Geothermics, Vol.65, 222-233, 2017
On the connectivity anisotropy in fluvial Hot Sedimentary Aquifers and its influence on geothermal doublet performance
This study finds that the geothermal doublet layout with respect to the paleo flow direction in fluvial sedimentary reservoirs could significantly affect pump energy losses. These losses can be reduced by up to 10% if a doublet well pair is oriented parallel to the paleo flow trend compared to perpendicular. The chance that flow paths are formed perpendicular to this trend strongly depends on the net sandstone volume in the reservoir. Detailed fluvial fades architecture realisations which are used in this study, are generated with a process-based approach utilizing geological data from the Lower Cretaceous Nieuwerkerk Formation in the West Netherlands Basin. Finally, this study emphasizes the importance of detailed fades architecture modelling for the assessment of both risks and production strategies in Hot Sedimentary Aquifers. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords:Direct-use;Low enthalpy geothermal;West Netherlands basin;Process-based facies modelling;Fluvial sandstone;Reservoir modelling