Effects of fracture evolution and non-Darcy flow on the thermal performance of enhanced geothermal system in 3D complex fractured rock

In fractured geothermal reservoirs,the fracture networks and internal fluid flow behaviors can significantly impact the thermal performance.In this study,we proposed a non-Darcy rough discrete fracture network(NR-DFN)model that can simultaneously consider the fracture evolution and non-Darcy flow dynamics in studying the thermo-hydro-mechanical(THM)coupling processes for heat extraction in geothermal reservoir.We further employed the model on the Habanero enhanced geothermal systems(EGS)project located in Australia.First,our findings illustrate a clear spatial-temporal variation in the thermal stress and pressure perturbations,as well as uneven spatial distribution of shear failure in 3D fracture networks.Activated shear failure is mainly concentrated in the first fracture cluster.Secondly,channeling flow have also been observed in DFNs during heat extraction and are further intensified by the expansion of fractures driven by thermal stresses.Moreover,the combined effect of non-Darcy flow and fracture evolution triggers a rapid decline in the resulting heat rate and temperature.The NR-DFN model framework and the Habanero EGS's results illustrate the importance of both fracture evolution and non-Darcy flow on the efficiency of EGS production and have the potential to promote the development of more sustainable and efficient EGS operations for stakeholders.

3D and 2D topographic correction to estimated geothermal gradient from the base of gas hydrate stability zone in the Andaman Forearc Basin

Methane gas hydrate related bottom-simulating reflectors(BSRs)are imaged based on the in-line and cross-line multi-channel seismic(MCS)data from the Andaman Forearc Basin.The depth of the BSR depends on pressure and temperature and pore water salinity.With these assumptions,the BSR depth can be used to estimate the geothermal gradient(GTG)based on the availability of in-situ temperature measurements.This calculation is done assuming a 1D conductive model based on available in-situ temperature measurement at site NGHP-01-17 in the study area.However,in the presence of seafloor topography,the conductive temperature field in the subsurface is affected by lateral refraction of heat,which focuses heat in topographic lows and away from topographic highs.The 1D estimate of GTG in the Andaman Forearc Basin has been validated by drilling results from the NGHP-01 expedition.2D analytic modeling to estimate the effects of topography is performed earlier along selected seismic profiles in the study area.The study extended to estimate the effect of topography in 3D using a numerical model.The corrected GTG data allow us to determine GTG values free of topographic effect.The difference between the estimated GTG and values corrected for the 3D topographic effect varies up to~5℃/km.These conclude that the topographic correction is relatively small compared to other uncertainties in the 1D model and that apparent GTG determined with the 1D model captures the major features,although the correction is needed prior to interpreting subtle features of the derived GTG maps.

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.

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.

Improved Preproduction Conceptual-Numerical Model of the Roosevelt Geothermal Field using Geological, Geochemical and Structural Information

The Roosevelt Hot Springs Known Geothermal Resource Area(KGRA) is a Basin and Range-type geothermal resource, which is located in southwestern Utah. The integrated multicomponent geothermometry(IMG) approach is used to estimate the reservoir temperature at the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. Geothermometric modeling results indicate the deep reservoir temperature is approximately 284.6°C. A conceptual model of the Roosevelt Hot Spring KGRA is provided through integrating the various pieces of exploration information, including the geological data, geothermometric results, temperature well log and field evidence. A two-dimensional cross-sectional model was thus built to quantitatively investigate the coupled thermal-hydraulic processes in the Roosevelt geothermal field. By matching the preproduction temperature log data of deep wells, parameters controlling flow and heat transport are identified. The method and model presented here may be useful for other geothermal fields with similar conditions.

Simultaneous Modelling of Gravity and Magnetic Data in a Measured Heat Flux Area to Characterize Geothermal Heat Sources: A Case for Eburru Geothermal Complex, Kenya

Forward modelling of gravity and magnetic data was done simultaneously to show the correlation between gravity and magnetic anomalies on a measured heat flux region. The results were used to characterize the heat source structures in Eburru area. Modelling was done using Oasis montaj geosoft software which is an iteration process where the gravity and magnetic anomalies were calculated and compared to the observed residual anomaly until there was a fit. The start model was constructed based on depths from Euler deconvolution and models constrained using stratigraphy data from the existing wells in the study area. Forward modelling of gravity and magnetic data revealed intrusions within the Earth’s subsurface with depth to the top of the sources ranging from 739 m to 5811 m. The density of the sources ranges between 3.0 g/cm3 and 3.2 g/cm3 while their magnetic susceptibility was zero. This implies that intrusions from the mantle with a magnetic susceptibility of zero have temperatures exceeding the curie temperature of rocks. The density of the intrusions modelled was higher than 2.67 g/cm3, the average crustal density, hence it explains the observed positive gravity anomaly. The results also revealed that areas with high heat flux have shallow heat sources and if the heat sources are deep, then there must be a good heat transfer mechanism to the surface.

Water scaling predication for typical sandstone geothermal reservoirs in the Xi'an Depression

The Xi'an Depression in the Guanzhong Basin of western China has been suggested to contain geothermal resources that could aid China in achieving carbon neutrality and optimizing energy structure.However,the high concentration of total dissolved solids(TDS)and scale-forming ions in geothermal water from the depression causes severe scaling problems in harvesting geothermal energy.To reduce scale-related problems,accurate identification of scale types and prediction of scaling during geothermal energy utilization are crucial.This study starts with identifying the types and trends of scaling in the study area,using index-based discriminant methods and hydrogeochemical simulation to calculate and analyze the mineral saturation index of water samples from some wellheads and of reconstructed fluid samples of geothermal reservoirs.The results indicate that the scales are mostly calcium carbonate scales rather than sulfate scales as a result of temperature changes.Several portions of the geothermal water systems are found to have distinct mineral scaling components.Quartz and chalcedony are formed in low temperature areas,while carbonate minerals are in high temperature areas.Despite the low iron content of geothermal water samples from the study area,scaling is very common due to scaling-prone iron minerals.The findings can be used to evaluate geothermal drainage systems and guide anti-scaling during geothermal energy utilization in similar settings.

Mathematical Model of the Geothermal Water Resources in the South Hot Spring System in Chongqing

The geothermal waters of south hot spring, small hot spring and Qiaokouba in Chongqing, are all part of the south hot spring geothermal water system. Exploitation has caused a decline in the water levels of the south and small hot springs, which have not flowed naturally for 15 years. Now, bores pump geothermal water to the springs. If the water level drops below the elevation of the rivers, river-water will replenish the geothermal water, destroying this resource. It is therefore an urgent task to model the geothermal water system, to enable sustainable development and continued use of the geothermal water in Qiaokouba. A numerical simulation of the geothermal water system was adopted and a quantitative study on the planning scheme was carried out. A mathematical model was set up to simulate the whole geothermal water system, based on data from the research sites. The model determined the maximum sustainable water yield in Qiaokouba and the two hot springs, and the south hot spring and small hot spring sustainable yields are 1 100 m^3/d and 700 m^3/d from 2006 to 2010, 1 300 m^3/d and 1 000 m^3/d from 2011 to 2015, and 1 500 m^3/d and 1 200 m^3/d from 2016 to 2036. The maximum exploitable yield is 3 300 m^3/d from 2006 to 2036 in Qiaokouba. The model supplies a basis to adequately exploit and effectively protect the geothermal water resources, and to continue to develop the geothermal water as a tourist attraction in Chongqing.

Geothermal Model of the Fore-Yenisey Sedimentary Basin——Transitional Structure between the Ancient Siberian Platform and the Young West Siberian Plate

Results of the investigation into the geothermal regime of the Fore-Yenisey sedimentary basin, formed during the collision and subsidence of the Kas-Turukhan microcontinent and the western margin of the Siberian craton in the late Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic are reported. It was established that the structural and geothermal conditions of the upper Precambrian–Paleozoic sections are similar to those in the western regions of the Siberian platform and are characterized by rather low geothermal gradients(12.5–25.5 ℃/km). In the western parts of the basin, formation temperatures in the uppermost pre-Jurassic sediments are 50℃–85℃, decreasing eastward to 30℃–55℃. For the first time, the detailed geothermal model of the basin sedimentary fill was developed. This model allows predictions of the geothermal conditions of Earth’s interior.

Genetic model and exploration target area of geothermal resources in Hongtang Area, Xiamen, China

The geothermal resources in Fujian Province are mainly hydrothermal resources of medium-low temperature.To better understand the whole process and conditions of heat control in the middle and deep crust,this study focuses on the analysis of heat accumulation model in Hongtang Area of Xiamen,and the main conditions of the model such as faults and sags are explored and interpreted in detail by using gravity and wide-field electromagnetic methods.4 main faults(F33,F2,F12 and HT-F1)and 10 secondary faults(HT-F2,HT-F3,HT-F4,HT-F5,HT-F6,HT-F7,HT-F8,HT-F9,HT-F10 and HT-F11)were inferred,and the distribution range of sags was delineated.The convective geothermal system is composed of four components:Heat source,geothermal reservoir,heat-conductive fault and heat retaining cover,which form a quaternary heat accumulation model.According to the model,the intersection of the main faults F12,HTF1 and F33 can be delineated as the primary target area of geothermal exploration,while the intersection of the secondary faults(F12 and HT-F6;F12 and HT-F2;HT-F9,HT-F10 and F12;F12 and HT-F11;F33 and HT-F3;HT-F8 and HT-F3;HT-F2,HT-F10 and HT-F1)can be delineated as the secondary target area.Borehole DR01,which is located in the primary target area,shows that the water temperature increases from fast to slow in the depth range of 0–500 m,and stays at 36℃below 500 m.The reliability of the heat accumulation model and the target area was tested via geothermal boreholes,which is of great significance to the exploitation and utilization of geothermal resources in Hongtang Area of Xiamen.

The Erupting-Flow Model and Erupting-Flow Types in Yangbajain Geothermal Field in China

Erupting-flow types of geothermal wells in the Yangbajain geothermal field, China, are proposed based on internal energy of geothermal fluids and hydrogeologic-dynamic conditions of wellbore. An erupting-flow model, which is adaptable to the steaming and erupting of flow from wells in the field, has been verified by actual cases.

3D Conceptual Modelling and Direct Utilization Calculations of The Albanian Geothermal Resources

Balneological use of the Albanian Geothermal springs and waters dates back centuries, but the first modern use started in 1937. Unfortunately they had not been used for its energetic values yet. The temperature of the water is above 60 °C and the flow above 16 l/s, thus direct utilization is possible, in particular for space heating. Three-dimensional temperature field calculations and engineering calculations on a heating system with heat exchangers are presented here. The results show that the water temperature is expected to be stable and considerably higher temperature is expected through deep well drilling. The University’s Campus of Tirana is composed of 29 buildings, which are partially heated through a coal heater. The installed capacity is 2558kW while the coal consumption is about 920 kg/h. The University’s Campus of Tirana is one of the most important areas and with the highest density of population in Tirana, so it is the best area to show the heat exchanger efficiency. The economic analyses prove that the borehole heat exchangers are more convenient than the coal heating systems.

GEOTHERMAL FLUID MINERALIZATION──A NEW HYDROTHERMAL MINERALIZATION MODEL

In hydrothermal mineralization regime, there should be some other models besideS the commonly accepted traditional magmatic and metamorphic hydrothermal ones. The authors suggest a new model named as geothermal nuid mineralization and believe it is an important and distinguishable hydrotherma1 mineralization model. The discussions are focused on several aspects of the new model in its distinguishing features in essential factors of hydrothermal mineralization, essential metallogenic conditions, common metallogenic characteristics, general mineralization process,geotectonic control and metallogenic importance.

Genesis of Geothermal Fluid in Typical Geothermal Fields in Western Sichuan,China

The hydrogeochemical characteristics of geothermal fluids can reveal the genesis of geothermal systems and act as important references for developing and using geothermal resources.This study presents hydrogeochemical processes and thermal cycle mechanisms of typical geothermal fields in Western Sichuan.Based on the geological conditions in Western Sichuan,29 hot springs in three geothermal fields in the Batang and Litang areas were selected for hydrochemical and isotopic(δD andδ18O)analyses.Furthermore,the temperature of the thermal reservoir was calculated and the upflow cooling process of the hot springs was analyzed.Most of the subterranean hot waters in Batang and Litang are of the HCO3-Na hydrochemical type.The ion variation in Batang is primarily affected by water-rock interactions.There is a strong positive correlation between Na+,B?,and Cl?in Litang,suggesting that they have the same material source.The Na+and metaboric acid content is relatively high,which indicates that the groundwater runoff in both areas is relatively long-lasting,with reduced flow velocity;moreover,the metasilicic acid content is relatively high,which supports this conclusion.Both hydrogen and oxygen isotopes plot near the atmospheric precipitation line,indicating that groundwater recharge is functionally obtained from precipitation.The calculated thermal storage temperatures in Batang and Litang were 88–199℃ and 96–154℃,respectively.The proportion of cold water mixing in Batang was 64%–67%,while that in Litang was 60%–68%.According to the calculated results,the initial thermal cycle depth of the Batang area(4540–4780 m)was greater than that of the Litang area(3150–3960 m).The enthalpy of the deep parental geothermal fluid in Batang was 1550 J/g with a Cl^(-)concentration of 37 mg/L,while that in Litang was 2100 J/g with a Cl^(-)concentration of 48 mg/L.

Comparative Study of Acid and Alkaline Stimulants with Granite in an Enhanced Geothermal System

The Enhanced Geothermal System(EGS) is an artificial geothermal system that aims to economically extract heat from hot dry rock(HDR) through the creation of an artificial geothermal reservoir. Chemical stimulation is thought to be an effective method to create fracture networks and open existing fractures in hot dry rocks by injecting chemical agents into the reservoir to dissolve the minerals. Granite is a common type of hot dry rock. In this paper, a series of chemical stimulation experiments were implemented using acid and alkaline agents under high temperature and pressure conditions that mimic the environment of formation. Granite rock samples used in the experiments are collected from the potential EGS reservoir in the Matouying area, Hebei, China. Laboratory experimental results show that the corrosion ratio per unit area of rock is 3.2% in static acid chemical experiments and 0.51% in static alkaline chemical experiments. The permeability of the core is increased by 1.62 times in dynamic acid chemical experiments and 2.45 times in dynamic alkaline chemical experiments. A scanning electron microscope analysis of the core illustrates that secondary minerals, such as chlorite, spherical silica, and montmorillonite, were formed, due to acid-rock interaction with plagioclase being precipitated by alkaline-rock interactions. Masking agents in alkaline chemical agents can slightly reduce the degree of plagioclase formation. A chemical simulation model was built using TOUGHREACT, the mineral dissolution and associated ion concentration variation being reproduced by this reactive transport model.

Using TOUGH2 numerical simulation to analyse the geothermal formation in Guide basin,China

The Guide sedimentary basin is located in the northeastern part of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,which is rich in geothermal resources.However,exploitation of the geothermal resources has so far been limited,because of limited understanding of the resources quantity and storage gained from scientific researches.In this study,using a typical cross section across the basin and taking into account its geothermal and geological conditions,a new waterheat coupled model was built and associated modelling was done by the software TOUGH2.During modelling process,the accuracy and applicability of the model was confirmed through the calibration of relevant parameters for modelling the heat and water transport and the formation of geothermal reservoir across the basin,with particular focus on the Neogene geothermal field.Results show that the groundwater that flows from the basin margins to the center is heated by the Neogene and Paleogene sedimentary rocks with high geothermal gradients.Since the east-west extending fault F1 is conductive,it acts as preferential flow paths which on one hand provide additional and rapid flows to the thermal reservoir;and on the other hand,cool down the thermal water to a certain extent due to the infiltration of shallower water sources in the vicinity of the fault.Furthermore,the estimated geothermal resources quantity is close to that of previous studies.In comparison with the Paleogene rock formations,the Neogene geothermal reservoir shows a better nature in terms of water content,aquifer permeability and resources exploitability,although the resource quantity of the Paleogene reservoir is considerable.

Validation of basaltic glass adsorption capabilities from geothermal arsenic in a basaltic aquifer: A case study from Bjarnarflag power Station,Iceland

Arsenic is a carcinogen known for its acute toxicity to organisms.Geothermal waters are commonly high in arsenic,as shown at the Bjarnarflag Power Plant,Iceland (w224 mg/kg of solvent).Development of geothermal energy requires adequate disposal of arsenic-rich waters into groundwater/geothermal systems.The outcome of arsenic transport models that assess the effect of geothermal effluent on the environment and ecosystems may be influenced by the sensitivity of hydraulic parameters.However,previous such studies in Iceland do not consider the sensitivity of hydraulic parameters and thereby the interpretations remain unreliable.Here we used the Lake Myvatn basaltic aquifer system as a case study to identify the sensitive hydraulic parameters and assess their role in arsenic transport.We develop a one-dimensional reactive transport model (PHREEQC ver.2.),using geochemical data from Bjarnarflag,Iceland.In our model,arsenite (H3AsO3) was predicted to be the dominant species of inorganic arsenic in both groundwater and geothermal water.Dilution reduced arsenic concentration beloww5 mg/kg.Adsorption reduced the residual contamination below w0.4 mg/kg at 250 m along transect.Based on our modelling,we found volumetric input to be the most sensitive parameter in the model.In addition,the adsorption strength of basaltic glass was such that the physical hydrogeological parameters,namely: groundwater velocity and longitudinal dispersivity had little influence on the concentration profile.

Relative importance of different physical processes on upper crustal specific heat flow in the Eifel-Maas region, Central Europe and ramifications for the production of geothermal energy

We study the recent upper crustal heat flow variations caused by long-term physical processes such as paleoclimate, erosion, sedimentation and mantle plume upwelling. As specific heat flow is a common lower boundary condition in many models of heat en fluid flow in the Earth’s crust we quantify its long-term transient variation caused by paleoclimate, erosion or sedimentation, mantle plume upwelling and deep groundwater flow. The studied area extends between the Eifel mountains and the Maas river inCentral Europe. The total variation due to these processes in our study area amounts to tectonic events manifested in the studied area 20 mW/m2, about 30% of the present day specific heat flow in the region.

Research on sustainable exploration of the geothermal water in Xiaoquan area

On the basis of discussion about hydro-geologic condition of geothermal water in Xiaoquan area, Chongqing, a three-dimensional mathematical model was established. The Modflow(a modular three-dimensional finite-difference groundwater model) software was adopted to simulate the geothermal water, and quantificational study on sustainable exploration of the geothermal water in Xiaoquan area was carried out. Firstly, a mathe- matical model was set up. Then, the geothermal water was simulated by Modflow software, and the mathematical model was identified. The simulative water level was compared with the actual water level and the mathematical model was calibrated. The feasibility of appli- cation of this mathematical model to studying underground geothermal water was proved that the simulative water level is approximated to actual one, and a right mathematical model was obtained. This mathematical model was used to simulate geothermal water under different exploitation conditions, at last the yields of sustainable exploitation includ- ing the maximum yield and the optimal yield were determined.