Research

Inflow Measurement in Geothermal Wells Based on Chloride Concentration (2021-2024)

The ability to measure inflow from fractures formed after a stimulation is important to assess the success of geothermal wells. This measurement is also useful in understanding the fracture inflow evolution throughout the well lifetime. In this study, a downhole measurement technique was proposed to infer inflows from individual fractures by measuring chloride ion concentration of geothermal fluid along the wellbore. Expanding from a previous study based on a chloride measurement tool developed by Sandia National Laboratory, an analytical calculation was designed to suit fractured well configurations and multiple feed zones.  The proposed technique is being developed in preparation for a field test at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Energy (FORGE) site.

Deep Analysis of the Geothermal Literature Using Natural Language Processing Techniques (2020-2021)

With the globally growing volume of geothermal literature, data analysis has become useful to advance professional and academic research and development efforts. Furthermore, it is essential to leverage state-of-the-art algorithms to develop useful tools based on existing databases. This work utilized statistical and deep learning techniques to draw insights based on the geothermal literature. We retrieved papers from the International Geothermal Association (IGA) database using the Stanford University search engine.

Impact of Anisotropy on the Thermal Performance of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (2017-2021)

Accurate prediction of the thermal performance of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) depends on an understanding of how the heat transport is affected by the presence of the fracture(s) – the primary flow conduit of EGS. These fractures may have aperture variability that could create channels and alter flow paths, affecting the availability of surface area for heat transfer.  

This study aimed to understand the fracture topology, investigate how it can impact flow and heat transport, and demonstrate ways Enhanced Geothermal Systems can be harnessed to optimize thermal performance.

DNA-Based Tracers for Fractured Reservoir Characterization (2014-2020)

The characterization of fluid flow pathways in subsurface reservoirs is crucial for building reliable reservoir models, designing stimulation strategies, predicting reservoir performance, and optimizing production. Tracer data (artificial or natural) provide direct information on reservoir flow properties.

Reservoir Characterization and Prediction Modeling Using Statistical Techniques (2017-2021)

Reservoir characterization and prediction modeling have long been among the more challenging tasks in geothermal reservoir engineering. The main reason is the presence of fractures and faults, which control the mass and heat transport in the subsurface. Nowadays, with a substantial increase in data due to advances in computer power and measuring equipment, the oil and gas as well as the geothermal industries are presented with some of today’s most complex data science problems.

Analytical and Experimental Study of Measuring Enthalpy in Geothermal Reservoirs with a Downhole Tool (2015-2017)

Wellhead measurements of enthalpy and mass flow rate are routine monitoring procedures in geothermal fields. Due to wellbore heat loss, measurement of surface enthalpy can only provide incomplete information about the wellbore and the reservoir, especially during the early testing phases of a development. Measurement of enthalpy downhole would allow for better understanding of the reservoir condition and so would be of great practical significance.

Towards a Better Understanding of the Impact of Fracture Roughness on Permeability-Stress Relationships using First Principles (2011-2017)

Accurate modeling of fracture flow behavior is important for tight reservoirs, such as shale gas and geothermal systems, where faults and fractures are the main conduits for flow. In enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), hydraulic fracturing is used to increase permeability by creating new fractures or inducing slip on preexisting fractures (McClure and Horne, 2011). If appropriate investments in research and development are made, EGS has a potential of having up to 100 GWe of generating capacity in the next 50 years (Tester et al., 2006).

Fracture Connectivity of Fractal Fracture Networks Estimated Using Electrical Resistivity (2011-2013)

This study aimed to estimate the connectivity of fracture networks using direct current resistivity measurements. In these surveys, a direct current is sent into the ground through electrodes and the voltage differences between them are recorded. The input current and measured voltage difference give information about the subsurface resistivity, which can then be used to infer fracture locations. Other geophysical surveys used commonly to find hidden geothermal resources are self-potential and magnetotelluric surveys. Garg et al.

Fracture Characterization in Enhanced Geothermal Systems by Wellbore and Reservoir Analysis (2009-2012)

In summary, this project will develop systematic techniques and tools to characterize the entire fracture network in Enhanced Geothermal Systems, both in the wellbore and in the reservoir. A complete characterization of fractures in the region both near the wellbore and in the interwell reservoir regions is central to maximizing the efficiency of energy extraction from Enhanced Geothermal Systems. By allowing for the optimal design of the recovery process, the results of this research will permit the energy extraction from a given area of enhanced fractures to be maximized. Given the significant cost of producing an enhanced fracture system in the field, the improvement of energy recovery is a key to making this energy source viable economically.