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Experimental and theoretical studies of thermal energy storage in aquifers

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5317055
A coupled experimental and theoretical study of thermal energy storage in an aquifer is described. Water at an average temperature of 55/sup 0/C is stored in a confined aquifer near Mobile, Alabama. Approximately 55,000 m/sup 3/ of water was injected, stored, and then produced for two consecutive cycles. Data obtained were used to validate a numerical model, CCC. This model, developed at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, is able to calculate heat and fluid flow in a three-dimensional, liquid-saturated system. Without adjusting any parameters, the calculated results reproduce closely the observed data. The energy recovery factor of 66% for the first cycle and 76% for the second cycle indicate that the aquifer may be a very promising thermal energy storage medium. Furthermore, the thermohydrological processes involved appear to be properly accounted for by the numerical model, thus giving us some confidence in the current state-of-the-art in the performance forecast of future aquifer energy storage projects.
Research Organization:
California Univ., Berkeley (USA). Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
5317055
Report Number(s):
LBL-10889; CONF-800806-33
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English