Thermal effect of a borehole thermal energy store on the subsurface

Philipp Mielke, Dan Bauer, Sebastian Homuth, Annette Götz, Ingo Sass

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Abstract

Background: The thermal effect on the subsurface of a large borehole thermal energy store (BTES) has been investigated by coupling measured rock properties with an enhanced FEFLOW simulation.

Methods: The finite element model has been validated against measured data from a 2-year operation period. The thermal changes in the subsurface have been predicted by simulation for a 30-year operation period. The model is based on three 80-m core sections drilled in Triassic carbonates, which have been analyzed in detail with respect to lithology, facies, and thermal and hydraulic parameters.

Results: The model shows thermal effects of the BTES on the subsurface at a distance of approximately 350 m after 10 years and a distance of approximately 850 m after 30 years of operation. At a distance of 100 m, the temperature of the subsurface rises by 2 K after 30 years.

Conclusions: The simulation describes the real BTES in an accurate manner and is suited for predicting the thermal changes in the subsurface for long-term operational durations.
Original languageEnglish
JournalGeothermal Energy
Volume2
Issue number1
Early online date29 Apr 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • borehole thermal energy store
  • borehole heat exchanger system
  • heat and mass trasnport model
  • geothermal parameters
  • Triassic carbonates

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