Numerical study on heat storage and production effects of the aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system based on reservoir reconstruction

Wei Zhang, Mingjian Wang, Haiyang Yu, Tiankui Guo, Chunguang Wang, Fengming Li and Zhengnan Wei

Energy, 2025, vol. 316, issue C

Abstract: In the context of the prominent energy problem, it is crucial to reduce energy consumption and improve heat utilization efficiency. Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) is one of the promising solutions to balance the uneven distribution of seasonal energy. To improve the ATES efficiency and reduce the heat loss during the heat storage process, the novel method realized by fracturing is proposed. Through reconstruction of the upper and bottom layer around the aimed aquifer through hydraulic fracturing, then the fracturing fluid containing heat insulation material will be injected into the fracture to create an artificial insulation zone. Based on the thermal-hydraulic-mechanical coupling model, the numerical study of heat storage process and heat production process in ATES with artificial insulation zone is conducted. The results indicate that the artificial fracture insulation zone has the heat preservation effect on the aquifer thermal energy storage, which lead to a reduction in the heat loss rate during the heat storage process. When the thermal conductivity of the fractures is 0.02 W/(m·K), and the fracture density is 10 pieces/100 m2, it exhibits the most effective heat insulation ability, resulting in an 8.38 % reduction in the heat loss rate.

Keywords: Aquifer thermal energy storage; Heat loss; Reservoir reconstruction; Artificial insulation zone; THM coupling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:energy:v:316:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225001914

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.134549

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