Modeling of heat extraction from variably fractured porous media in Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Journal Article · Fri Jan 29 23:00:00 EST 2016 · Geothermics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2016.01.009 · OSTI ID:1237698

Hadgu, Teklu ^[1]; Kalinina, Elena Arkadievna ^[1]; Lowry, Thomas Stephen ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Modeling of heat extraction in Enhanced Geothermal Systems is presented. The study builds on recent studies on the use of directional wells to improve heat transfer between doublet injection and production wells. The current study focuses on the influence of fracture orientation on production temperature in deep low permeability geothermal systems, and the effects of directional drilling and separation distance between boreholes on heat extraction. The modeling results indicate that fracture orientation with respect to the well-pair plane has significant influence on reservoir thermal drawdown. As a result, the vertical well doublet is impacted significantly more than the horizontal well doublet

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1237698
• Report Number(s): SAND--2015-7093J; 603167
• Journal Information: Geothermics, Journal Name: Geothermics Journal Issue: C Vol. 61; ISSN 0375-6505
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English