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Title: Finite element thermal energy storage model

Conference · · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)
OSTI ID:6620042

A two-dimensional, Galerkin finite element, groundwater heat/solute transport model was developed. The model consists of three linked finite element programs which utilize linear isoparametric quadrilaterals. The first program solves the steady-state or the transient groundwater continuity equation for the nodal hydraulic heads, assuming confined or unconfined aquifers. The second program uses the heads to calculate the components of the nodal Darcy-velocity vectors. Velocity components are input into the third program which solves the transient advective-dispersive-diffusive transport equation. Radial flow in a linearly away from the symmetry axis. Initial model verification was performed by successfully matching several analytical solutions for groundwater flow and both solute and heat transport. Subsequent model verification involved simulating the first cycle of Auburn University's second aquifer thermal energy storage experiment. Simulated aquifer temperatures during the injection and storage phases and simulated production temperatures agree well with the experimental observations and closely match an earlier integrated finite difference simulation performed by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory. At the end of the production period, the calculated energy recovery factor is only slightly overpredicted; however, the effect of neglecting density dependent flow int eh simulation becomes evident near the well.

Research Organization:
Kent State Univ., OH (USA)
OSTI ID:
6620042
Report Number(s):
CONF-8510489-
Journal Information:
Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States), Vol. 17; Conference: 98. annual meeting of the Geological Society of America, Orlando, FL, USA, 28 Oct 1985
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English