Analysis of Geological Structure for the Application of Geotechnical Engineering to Optimize Thermal Extraction in Geothermal Wells

Carlos Armenta-Déu

International Journal of Geological and Geotechnical Engineering

Analysis of Geological Structure for the Application of Geotechnical Engineering to Optimize Thermal Extraction in Geothermal Wells

Carlos Armenta-Déu

Abstract

The characterization of the geological terrain for geothermal applications from the heat transfer point of view has been made. Horizontal, vertical and inclined geological layers have been analyzed. Uniform and homogeneous terrain are better candidates for low or high enthalpy geothermal applications while heterogeneous soil have a poorer performance from the thermal transfer point of view. The characterization process of soil structure and properties allows to take the appropriate decision on the type of heat exchanger for low enthalpy geothermal applications, either horizontal or vertical ducts distribution, and the suitability of any depending on the available surface. The study provides a criteria based on the characterization process to select the most adequate configuration of the heat exchanger for an optimum performance of thermal energy extraction from the geothermal bed. Likewise, thermal performance has been evaluated as a function of temperature drop in the heat carrier fluid as a consequence of non-uniform geological structure. An analytical method has been designed and developed resulting in an algorithm that allows the user to determine the temperature drop in the fluid as a function of known parameters. Performance of thermal extraction from geothermal wells improves as fluid diffusivity increases or thickness of different geological layers diminishes. The theoretical analysis of the problem has been applied to horizontal geological layer structure with the heat exchanger passing through vertically, but can also be applied to any configuration like inclined or vertical layers and perpendicular or obliquus heat exchanger position.

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How to cite

Carlos Armenta-Déu. Analysis of Geological Structure for the Application of Geotechnical Engineering to Optimize Thermal Extraction in Geothermal Wells. International Journal of Geological and Geotechnical Engineering. 2023;8(2):26–35.

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Analysis of Geological Structure for the Application of Geotechnical Engineering to Optimize Thermal Extraction in Geothermal Wells

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