Abstract
A method of single vertical well combined with hydraulic fracturing is proposed to prevent short circuits and enhance heat mining. The technical and economic feasibilities of geothermal energy exploitation from a deep reservoir are analyzed based on this method. A simulation model was established to analyze the coupled heat transfer between wellbore and reservoir, and then thermodynamic performances and economic analyses of single-flash, double-flash, and flash–organic Rankine cycle geothermal power generation systems were carried out. Simulation results indicate that the heat mining rate can maintain above 3 MW after 40 years of exploitation from the reservoir with 235°C using a water circulation rate of . A combination of large horizontal permeability, high circulation flow rate, and excellent thermal-insulating tubings favors high heat mining. Thermodynamic cycle analyses show that the net power outputs from the single-flash, double-flash, and flash–organic Rankine cycle systems under the optimal condition are 513, 646, and 627.8 kW, respectively. Correspondingly, the geothermal power generation cost ranges from to , which is a little higher than the conventional power generation cost. Double-flash or flash–organic Rankine cycle is suggested to be installed for geothermal power generation if more electricity is needed.
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Data Availability Statement
The following data and code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request: process of the vertical well with hydraulic fracturing, simulation model, and Table 3.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the National Key Research and Development (R&D) Programs of China (Grant Nos. 2019YFB1504203 and 2019YFB1504204), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) (Grant Nos. CUGGC09 and CUG200637), the Opening Fund of Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil & Gas Development [China University of Petroleum (East China)], Ministry of Education (Grant No. 19CX05005A-201), and the Open Research Fund Program of Engineering Research Center of Rock-Soil Drilling & Excavation and Protection, Ministry of Education (No. 202104).
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Published In
Journal of Energy Engineering
Volume 148 • Issue 1 • February 2022
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Apr 5, 2021
Accepted: Sep 7, 2021
Published online: Oct 18, 2021
Published in print: Feb 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Mar 18, 2022
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