Geothermal energy is relatively cheap compared to other sources of power. Different parts of the world, from the United States to New Zealand, have hot springs that can be harnessed to provide geothermal energy to power homes and industries. However, there is a huge risk attached to geothermal resource exploration and development procedures.
The subsurface rocks in the reservoir dictate the feasibility of the reservoir for energy extraction. Before the project begins, it is imperative to visualize the subsurface structure and other parameters that may have an impact on the viability of the energy project. This enables engineers to analyze all the subsurface variables that are critical to the development of the project.
3D visualization is one tool that helps engineers model the subsurface in order to do a meaningful analysis of the geothermal reservoir and make informed decisions. They only need to get the parameters right so that they can analyze accurate data.
Parameters for Reservoir Characterization
There are four types of geothermal resources: pressure, hot dry rock, hydrothermal, and magma. For electricity generation, only hydrothermal resources are widely used around the world. Technology for utilizing the remaining resources is still in its infancy stage.
In the hydrothermal electricity production process, dry steam and hot water wells are used. Hydrothermal systems are placed on the reservoir to harness the hot fluids for power generation.
Here are some important parameters that are checked during the visualization process:
Permeability and Porosity of the Reservoir Rocks
Porosity helps geoscientists detect regions within geothermal reservoirs that contain enough hot water to be used for energy production. It helps determine if geothermal water is worth the cost of extracting it. Permeability controls the flow of the geothermal fluids at the reservoir, therefore affecting the position and rate of production of the geothermal systems.
Subsurface Temperatures
Subsurface temperatures determine how hot the liquid is and understand the feasibility of geothermal exploration. Temperatures may change as one goes down into the depths of production wells. It helps determine the depths to which the drill stems should go for effective power generation.
Fractures in the Rock Bed
Fractures in the rock bed may help determine the stability of the reservoir to hold your geothermal system as well as the likely faults if there is systemic activity in the area. Part of the analysis may include induced seismicity to determine if the rock can hold together even if there is an earthquake of a specific magnitude.
Visualization and modeling of these parameters also aid in determining whether there are any other issues that may arise during the drilling process, as well as hazards and barriers that may impede progress. It will also decide on the best drilling location and wellbore design.
Prediction Model for Geothermal Energy Production
Accurate predictive models are important for well-control optimization. There are two predictive models that are commonly used in this: a physics-based simulation method and deep learning.
Physics-Based Simulation Model
Traditionally, physics-based simulation methods require extensive data on the properties of the reservoir, its condition, and in-depth technical data on the surrounding geothermal area. This model does not have predictive capabilities and relies on hard data to determine geothermal potential.
However, the model provides physical plausibility and interpretability, does not generalize grey areas, and can work with the available data. Geoscientists can also include other data sources, such as NASA astrophysics data, to determine the qualities of the area around the site of the project.
Deep Learning Model
The deep learning model is developed by performing a sensitivity analysis based on the available data. This technology makes use of machine learning to predict the likely performance of the rock around the reservoir, the amount of liquid, temperatures, and the overall feasibility of the project in selected geothermal fields. It also provides further to inform the research team of seismic activity and its likely impact on the structural soundness of the project.
It is important that the geothermal reservoir engineering team check the feasibility of the geothermal field before any exploration can be made. The use of a conceptual model helps visualize the geothermal reservoir to determine things like fluid flow, rock porosity, permeability, total discharge, and faults in the rock bed. Astrophysics data systems and other sources of data are used in reservoir characterization and to determine geothermal wells that are ideal for further development.
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