A general model of an open geothermal system

Abstract

Geothermal aquifers may be considered as a renewable resource of heat and energy. Internal earth heat may be transported with underground water to the surface by wells, and to not overexploit the aquifer, this water should be returned back. As a rule such systems consist of two wells. Hot water from the producing well is used, as example, for greenhouse complex or other buildings needs, which cools the water, and the injection well returns the cold water into the aquifer. To simulate this open geothermal system a three-dimensional nonstationary mathematical model and numerical algorithms are developed taking into account the most important physical and technical parameters of the wells to describe the heat distribution and thermal water transportation in the aquifer. Results of numerical calculations are presented. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.