Overview of the EGS Collab Project: Stimulation and Validation
Abstract
Development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) requires accurate predictions of flow rates and temperatures at production wells over time. To better understand processes that control formation of effective subsurface heat exchangers, the EGS Collab project is establishing an intermediate-scale ( 10-20 m) suite of highly monitored and well-characterized field test beds in which we perform well-monitored stimulation tests and evaluate resulting networks with interwell flow tests. These tests will provide a means of testing models, tools, and concepts that could later be employed under geothermal reservoir conditions at the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) or EGS sites. Validation of numerical simulations in the experiment design and interpretation of results is key to the project. Our first set of experiments is underway at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in South Dakota.
Our in-situ experiments are performed under well-controlled conditions, focused on rock fracture behavior and permeability enhancement. We collect high-resolution and high-quality geophysical and other fracture characterization and fluid flow data using comprehensive instrumentation. Modeling predictions before tests will be compared with detailed measurements allowing for improved model prediction and validation. To further elucidate the basic relationships between stress, induced seismicity, and permeability enhancement, we will analyze our data and compare them with models and field observations. Observations and quantifications of other key governing parameters that may impact permeability will be recorded and analyzed to help understand how they might change throughout the development and operation of an EGS project. Our ultimate goal is to aid in enabling the commercial viability of EGS. The EGS Collab Project is supported by the US Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office.- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFM.H32C..05K
- Keywords:
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- 0915 Downhole methods;
- EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICSDE: 1822 Geomechanics;
- HYDROLOGYDE: 3616 Hydrothermal systems;
- MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGYDE: 8135 Hydrothermal systems;
- TECTONOPHYSICS