Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2024, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (6): 235-251.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2024.7.22

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Heat transfer in geothermal reservoir of CO2-based enhanced geothermal systems—current research status and prospects

JIANG Zheng(), SHU Biao*(), TAN Jingqiang   

  1. School of Geosciences and Info-physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
  • Received:2024-02-15 Revised:2024-04-28 Online:2024-11-25 Published:2024-11-25

Abstract:

Hot dry rock (HDR) resources with large reserves are widely distributed. HDR is considered one of the sources of green energy with a broad development prospect, and the enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) is the main technology to mine HDR resources. In CO2-EGS, supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) used as a working fluid for heat extraction can reduce water and energy consumption in pumping. ScCO2 is a better (higher efficiency) heat transfer fluid than H2O and can be used for geological storage of partial CO2, which has a large development prospect. This paper summarizes recent research progres on heat transfer techniques used in CO2-EGS from three aspects: reservoir fracture models for EGS, physical properties of CO2, and flow and heat transfer properties of CO2 in reservoir fractures. Suggestions on practical application at typical geothermal sites in China are presented. The fracture model based on fractured, porous medium is more practical and efficient, and the local thermal non-equilibrium model is more accurate. CO2 has a high mass flow rate and low mineral dissolution capability, and CO2 mineralization and storage in EGS can reduce seismic risk. However, it will decrease the permeability of the reservoir, and it is recommended to adjust the non-contact area of the main fracture or the CO2 injection parameter to minimize the permeability decrease. In the future, the non-Darcy flow properties of CO2 should be further investigated. When exploring the practical application of CO2-EGS in the Gonghe and Songliao Basins, the loss of CO2 in the reservoirs should be considered, and the sealing performance of the tuff caprock in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province should be evaluated.

Key words: geothermal reservoir, hot dry rock, enhanced geothermal systems, carbon dioxide, seepage flow and heat transfer

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