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Low-Frequency Electrical Heating for In Situ Conversion of Shale Oil: Modeling Thermal Dynamics and Decomposition

Author

Listed:
  • Zhaobin Zhang

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    Institute of Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Zhuoran Xie

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    Institute of Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Maryelin Josefina Briceño Montilla

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    Institute of Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Shouding Li

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    Institute of Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Xiao Li

    (Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    Institute of Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
    College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

Abstract

In situ conversion presents a viable strategy for exploiting low to moderate maturity shale oil. Traditional methods, however, require dense well patterns and substantial energy, which are major hurdles. This study introduces a novel approach employing low-frequency electrical heating via production wells to enhance heat transfer without necessitating additional heating wells. Utilizing a self-developed simulator, we developed a numerical model to evaluate the efficacy of this method in augmenting reservoir temperature and facilitating substance decomposition. Findings indicate that low-frequency electrical heating significantly elevates reservoir temperatures, accelerates hydrocarbon cracking, and boosts fluid production. A sensitivity analysis on various heating strategies and reservoir characteristics showed that elevated heating power can further pyrolyze the heavy oil in the product to light oil, while higher porosity formations favor increased oil and gas output. The study also explores the effect of thermal conductivity on heating efficiency, suggesting that while better conductivity improves heat distribution, it may increase the proportion of heavy oils in the output. Overall, this investigation offers a theoretical foundation for refining in situ conversion technologies in shale oil extraction, enhancing both energy efficiency and production quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhaobin Zhang & Zhuoran Xie & Maryelin Josefina Briceño Montilla & Shouding Li & Xiao Li, 2024. "Low-Frequency Electrical Heating for In Situ Conversion of Shale Oil: Modeling Thermal Dynamics and Decomposition," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:21:p:5401-:d:1509921
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhang, Zhaobin & Li, Yuxuan & Li, Shouding & He, Jianming & Li, Xiao & Xu, Tao & Lu, Cheng & Qin, Xuwen, 2024. "Optimization of the natural gas hydrate hot water injection production method: Insights from numerical and phase equilibrium analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 361(C).
    2. Maryelin Josefina Briceño Montilla & Shouding Li & Zhaobin Zhang & Xiao Li & Yiming Sun & Shiwei Ma, 2023. "Theoretical Analysis of the Effect of Electrical Heat In Situ Injection on the Kerogen Decomposition for the Development of Shale Oil Deposits," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-23, June.
    3. Jia Liu & Jianguo Wang & Chunfai Leung & Feng Gao, 2018. "A Fully Coupled Numerical Model for Microwave Heating Enhanced Shale Gas Recovery," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-28, June.
    4. Huang, HanWei & Yu, Hao & Xu, WenLong & Lyu, ChengSi & Micheal, Marembo & Xu, HengYu & Liu, He & Wu, HengAn, 2023. "A coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical model for production performance of oil shale reservoirs during in-situ conversion process," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 268(C).
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