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"Geothermal Energy"
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Potential for heat production by retrofitting abandoned gas wells into geothermal wells
Using abandoned gas wells as geothermal resources for energy production is an effective way to extract geothermal energy from geological formations. These abandoned wells have the potential to significantly contribute in the rising global demand for energy without requiring the land disruption resulting from deep drilling or digging, processes necessary for energy extraction from geological formations via more traditional methods. In this paper, a method to extract geothermal energy from abandoned gas wells is proposed. The method offers an efficient, economical, and environmentally-conscious way to generate electricity. A mathematical model of a thermal and hydraulic coupling process is constructed, and a 3D numerical model is generated to study the process of geothermal energy extraction by retrofitting an abandoned gas reservoir into a geothermal reservoir. Using the model, heat extraction and fluid flow are analyzed over a period of 50 years. The heat production, electricity generation, and thermal recovery over the lifetime of the reservoir indicate that a commercially viable geothermal dual well system can produce geothermal energy effectively. Dual-well systems contain at least one injection well and one production well. They are composed of a two-way flow system in which the fluid flows into the reservoir via an injection well and returns from the production well having absorbed thermal energy from the surrounding rocks. Sensitivity analysis of the main parameters controlling the average outlet temperature of the fluid from the sedimentary geothermal system reveals that abandoned gas wells are a suitable source of geothermal energy. This energy can be harvested via a method whose use of reservoir fluids differs from that of the traditional method of closed-loop circulation via a borehole heat exchanger. Here, it is demonstrated that abandoned oil and gas fields can be repurposed to be geothermal energy sources that provide low-cost electricity and are economically sustainable.
Journal Article
Energy from Earth's core : geothermal energy
\"Beneath Earth's surface is a boundless source of energy-- geothermal energy. Heated by our planet's red-hot core, hot water and hot rock below the ground on which we walk already provides energy in many parts of the world, from Alaska to Hawaii. Discover the different forms geothermal energy, how people are harnessing and using this rich supply, and how it could be an important part of our energy future.\"-- Provided by publisher.
BOOK
Insight into the dynamics of EMHD hybrid nanofluid (ZnO/CuO-SA) flow through a pipe for geothermal energy applications
In the past couple of years, hybrid nanofluids have garnered substantial attention due to their augmented flow and thermal properties. When such fluids propagate through a pipe, they reveal characteristics that make them applicable in a variety of different fields for geothermal energy extraction. Hence, this article presents a discussion on the behavior of hybrid nanofluid flow using a model based on third-grade sodium alginate. Sodium alginate has the potential to be used in the extraction of geothermal energy. To investigate the current flow, two kinds of nanoparticles are proposed: zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper oxide (CuO). Additionally, the effects of electric and magnetic fields are taken into consideration in the current flow. The fully evolved, incompressible fluid is moving through a pipe. The energy equation takes into consideration a variety of factors, including viscous dissipation and joule heating. The homotopy perturbation approach is used for obtaining the series solutions of nonlinear differential equations (DEs). The resultant differential equations have been solved up to third-order solutions. It is worth concluding that the electric field and the thermal Grashof number significantly impact the velocity profile, resulting in a solid symmetrical pattern. The nanoparticles increased the fluid’s viscosity, perhaps slowing it down. The integration of nanoparticles decreases the amount of the thermal profile over the whole pipe. Still, when copper oxide nanoparticles are absent, the thermal profile is at its most considerable magnitude. The pressure decreases equally impact the velocity and thermal properties.
Journal Article
Numerical Study on the Impacts of Fracture Distribution of Geothermal Reservoirs on Heat Extraction Efficiency
In geothermal energy development, reservoir fracture distribution significantly affects heat extraction efficiency. In this paper, we employ a 2D thermo-hydro-mechanical (HTM) model to generate random fracture networks and evaluate heat extraction efficiency. We find that (1)excessive fracture intensity does not enhance heat extraction efficiency; (2)reasonably regulating fracture number and length, constructing a specific fracture network, and increasing injection-production well spacing benefit geothermal energy extraction and reservoir lifespan extension. These results provide theoretical support for reservoir modification and fracture network design, thereby advancing efficient geothermal energy development.
Journal Article
Exploitation and Utilization of Oilfield Geothermal Resources in China
Geothermal energy is a clean, green renewable resource, which can be utilized for power generation, heating, cooling, and could effectively replace oil, gas, and coal. In recent years, oil companies have put more efforts into exploiting and utilizing geothermal energy with advanced technologies for heat-tracing oil gathering and transportation, central heating, etc., which has not only reduced resource waste, but also improved large-scale and industrial resource utilization levels, and has achieved remarkable economic and social benefits. Based on the analysis of oilfield geothermal energy development status, resource potential, and exploitation and utilization modes, the advantages and disadvantages of harnessing oilfield geothermal resource have been discussed. Oilfield geothermal energy exploitation and utilization have advantages in resources, technical personnel, technology, and a large number of abandoned wells that could be reconstructed and utilized. Due to the high heat demand in oilfields, geothermal energy exploitation and utilization can effectively replace oil, gas, coal, and other fossil fuels, and has bright prospects. The key factors limiting oilfield geothermal energy exploitation and utilization are also pointed out in this paper, including immature technologies, lack of overall planning, lack of standards in resource assessment, and economic assessment, lack of incentive policies, etc.
Journal Article
More Power from Below
Geothermal energy production is increasing across the world, but challenges remain. Geothermal heat provides sustainable energy for electricity generation and heating applications. Worldwide use of geothermal energy has increased steadily over the past few decades ( 1 , 2 ), and exploration and development are ongoing at unprecedented levels in Iceland, New Zealand, East Africa, Germany, Chile, and Australia. Today, 24 countries generate electricity from geothermal energy and 78 countries use geothermal energy for direct uses. Yet, geothermal sources still represent less than one percent of global energy production. The accessibility of geothermal resources depends on temperature and depth (see the figure). What are the limitations of geothermal energy extraction, and can the use of this resource be increased?
Journal Article
Creating Cloud-Fracture Network by Flow-induced Microfracturing in Superhot Geothermal Environments
Superhot geothermal environments with temperatures of approximately 400–500 °C at depths of approximately 2–4 km are attracting attention as new kind of geothermal resource. In order to effectively exploit the superhot geothermal resource through the creation of enhanced geothermal systems (superhot EGSs), hydraulic fracturing is a promising technique. Laboratory-scale hydraulic fracturing experiments of granite have recently demonstrated the formation of a dense network of permeable fractures throughout the entire rock body, referred to as a cloud-fracture network, at or near the supercritical temperature for water. Although the process has been presumed to involve continuous infiltration of low-viscosity water into preexisting microfractures followed by creation and merger of the subsequent fractures, a plausible criterion for cloud-fracture network formation is yet to be clarified. The applicability of the Griffith failure criterion is supported by hydraulic fracturing experiments with acoustic emission measurements of granite at 400 °C under true triaxial stress and at 450 °C under conventional triaxial stress. The present study provides, for the first time, a theoretical basis required to establish the procedure for hydraulic fracturing in the superhot EGS.
Journal Article