults,indicating a strong control by the Xianshuihe fault zone.The study concludes that the region's favorable conditions for geothermal resources are attributed to the combination of high terrestrial heatflow background and water-conducting faults.However,these conditions also pose a potential threat of heat damage to the tunnels along the Sichuan-Tibet Railway.To evaluate the risk,the research takes into account the terrestrial heat flow,thermal conductivity of the tunnel surrounding rocks,characteristics of the regional constant temperature layer,as well as the distribution of hot springs and faults.The analysis specifically focuses on the thermal damage risk of Kangding 1# tunnel and 2# tunnel passing through the study area.Based on the findings,it is determined that Kangding 1# tunnel and 2# tunnel have relatively low risk of heat damage,as they have avoided most of the high temperature anomaly areas.However,several sections of the tunnels do traverse zones with low to medium temperatures,where surface rock temperatures can reach up to 45℃.Therefore,these regions should not be neglected during the construction and operation of the tunnel project,and mitigation measures may be necessary to address the potential heat-related challenges in the area.

Characteristics,Formation Periods,and Controlling Factors of Tectonic Fractures in Carbonate Geothermal Reservoirs:A Case Study of the Jixianian System in the Xiong'an New Area,China

As typical carbonate geothermal reservoirs with low porosity in northern China,the Jixianian System in the Xiong’an New Area is the main target for geothermal fluid exploration.The Jixianian System comprises the Gaoyuzhuang,Yangzhuang,Wumishan,Hongshuizhuang,and Tieling formations.The characteristics,formation periods,and controlling factors of reservoir tectonic fractures have been determined based on analyses of outcrops,cores,thin sections,and image logs.The results show that unfilled fractures account for over 87% and most tectonic fractures are high-angle shear fractures with angles concentrated at 40°to 70°and the fracture porosity increases linearly with an increased fracture aperture.Within the same tectonic setting and stress field,the lithology and layer thickness are the dominant factors governing the development of tectonic fractures,which are the most developed in dolomites and thin layers.Tectonic fractures were most likely formed in regions near faults or areas with larger stress gradients.The tectonic fractures in the carbonate geothermal reservoirs are roughly divided into four sets:NNW-SSE and NNE-SSW oriented‘X’-conjugated shear fractures formed from the Paleozoic to the pre-Yanshanian Movement;NE-SW-oriented shear fractures,formed in episode B of the Yanshanian Movement,occurred at the Early Cretaceous;nearly E-W-oriented tensional fractures formed in the late Yanshanian Movement at the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene,and NEE-SW-oriented shear fractures formed during the Himalayan movement.

Fracture propagation laws of staged hydraulic fracture in fractured geothermal reservoir based on phase field model

Hydraulic fracturing is widely used in geothermal resource exploitation, and many natural fractures exist in hot dry rock reservoirs due to in-situ stress and faults. However, the infuence of natural fractures on hydraulic fracture propagation is not considered in the current study. In this paper, based on the phase feld model, a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled hydraulic fracture propagation model was established to reveal the infuence of injection time, fracturing method, injection fow rate, and natural fracture distribution on the fracture propagation mechanism. The results show that fracture complexity increases with an increase in injection time. The stress disturbance causes the fracture initiation pressure of the second cluster signifcantly higher than that of the frst and third clusters. The zipper-type fracturing method can reduce the degree of stress disturbance and increase fracture complexity by 7.2% compared to simultaneous hydraulic fracturing. Both low and high injection fow rate lead to a decrease in fracture propagation time, which is not conducive to an increase in fracture complexity. An increase in the natural fracture angle leads to hydraulic fracture crossing natural fracture, but has a lesser efect on fracture complexity. In this paper, we analyzed the infuence of diferent factors on initiation pressure and fracture complexity, providing valuable guidance for the exploitation of geothermal resources.

Analyses of non-aqueous reactive polymer insulation layer in high geothermal tunnel

The scenario of geothermal tunnel is commonly observed around the world,and increases with the new constructions in the long and deep tunnels,for example in China.Tunnel insulation is generally divided into active and passive insulation.In passive insulation,it is an effective way to set low thermal con-ductivity materials as the thermal insulation layer as the choice of insulation material mainly depends on the thermal conductivity.Polymer is a kind of material with good geothermal performance,but there are relatively few studies.In this context,the transient plane source(TPS)method was used to measure the thermal conductivity of the developed polymer.Then,the temperature field of the high geothermal tunnel insulated by the non-aqueous reactive polymer layer was simulated.With the parametric analysis results,the suggestions for the tunnel layers were proposed accordingly.It revealed that the thermal conductivity of polymer first increases and then decreases with temperature.There are two rising sec-tions(?40e10?C and 20e90?C),one flat section(10e20?C)and one descending section(>90?C).It is observed the thermal conductivity of polymer increases with increase of the density of insulation layer and the density,and the thermal conductivity decreases when exposed to high temperatures.The temperature of the surrounding rocks increases with increase of the thermal conductivity and the thickness of polymer.Finally,a more economical thickness(5 cm)was proposed.Based on the parametric study,a thermal insulation layer with thermal conductivity less than 0.045 W/(m K),thickness of 5 cm and a density less than 0.12 g/cm 3 is suggested for practice.

Optimization of a Single Flash Geothermal Power Plant Powered by a Trans-Critical Carbon Dioxide Cycle Using Genetic Algorithm and Nelder-Mead Simplex Method

The usage of renewable energies,including geothermal energy,is expanding rapidly worldwide.The low efficiency of geothermal cycles has consistently highlighted the importance of recovering heat loss for these cycles.This paper proposes a combined power generation cycle(single flash geothermal cycle with trans-critical CO_(2) cycle)and simulates in the EES(Engineering Equation Solver)software.The results show that the design parameters of the proposed system are significantly improved compared to the BASIC single flash cycle.Then,the proposed approach is optimized using the genetic algorithm and the Nelder-Mead Simplex method.Separator pressure,steam turbine output pressure,and CO_(2) turbine inlet pressure are three assumed variable parameters,and exergy efficiency is the target parameter.In the default operating mode,the system exergy efficiency was 32%,increasing to 39%using the genetic algorithm and 37%using the Nelder-Mead method.

Simulation of thermal breakthrough factors affecting carbonate geothermalto-well systems

Fractures play a pivotal role in carbonate thermal storage systems,serving as primary hydraulic conductivity channels that significantly influence thermal breakthrough times and heat extraction efficiency in geothermal-to-well systems.Their impact is critical for well placement and system life prediction.This paper focuses on a geothermal-to-well system within the carbonate reservoir of the Wumishan formation in the Rongcheng geothermal field,Xiong'an new area.It employs a combination of field tests and numerical simulations to determine the permeability of the reservoir and the evolution of fractures between wells.It also examines the influence of fracture width and roughness coefficient on the seepage and temperature fields under various injection scenarios and predicts thermal breakthrough times for production wells.The results show:Higher permeability is observed near well D16 compared to well D22 within the studied geothermal-to-well systems.Wider fractures between wells result in faster temperature decline in production wells.Lower injection flow rates lead to slower temperature reduction in injection wells.The use of roughness coefficients minimizes temperature variations in production wells.This study not only offers guidance for the development and utilization of the geothermal well system,but also contributes to a deeper understanding of the groundwater seepage and heat transfer process influenced by fractures.

A Feasibility Study of Using Geothermal Energy to Enhance Natural Gas Production from Offshore Gas Hydrate Reservoirs by CO_(2) Swapping

The energy industry faces a significant challenge in extracting natural gas from offshore natural gas hydrate(NGH)reservoirs,primarily due to the low productivity of wells and the high operational costs involved.The present study offers an assessment of the feasibility of utilizing geothermal energy to augment the production of natural gas from offshore gas hydrate reservoirs through the implementation of the methane-CO_(2)swapping technique.The present study expands the research scope of the authors beyond their previous publication,which exclusively examined the generation of methane from marine gas hydrates.Specifically,the current investigation explores the feasibility of utilizing the void spaces created by the extracted methane in the hydrate reservoir for carbon dioxide storage.Analytical models were employed to forecast the heat transfer from a geothermal zone to an NGH reservoir.A study was conducted utilizing data obtained from a reservoir situated in the Shenhu region of the Northern South China Sea.The findings of the model indicate that the implementation of geothermal heating can lead to a substantial enhancement in the productivity of wells located in heated reservoirs during CO_(2)swapping procedures.The non-linear relationship between the temperature of the heated reservoir and the rate of fold increase has been observed.It is anticipated that the fold of increase will surpass 5 when the gas hydrate reservoir undergoes a temperature rise from 6℃ to 16℃.The mathematical models utilized in this study did not incorporate the impact of heat convection resulting from CO_(2)flow into the gas reservoir.This factor has the potential to enhance well productivity.The mathematical models’deviation assumptions may cause over-prediction of well productivity in geothermal-stimulated reservoirs.Additional research is required to examine the impacts of temperature drawdown,heat convection resulting from depressurization,heat-induced gas pressure increment,and the presence of free gas in the formation containing hydrates.The process of CH4-CO_(2)swapping,which has been investigated,involves the utilization of geothermal stimulation.This method is highly encouraging as it enables the efficient injection of CO_(2)into gas hydrate reservoirs,resulting in the permanent sequestration of CO_(2)in a solid state.Additional research is warranted to examine the rate of mass transfer of CO_(2)within reservoirs of gas hydrates.

Spatio-temporal variations of shallow seismic velocity changes in Salton Sea Geothermal Field,California in response to large regional earthquakes and long-term geothermal activities

We measure spatio-temporal variations of seismic velocity changes in Salton Sea Geothermal Field,California based on cross correlations of daily seismic traces recorded by a borehole seismic network from December 2007 to January 2014.We find clear co-seismic velocity reductions during the 2010 M 7.2 El Mayor–Cucapah,Mexico earthquake at~100 km further south,followed by long-term recoveries.The co-seismic reductions are larger with longer post-seismic recoveries in higher frequency bands,indicating that material damage and healing process mostly occurred in the shallow depth.In addition,the co-seismic velocity reductions are larger for ray paths outside the active fluid injection/extraction regions.The ray paths inside injection/extraction regions are associated with smaller co-seismic reductions,but subtle long-term velocity increases.We also build 3D transient water flow models based on monthly injection/extraction rates,and find correlations between several water flow parameters and co-seismic velocity reductions.We interpret the relative lack of co-seismic velocity changes within the geothermal region as unclogging of fracture network due to persistent fluid flows of geothermal production.The long-term velocity increase is likely associated with the ground water depletion and subsidence due to net production.

The role of temperature‐enhanced fault closure in promoting postinjection pressure diffusion and seismicity in enhanced geothermal systems

Post shut‐in seismic events in enhanced geothermal systems(EGSs)occur predominantly at the outer rim of the co‐injection seismic cloud.The concept of postinjection fracture and fault closure near the injection well has been proposed and validated as a mechanism for enhancing post shut‐in pressure diffusion that promotes seismic hazard.This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the poro‐elastic closure of fractures resulting from the reduction of wellbore pressure after injection termination.However,the thermal effects in EGSs,mainly including heat transfer and thermal stress,may not be trivial and their role in postinjection fault closure and pressure evolution needs to be explored.In this study,we performed numerical simulations to analyze the relative importance of poro‐elasticity,heat transfer,and thermo‐elasticity in promoting postinjection fault closure and pressure diffusion.The numerical model wasfirst validated against analytical solutions in terms offluid pressure diffusion and against heatedflow‐through experiments in terms of thermal processes.We then quantified and distinguished the contribution of each individual mechanism by comparing four different shut‐in scenarios simulated under different coupled conditions.Our results highlight the importance of poro‐elastic fault closure in promoting postinjection pressure buildup and seismicity,and suggest that heat transfer can further augment the fault closure‐induced pressure increase and thus potentially intensify the postinjection seismic hazard,with minimal contribution from thermo‐elasticity.