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Density-driven heat loss analysis of geothermal energy storage system based on experimental and numerical study

Author

Listed:
  • Tian, Xiaoming
  • Zhang, Yuanyuan
  • Huang, Zhiwei
  • Gong, Yulie
  • Li, Huashan
  • Kong, Yanlong

Abstract

Geothermal energy storage systems present a sustainable solution for managing the temporal and spatial imbalances between energy supply and demand. However, heat loss, particularly those induced by density-driven buoyancy effects, often results in a reduction in energy recovery efficiency. This study combines experimental and numerical methods to analyze the density-driven heat loss in geothermal energy storage systems. The experimental setup consists of a three-dimensional aquifer thermal energy storage system with various well setup. Multiple well configurations and injection temperatures are tested. Numerical modeling is based on mass and energy governing equations implemented in the DARTS framework. The results show that density-driven natural convection significantly contributes to heat loss. Energy storage in shallower middle wells is more efficient than in deeper peripheral wells, with approximately a 10% reduction in heat loss. Higher injection temperatures increase production temperatures but decrease recovery efficiency due to enhanced density-driven heat loss. The validated numerical model indicates that eliminating the buoyancy effect in scenarios of shallower middle well energy storage can further improve recovery efficiency by 1%–2%, which provides an estimate of the upper limits of system recovery efficiency. This research emphasizes the importance of considering buoyancy effects and provides guidance for optimizing well configurations and injection temperatures to enhance system performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Tian, Xiaoming & Zhang, Yuanyuan & Huang, Zhiwei & Gong, Yulie & Li, Huashan & Kong, Yanlong, 2025. "Density-driven heat loss analysis of geothermal energy storage system based on experimental and numerical study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 324(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:324:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225015804
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135938
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