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Geothermal Power Production from Abandoned Oil Reservoirs Using In Situ Combustion Technology

Author

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  • Yuhao Zhu

    (School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Kewen Li

    (School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
    Key Laboratory of Strategy Evaluation for Shale Gas, Ministry of Land and Resources, Beijing 100083, China
    Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA)

  • Changwei Liu

    (School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Mahlalela Bhekumuzi Mgijimi

    (School of Energy Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China)

Abstract

Development of geothermal resources on abandoned oil reservoirs is considered environmentally friendly. This method could reduce the rate of energy consumption from oil fields. In this study, the feasibility of geothermal energy recovery based on a deep borehole heat exchanger modified from abandoned oil reservoirs using in situ combustion technology is investigated. This system could produce a large amount of heat compensated by in situ combustion in oil reservoir without directly contacting the formation fluid and affecting the oil production. A coupling strategy between the heat exchange system and the oil reservoir was developed to help avoid the high computational cost while ensuring computational accuracy. Several computational scenarios were performed, and results were obtained and analyzed. The computational results showed that an optimal water injection velocity of 0.06 m/s provides a highest outlet temperature of (165.8 °C) and the greatest power output of (164.6 kW) for a single well in all the performed scenarios. Based on the findings of this study, a geothermal energy production system associated with in situ combustion is proposed, specifically for economic reasons, because it can rapidly shorten the payback period of the upfront costs. Modeling was also performed, and based on the modeling data, the proposed technology has a very short payback period of about 4.5 years and a final cumulative net cash flow of about $4.94 million. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that utilizing geothermal resources or thermal energy in oilfields by adopting in situ combustion technology for enhanced oil recovery is of great significance and has great economic benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuhao Zhu & Kewen Li & Changwei Liu & Mahlalela Bhekumuzi Mgijimi, 2019. "Geothermal Power Production from Abandoned Oil Reservoirs Using In Situ Combustion Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-21, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:23:p:4476-:d:290433
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. Hu, Xincheng & Banks, Jonathan & Guo, Yunting & Liu, Wei Victor, 2021. "Retrofitting abandoned petroleum wells as doublet deep borehole heat exchangers for geothermal energy production—a numerical investigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 115-134.

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