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Fractured Geothermal Reservoir Using CO2 as Geofluid: Numerical Analysis and Machine Learning Modeling
Manojkumar Gudala1, Zeeshan Tariq1, Suresh Kumar Govindarajan2
1Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
This study examines how natural and hydraulic fractures affect geothermal energy extraction using supercritical CO2. A fully connected neural network (FCN) model accurately forecasts temperature changes in fractured geothermal reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Geothermal Energy Engineering
- Computational Geosciences
- Fracture Mechanics
Background:
- Understanding fractured geothermal reservoirs is crucial for efficient heat extraction.
- The interplay between natural and hydraulic fractures significantly impacts reservoir performance.
- Supercritical CO2 is a promising geofluid for enhanced geothermal systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behavior of fractured geothermal reservoirs.
- To analyze the influence of fracture networks and geofluid properties on heat extraction.
- To develop a predictive model for temperature evolution in production wells.
Main Methods:
- A fully coupled and dynamic thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) model was employed.
- A fully connected neural network (FCN) model was developed for mathematical relationship establishment.
- Response surface methodology was used for qualitative numerical experimentation.
Main Results:
- Fracture orientation and interaction critically affect heat extraction and fluid flow.
- Geofluid type and location influence production temperature, thermal strain, and effective stress.
- The FCN model demonstrated high accuracy in forecasting temporal temperature variations.
Conclusions:
- The developed FCN model serves as a valuable tool for predicting temperature evolution in fractured geothermal reservoirs.
- Accurate simulation of temperature changes is essential for optimizing geothermal energy production.
- THM modeling provides critical insights into the complex behavior of fractured geothermal systems.
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