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Velocity-dependent heat transfer controls temperature in fracture networks

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Heinze

    (Ruhr-University Bochum)

  • Nicola Pastore

    (Politecnico di Bari)

Abstract

Heat transfer between a fluid and the surrounding rock in the subsurface is a crucial process not only, but most obviously, in geothermal systems. Heat transfer is described by Newton’s law of cooling, relating the heat transferred to a coefficient, the specific surface area, and the temperature difference between rock and fluid. However, parameterizing the heat transfer coefficient in fracture networks poses a major challenge. Here we show that within a fracture network the heat transfer coefficient is strongly heterogeneous but that laboratory single fracture experiments can provide a reasonable estimate in dependence of flow rate. We investigate the distribution of the heat transfer coefficient experimentally as well as numerically and analyze the heat transfer at individual fractures. Our results improve the prediction of temperatures in engineered and natural geothermal systems and allow sustainable management and design of reservoirs considering the role of individual fractures.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Heinze & Nicola Pastore, 2023. "Velocity-dependent heat transfer controls temperature in fracture networks," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-36034-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36034-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhou, Chunwei & Liu, Gang & Liao, Shengming, 2024. "Probing dominant flow paths in enhanced geothermal systems with a genetic algorithm inversion model," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 360(C).

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