scholarly journals Low Enthalpy Geothermal Systems in Structural Controlled Areas: A Sustainability Analysis of Geothermal Resource for Heating Plant (The Mondragone Case in Southern Appennines, Italy)

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Iorio ◽  
Alberto Carotenuto ◽  
Alfonso Corniello ◽  
Simona Di Fraia ◽  
Nicola Massarotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Open Loop ◽  
Carbonate Reservoir ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Hydrogeological Model ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Heating Plant

In this study, the sustainability of low-temperature geothermal field exploitation in a carbonate reservoir near Mondragone (CE), Southern Italy, is analyzed. The Mondragone geothermal field has been extensively studied through the research project VIGOR (Valutazione del potenzIale Geotermico delle RegiOni della convergenza). From seismic, geo-electric, hydro-chemical and groundwater data, obtained through the experimental campaigns carried out, physiochemical features of the aquifers and characteristics of the reservoir have been determined. Within this project, a well-doublet open-loop district heating plant has been designed to feed two public schools in Mondragone town. The sustainability of this geothermal application is analyzed in this study. A new exploration well (about 300 m deep) is considered to obtain further stratigraphic and structural information about the reservoir. Using the derived hydrogeological model of the area, a numerical analysis of geothermal exploitation was carried out to assess the thermal perturbation of the reservoir and the sustainability of its exploitation. The effect of extraction and reinjection of fluids on the reservoir was evaluated for 60 years of the plant activity. The results are fundamental to develop a sustainable geothermal heat plant and represent a real case study for the exploitation of similar carbonate reservoir geothermal resources.

Fracturing in HDR Geothermal System

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 57-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Al-Mukhtar
Keyword(s):  
Initial Crack ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Fluid Circulation ◽  
Fracture Permeability ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Linear Elastic ◽  
Electrical Generation

Geothermal systems have a big draw as a provider for free thermal energy for electrical generation. The resource based on fracture networks that permit fluid circulation, and allow geothermal heat to be extracted. Most geothermal resources occur in rocks that posses lack fracture permeability and fluid circulation. Hence, the fluid will be heated due to the Hot Dry Rock (HDR). The flow is circulated through the cracks, and extracts the heat to the ground. The emphasis of the simulators is on the HDR and on the development of methods that produce the hydraulic fractures. Linear elastic fracture mechanics approach (LEFM) was used to predict the crack propagation for initial crack. Finite element method (FEM) is used to predict the maximum stress areas, hence, determining the crack initiation.

scholarly journals Introduction to the geothermal play and reservoir geology of the Netherlands

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harmen F. Mijnlieff
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Upper Jurassic ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Matrix Permeability ◽  
Sedimentary Aquifer

Abstract The Netherlands has ample geothermal resources. During the last decade, development of these resources has picked up fast. In 2007 one geothermal system had been realised; to date (1 January 2019), 24 have been. Total geothermal heat production in 2018 was 3.7 PJ from 18 geothermal systems. The geothermal sources are located in the same reservoirs/aquifers in which the oil and gas accumulations are hosted: Cenozoic, Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous, Triassic and Rotliegend reservoirs. Additionally, the yet unproven hydrocarbon play in the Lower Carboniferous (Dinantian) Limestones delivered geothermal heat in two geothermal systems. This is in contrast to the Upper Cretaceous and Upper Carboniferous with no producing geothermal systems but producing hydrocarbon fields. Similar to hydrocarbon development, developing the geothermal source relies on fluid flow through the reservoir. For geothermal application a transmissivity of 10 Dm is presently thought to be a minimum value for a standard doublet system. Regional mapping of the geothermal plays, with subsequent resource mapping, by TNO discloses the areas with favourable transmissivity within play areas for geothermal development. The website www.ThermoGis.nl provides the tool to evaluate the geothermal plays on a sub-regional scale. The Dutch geothermal source and resource portfolio can be classified using geothermal play classification of, for example, Moeck (2014). An appropriate adjective for play classification for the Dutch situation would be the predominant permeability type: matrix, karst, fracture or fault permeability. The Dutch geothermal play is a matrix-permeability dominated ‘Hot Sedimentary Aquifer’, ‘Hydrothermal’ or ‘Intra-cratonic Conductive’ play. The Dutch ‘Hot Sedimentary Aquifer’ play is subdivided according to the lithostratigraphical annotation of the reservoir. The main geothermal plays are the Delft Sandstone and Slochteren Sandstone plays.

Imaging the Deep Structures of Los Humeros Geothermal Field, Mexico, Using Three-Component Seismic Noise Beamforming

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 3269-3277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Löer ◽  
Tania Toledo ◽  
Gianluca Norini ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Andrew Curtis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Noise ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Shear Velocity ◽  
Velocity Model ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Well Logs ◽  
Ambient Seismic Noise ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Brittle Ductile Transition

Abstract We present a 1D shear-velocity model for Los Humeros geothermal field (Mexico) obtained from three-component beamforming of ambient seismic noise, imaging for the first time the bottom of the sedimentary basement ∼5  km below the volcanic caldera, as well as the brittle-ductile transition at ∼10  km depth. Rayleigh-wave dispersion curves are extracted from ambient seismic noise measurements and inverted using a Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme. The resulting probability density function provides the shear-velocity distribution down to 15 km depth, hence, much deeper than other techniques applied in the area. In the upper 4 km, our model conforms to a profile from local seismicity analysis and matches geological structure inferred from well logs, which validates the methodology. Complementing information from well logs and outcrops at the near surface, discontinuities in the seismic profile can be linked to geological transitions allowing us to infer structural information of the deeper subsurface. By constraining the extent of rocks with brittle behavior and permeability conditions at greater depths, our results are of paramount importance for the future exploitation of the reservoir and provide a basis for the geological and thermodynamic modeling of active superhot geothermal systems, in general.

Impact of enhanced geothermal systems on US energy supply in the twenty-first century

2007 ◽  
Vol 365 (1853) ◽  
pp. 1057-1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson W Tester ◽  
Brian J Anderson ◽  
Anthony S Batchelor ◽  
David D Blackwell ◽  
Ronald DiPippo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Energy ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Enhanced Geothermal Systems ◽  
Economic Modelling ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
The Usa

Recent national focus on the value of increasing US supplies of indigenous renewable energy underscores the need for re-evaluating all alternatives, particularly those that are large and well distributed nationally. A panel was assembled in September 2005 to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of geothermal becoming a major supplier of primary energy for US base-load generation capacity by 2050. Primary energy produced from both conventional hydrothermal and enhanced (or engineered) geothermal systems (EGS) was considered on a national scale. This paper summarizes the work of the panel which appears in complete form in a 2006 MIT report, ‘The future of geothermal energy’ parts 1 and 2. In the analysis, a comprehensive national assessment of US geothermal resources, evaluation of drilling and reservoir technologies and economic modelling was carried out. The methodologies employed to estimate geologic heat flow for a range of geothermal resources were utilized to provide detailed quantitative projections of the EGS resource base for the USA. Thirty years of field testing worldwide was evaluated to identify the remaining technology needs with respect to drilling and completing wells, stimulating EGS reservoirs and converting geothermal heat to electricity in surface power and energy recovery systems. Economic modelling was used to develop long-term projections of EGS in the USA for supplying electricity and thermal energy. Sensitivities to capital costs for drilling, stimulation and power plant construction, and financial factors, learning curve estimates, and uncertainties and risks were considered.

scholarly journals Geothermal Sustainability or Heat Mining?

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-25
Author(s):  
Ladislaus Rybach
Keyword(s):  
Heat Flow ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Mineral Deposit ◽  
Sustainable Production ◽  
Production Level ◽  
Heat Extraction ◽  
Enhanced Geothermal Systems ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
Geothermal Resources

Heat mining” is, in fact a complete deceptive misnomer. When a mineral deposit (e.g. copper) is mined and the ore has been taken out, it will be gone forever. Not so with geothermal resources: The heat and the fluid are coming back! Namely, the heat and fluid extraction create heat sinks and hydraulic minima; around these, strong temperature and pressure gradients develop. Along the gradients, natural inflow of heat and fluid arises to replenish the deficits. The inflow from the surroundings can be strong: around borehole heat exchangers, heat flow densities of several W/m2 result, whereas terrestrial heat flow amounts only to about 50 – 100 mW/m2. The regeneration of geothermal resources after production, in other words, extraction of fluid and/or heat) is a process that runs over different timescales, depending on the kind and size of the utilization system, the production rate, and the resource characteristics. The resource renewal depends directly on the heat/fluid backflow rate. Heat, respectively fluid production from geothermal resources can be accomplished with different withdrawal rates. Although forced production is more attractive financially (with quick payback), it can nevertheless degrade the resource permanently. The longevity of the resource (and thus the sustainability of production) can be ensured by moderate production rates. The sustainable geothermal production level depends on the utilization technology as well as on the local geologic conditions. The stipulation of the sustainable production level requires specific clarifications, especially by numerical modelling, based on long-term production strategies. In general, resource regeneration proceeds asymptotically: strong at the beginning and slowing down subsequently, reaching the original conditions only after infinite time. However, regeneration to 95 % can be achieved much earlier, e.g. within the lifetime of the extraction/production system. In other words, geothermal resources may under certain circumstances may be considered as having potential regrowth, like biomass. Concerning the requirements for such sustainable production, it is convenient to consider four resource types and utilization schemes. These may be treated by numerical model simulations that consider heat extraction by geothermal heat pumps, hydrothermal aquifer, used by a doublet system for space heating, high enthalpy two-phase reservoir, tapped to generate electricity, and enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS).

scholarly journals Local earthquake tomography at the Los Humeros geothermal field, Mexico

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Toledo ◽  
Philippe Jousset ◽  
Emmanuel Gaucher ◽  
Hansruedi Maurer ◽  
Charlotte Krawzcyzk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Joint Inversion ◽  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Volcanic Complex ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Injection Wells ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Seismic Stations ◽  
Horizon 2020

<p>The GEMex<sup>*</sup> project is a recently finalized European-Mexican collaboration that aimed to improve the understanding of two geothermal fields: Acoculco and Los Humeros Volcanic Complex . These sites are located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a region that hosts numerous active volcanoes and is favorable for geothermal exploitation. Currently, the  Los Humeros Volcanic Complex is one of Mexico’s main geothermal systems with an installed capacity of ~95MW. Many studies have been performed at this site since the 70s highlighting several features and characteristics of the shallow subsurface. However a thorough knowledge of structures and behavior of the system at greater depths is still quite sparse. Hence one main objective of the GEMex project was to conduct several geological, geochemical, and geophysical experiments to investigate deeper structures for future development of local and regional geothermal resources.</p><p>In this framework, for the period of one year (September 2017 to September 2018), a seismic array consisting of 45 seismic stations was set to record continuously at the Los Humeros Volcanic Complex. In this study we analyzed the continuous seismic records to detect the micro-seismicity mainly related to exploitation activities. After applying a recursive STA/LTA detection algorithm, we assembled and manually picked P- and S- phases of a catalog of about 500 local events. The detected events were mostly clustered around injection wells, with fewer events located close to known structures. We use the retrieved catalog to derive a new minimum 1D velocity model for the Los Humeros site. We then performed a joint inversion to obtain the 3D Vp and Vp/Vs structures of the geothermal field. A post-processing averaging of several inversions was also computed to increase resolution of the investigated region. In this study we will show the derived Vp and Vp/Vs models for the  Los Humeros Volcanic Complex to emphasize various underground structures and potentially identify possible variations due to changes in temperature, fluid content, and rock porosity.</p><p> </p><p>*This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 727550 and the Mexican Energy Sustainability Fund CONACYT-SENER, project 2015-04-68074. We thank the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) for kindly granting the access to the geothermal field for installation and maintenance of seismic stations.</p>

scholarly journals Applying Harmonised Geothermal Life Cycle Assessment Guidelines to the Rittershoffen Geothermal Heat Plant

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3820
Author(s):  
Mélanie Douziech ◽  
Lorenzo Tosti ◽  
Nicola Ferrara ◽  
Maria Laura Parisi ◽  
Paula Pérez-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Heat Production ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Resource Depletion ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Geothermal Heat ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact

Heat production from a geothermal energy source is gaining increasing attention due to its potential contribution to the decarbonization of the European energy sector. Obtaining representative results of the environmental performances of geothermal systems and comparing them with other renewables is of utmost importance in order to ensure an effective energy transition as targeted by Europe. This work presents the outputs of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) performed on the Rittershoffen geothermal heat plant applying guidelines that were developed within the H2020 GEOENVI project. The production of 1 kWhth from the Rittershoffen heat plant was compared to the heat produced from natural gas in Europe. Geothermal heat production performed better than the average heat production in climate change and resource use, fossil categories. The LCA identified the electricity consumption during the operation and maintenance phase as a hot spot for several impact categories. A prospective scenario analysis was therefore performed to assess the evolution of the environmental performances of the Rittershoffen heat plant associated with the future French electricity mixes. The increase of renewable energy shares in the future French electricity mix caused the impact on specific categories (e.g., land use and mineral and metals resource depletion) to grow over the years. However, an overall reduction of the environmental impacts of the Rittershoffen heat plant was observed.

Analysis of Metallogenic Conditions of Geothermal Resources in Heiyu Lake of Daqing

2012 ◽  
Vol 550-553 ◽  
pp. 2472-2477
Author(s):  
Yu Chun Bai ◽  
Yong Li Li ◽  
Fu Li Qi ◽  
Feng Long Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Transitional Zone ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Geophysical Data ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Lake Zone ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Geothermal Drilling ◽  
Geological Background

Heiyu Lake zone of Daqing is located in the southwest hollow borderland of Heiyu Lake and on the arching transitional zone of Daqing placanticline. Based on the geological background of Heiyu Lake, this paper analyzes the landform, the regional geological structure, the formation lithology and the irruptive rock and other metallogenic conditions in detail. The indispensable geological conditions for forming geothermal field in layers were summed up. Combining with the development characteristics and geophysical data of formation, the bore hole site of geothermal well and target stratum were ascertained. The four major elements of forming geothermal resources in this region were confirmed by carrying out geothermal drilling.

scholarly journals Multi-objective optimization of ORC geothermal conversion system integrated with life cycle assessment

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 ◽  
pp. 01012
Author(s):  
Dominika Matuszewska ◽  
Marta Kuta ◽  
Jan Górski
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Organic Rankine Cycle ◽  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Geothermal Systems ◽  
Multi Objective Optimization ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Conversion Technology

This paper details the development of a systematic methodology to integrated life cycle assessment (LCA) with thermo-economic models and to thereby identify the optimal exploitation schemes of geothermal resources. Overall geothermal systems consist of a superstructure of geothermal exploitable resources, a superstructure of conversion technology and multiple demand profiles for Swiss city. In this paper, an enhanced geothermal system has been chosen as exploitable resources. The energy conversion technology used in modelling is an organic Rankine cycle, which can be used to supply heat and electricity. In the Swiss case four demand profiles periods are considered: summer, interseason, winter and extreme winter, the city Nyon serving for the example case study. The multi-objective optimization system, that uses an evolutionary algorithm, is employed to determine the optimal scheme for some of the prepared models, with exergy efficiency and environmental impact as objectives.

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