Multiscale evaluation of virtual fractures induced by direct current electric fields in multiple scenarios

Zhipeng Wang, Zhengfu Ning, Wenting Guo and Zhangxin Chen

Energy, 2024, vol. 313, issue C

Abstract: Faced with dwindling fossil fuel reserves, enhancing energy recovery and transitioning to renewables is essential. In tight reservoirs, electrochemical effects of micro and nanopores obstruct fluid movement, the miscibility pressures of CO2 and oil, and the fluid heat extraction efficiency. This study introduces a method utilizing direct current (DC) electric fields to enhance energy development, showcasing its potential from microscale experiments to macroscale applications. Based on microfluidic and electro-driven displacement experiments, the concept of virtual fractures is proposed and a corresponding model is developed. Numerical simulations further clarify the impact of virtual fractures on CO2 recovery, storage, and thermal extraction, proposing a workflow for effective implementation. Using the Non-Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) for optimization. Results of the systematic performance analysis show that an electric field strength of 0.5V/m optimally enhances CO2 recovery rates, comparable to miscible extractions. The technology fosters secondary and primary virtual fractures, enhancing the efficiency of energy extraction systems. Economic analyses confirm the feasibility of this DC-assisted strategy. Compared to conventional schemes, the optimized schemes offer greater economic benefits, amounting to 4.982 and 3.052 million US dollars, respectively. In summary, multiscale experiments, numerical simulations, and economic analyses underscore the advantages of DC electric field-assisted energy extraction.

Keywords: Direct current electric field; Virtual fracture; Microfluidic experiments; Electro-driven displacement experiments; Non-Sorting Genetic algorithm II (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:313:y:2024:i:c:s0360544224036557

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.133877

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