COMSOL Models and Simulation Results for Closed-Loop Geothermal Systems with Thermal Enhancements
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
The Closed-Loop Geothermal Working Group and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have studied the performance of disc-shaped and linear thermal enhancements (conductive material introduced around a wellbore) in closed-loop geothermal systems. COMSOL models were developed to investigate the increase in heat production in systems with thermal enhancements compared to those without, across a range of scenarios. This dataset includes two example COMSOL models, a summary of the simulation results, and a link to an accompanying paper. Studied are idealized versions of two thermal enhancement designs: (1) existing or newly created fractures surrounding the wellbore, filled with highly conductive material, and (2) a 'fishbone structure,' where short wellbores are drilled radially outward from the main wellbore and filled with highly conductive material.
- Research Organization:
- DOE Geothermal Data Repository; National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Geothermal Technologies Program (EE-4G)
- Contributing Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- OSTI ID:
- 2282853
- Report Number(s):
- 1574
- Availability:
- GDRHelp@ee.doe.gov
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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