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Title: Feasibility of a Deep Direct-Use Geothermal System at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Abstract

This study assesses the feasibility of using deep direct-use (DDU) geothermal energy in agricultural research facilities on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus to exploit low-temperature sedimentary basins, such as the Illinois Basin. Subsurface components of the system include extraction and injection wells and downhole pumps. Surface equipment includes heat pumps/exchangers, and fluid transport and monitoring systems. Two geologic formations in the region exhibit a potential as sources for geothermal energy, based on pre initial temperatures and flow rates of fluids. The St. Peter and Mt. Simon Sandstones lie at depths of 634 and 1,280 m, respectively. Geocellular modeling is used to characterize the reservoirs. A St. Peter Sandstone model was made for an area south of the campus. Petrophysical and geothermal properties used are based on data from the closest wells penetrating the formations. Characterization of the Mt. Simon Sandstone is in progress and is not discussed here. Extraction and injection flows simulated with different wellbore configurations provide estimates of fluid flow out of and into the reservoir. The models are used to optimize flow rates, bottomhole pressure, and temperature of the produced fluid. Individual wellbore models simulate subsurface heat loss and gain, providing guidance on the optimalmore » type and amount of insulation in the wellbore. Design of the surface facilities will address aspects of fluid delivery, heat exchange, capital operating costs, heat loss, and corrosion. Heat capacity and flow rates are assessed to estimate life-cycle costs and benefits, including the environmental benefits of reducing greenhouse gases and water use and increased energy efficiency. A preliminary analysis of surface configurations for the DDU system (including cascading applications) based on building heat loads is being conducted to identify multiple system designs that will maximize performance, energy efficiency, and cost recovery.« less

Authors:
ORCiD logo [1]; ORCiD logo [1]; ORCiD logo [2]; ORCiD logo [2];  [2]; ; ORCiD logo [2];  [3]; ORCiD logo [4];  [2];  [2]; ORCiD logo [2]
  1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  3. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory
  4. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Geothermal Technologies Office
OSTI Identifier:
1462352
Report Number(s):
DOE-UIUC-08106
Journal ID: 0193-5933
DOE Contract Number:  
EE0008106
Resource Type:
Conference
Journal Name:
GRC Transactions
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 42; Conference: Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting , Reno, NV, 14-17 October 2018
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; Illinois Basin, St. Peter Sandstone, Mt. Simon Sandstone, geologic models, geothermal modeling, deep direct-use, techno-economic simulation

Citation Formats

Stumpf, Andrew, Damico, James, okwen, roland, Stark, Timothy, Elrick, Scott, Nelson, W. John, Lu, Yongqi, Holcomb, Franklin, Tinjum, James, Yang, Fang, Frailey, Scott, and Lin, Yu-Feng. Feasibility of a Deep Direct-Use Geothermal System at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. United States: N. p., 2018. Web.
Stumpf, Andrew, Damico, James, okwen, roland, Stark, Timothy, Elrick, Scott, Nelson, W. John, Lu, Yongqi, Holcomb, Franklin, Tinjum, James, Yang, Fang, Frailey, Scott, & Lin, Yu-Feng. Feasibility of a Deep Direct-Use Geothermal System at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. United States.
Stumpf, Andrew, Damico, James, okwen, roland, Stark, Timothy, Elrick, Scott, Nelson, W. John, Lu, Yongqi, Holcomb, Franklin, Tinjum, James, Yang, Fang, Frailey, Scott, and Lin, Yu-Feng. 2018. "Feasibility of a Deep Direct-Use Geothermal System at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1462352.
@article{osti_1462352,
title = {Feasibility of a Deep Direct-Use Geothermal System at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign},
author = {Stumpf, Andrew and Damico, James and okwen, roland and Stark, Timothy and Elrick, Scott and Nelson, W. John and Lu, Yongqi and Holcomb, Franklin and Tinjum, James and Yang, Fang and Frailey, Scott and Lin, Yu-Feng},
abstractNote = {This study assesses the feasibility of using deep direct-use (DDU) geothermal energy in agricultural research facilities on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus to exploit low-temperature sedimentary basins, such as the Illinois Basin. Subsurface components of the system include extraction and injection wells and downhole pumps. Surface equipment includes heat pumps/exchangers, and fluid transport and monitoring systems. Two geologic formations in the region exhibit a potential as sources for geothermal energy, based on pre initial temperatures and flow rates of fluids. The St. Peter and Mt. Simon Sandstones lie at depths of 634 and 1,280 m, respectively. Geocellular modeling is used to characterize the reservoirs. A St. Peter Sandstone model was made for an area south of the campus. Petrophysical and geothermal properties used are based on data from the closest wells penetrating the formations. Characterization of the Mt. Simon Sandstone is in progress and is not discussed here. Extraction and injection flows simulated with different wellbore configurations provide estimates of fluid flow out of and into the reservoir. The models are used to optimize flow rates, bottomhole pressure, and temperature of the produced fluid. Individual wellbore models simulate subsurface heat loss and gain, providing guidance on the optimal type and amount of insulation in the wellbore. Design of the surface facilities will address aspects of fluid delivery, heat exchange, capital operating costs, heat loss, and corrosion. Heat capacity and flow rates are assessed to estimate life-cycle costs and benefits, including the environmental benefits of reducing greenhouse gases and water use and increased energy efficiency. A preliminary analysis of surface configurations for the DDU system (including cascading applications) based on building heat loads is being conducted to identify multiple system designs that will maximize performance, energy efficiency, and cost recovery.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1462352}, journal = {GRC Transactions},
number = ,
volume = 42,
place = {United States},
year = {Sat Oct 13 00:00:00 EDT 2018},
month = {Sat Oct 13 00:00:00 EDT 2018}
}

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