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Numerical Study of the Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling Impacts of Shallow Geothermal Borehole Groups in Fractured Rock Mass on Geological Environment

Author

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  • Yujin Ran

    (Guizhou Shallow Geothermal Energy Development Co., Ltd., Zunyi 563006, China
    114 Branch, Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development Guizhou Province, Zunyi 563006, China)

  • Jia Peng

    (Guizhou Shallow Geothermal Energy Development Co., Ltd., Zunyi 563006, China
    114 Branch, Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development Guizhou Province, Zunyi 563006, China)

  • Xiaolin Tian

    (Guizhou Shallow Geothermal Energy Development Co., Ltd., Zunyi 563006, China
    114 Branch, Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development Guizhou Province, Zunyi 563006, China)

  • Dengyun Luo

    (Guizhou Shallow Geothermal Energy Development Co., Ltd., Zunyi 563006, China
    114 Branch, Bureau of Geology and Mineral Exploration and Development Guizhou Province, Zunyi 563006, China)

  • Bin Yang

    (College of Mines, Guizhou University, North Wing Rm. 426, Guiyang 550025, China)

  • Peng Pei

    (College of Mines, Guizhou University, North Wing Rm. 426, Guiyang 550025, China)

  • Long Tang

    (School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China)

Abstract

Fractured rock mass is extensively distributed in Karst topography regions, and its geological environment is different from that of the quaternary strata. In this study, the influences on geological environment induced by the construction and operation of a large-scale borehole group of ground source heat pumps are analyzed by a thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupling numerical model. It was found that groundwater is redirected as the boreholes can function as channels to the surface, and the flow velocity in the upstream of borehole group is higher than those downstream. This change in groundwater flow enhances heat transfer in the upstream boreholes but may disturb the original groundwater system and impact the local geological environment. Heat accumulation is more likely to occur downstream. The geo-stress concentration appears in the borehole area, mainly due to exaction and increasing with the depth. On the fracture plane, tensile stress and maximum shear stress simultaneously occur on the upstream of boreholes, inducing the possibility of fracturing or the expansion of existing fractures. There is a slight uplift displacement on the surface after the construction of boreholes. The correlations of the above THM phenomena are discussed and analyzed. From the modeling results, it is suggested that the consolidation of backfills can minimize the environmental disturbances in terms of groundwater redirection, thermal accumulation, occurrence of tensile stress, and possible fracturing. This study provides support for the assessment of impacts on geological environments resulting from shallow geothermal development and layout optimization of ground heat exchangers in engineering practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Yujin Ran & Jia Peng & Xiaolin Tian & Dengyun Luo & Bin Yang & Peng Pei & Long Tang, 2024. "Numerical Study of the Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupling Impacts of Shallow Geothermal Borehole Groups in Fractured Rock Mass on Geological Environment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:6:p:1384-:d:1356325
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hähnlein, Stefanie & Bayer, Peter & Ferguson, Grant & Blum, Philipp, 2013. "Sustainability and policy for the thermal use of shallow geothermal energy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 914-925.
    2. Deng, Fengqiang & Li, Wei & Pei, Peng & Wang, Lin & Ren, Yonglin, 2024. "Study on design and calculation method of borehole heat exchangers based on seasonal patterns of groundwater," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 220(C).
    3. Capozza, Antonio & De Carli, Michele & Zarrella, Angelo, 2013. "Investigations on the influence of aquifers on the ground temperature in ground-source heat pump operation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 350-363.
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