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Experimental Technique for Modeling Multi-Field Coupled Transport in Multi-Fracture Geothermal Reservoirs

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  • Peng Xiao

    (School of Petrochemical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
    School of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Xiaonan Li

    (No. 1 Oil Producing Plant of Qinghai Oil Field, China National Petroleum Corporation, Dunhuang 736202, China)

  • Yu Li

    (No. 1 Oil Producing Plant of Qinghai Oil Field, China National Petroleum Corporation, Dunhuang 736202, China)

  • Bin Chen

    (No. 1 Oil Producing Plant of Qinghai Oil Field, China National Petroleum Corporation, Dunhuang 736202, China)

  • Yudong Tang

    (No. 1 Oil Producing Plant of Qinghai Oil Field, China National Petroleum Corporation, Dunhuang 736202, China)

  • Xiufeng Ge

    (No. 1 Oil Producing Plant of Qinghai Oil Field, China National Petroleum Corporation, Dunhuang 736202, China)

  • Yan Qin

    (Technology Innovation Center for Risk Prevention and Control of Major Project Geosafety, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing 10083, China)

  • Hong Tian

    (School of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Jun Zheng

    (School of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)

Abstract

In the operation of enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs), complex physical and chemical coupling processes, which are crucial for the efficient exploitation of geothermal energy, are involved. In situ studies of multi-fracture hot dry rocks (HDRs) face significant challenges, leading to a shortage of experimental data for verifying numerical simulations and supporting experimental techniques. In this paper, a multi-field coupling experimental simulation technique was designed for a multi-fracture geothermal reservoir. This technique enables the experimental investigation of the effects of fracture and reservoir characteristics, working fluid parameters, and wellbore arrangement on the multi-field coupling transport mechanism inside geothermal reservoirs during EGS operation. In addition, the practicability and reliability of the experimental technique were proved via a two-dimensional multi-fracture model. The experimental technique addresses a research gap in studying multi-fracture geothermal reservoirs and holds potential to promote substantial progress in geothermal resource exploitation.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng Xiao & Xiaonan Li & Yu Li & Bin Chen & Yudong Tang & Xiufeng Ge & Yan Qin & Hong Tian & Jun Zheng, 2025. "Experimental Technique for Modeling Multi-Field Coupled Transport in Multi-Fracture Geothermal Reservoirs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:13:p:3507-:d:1693679
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    References listed on IDEAS

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