Effects of Operational Parameters on Heat Extraction Efficiency in Medium-Deep Geothermal Systems: THM Coupling Numerical Simulation

Wenrui Wang, Zhiwei Yang, Chenglu Gao, Zhiyuan Liu, Zongqing Zhou and Huaqing Ma ()
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Wenrui Wang: School of Qilu Transportation, Shandong University, Jinan 250002, China
Zhiwei Yang: School of Qilu Transportation, Shandong University, Jinan 250002, China
Chenglu Gao: School of Qilu Transportation, Shandong University, Jinan 250002, China
Zhiyuan Liu: School of Qilu Transportation, Shandong University, Jinan 250002, China
Zongqing Zhou: School of Qilu Transportation, Shandong University, Jinan 250002, China
Huaqing Ma: School of Qilu Transportation, Shandong University, Jinan 250002, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-26

Abstract: Amid the global energy transition, geothermal energy, as a clean, stable, and renewable energy source, serves as a core direction for energy structure optimization. The development of medium-deep geothermal reservoirs is dominated by thermo–hydro–mechanical (THM) multi-physics coupling effects, yet the quantitative regulation laws of their operational parameters remain unclear. In this study, a numerical model for geothermal extraction considering THM multi-physics coupling was established. Using the single-factor variable method, simulations were conducted within the set parameter ranges of injection–production pressure difference, well spacing, and injection temperature. The spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the temperature field, the dynamic temperature–pressure responses at the midpoint of injection–production wells and production wells, and efficiency indicators, such as instantaneous heat extraction power and cumulative heat extraction, were analyzed and quantified. The results show that a larger pressure difference accelerates the expansion of the cold zone in the reservoir, which improves short-term heat extraction efficiency but increases the risk of long-term thermal depletion; a smaller well spacing leads to higher initial heat production power but results in lower long-term cumulative heat extraction due to rapid heat consumption; within the normal temperature range of 16–24 °C, the injection temperature has a negligible impact on heat extraction efficiency. This study clarifies the regulatory laws of operational parameters and provides theoretical support for well pattern design and injection–production process optimization in medium-deep geothermal development.

Keywords: medium-deep geothermal system; thermo–hydro–mechanical (THM) multi-physics coupling; heat extraction efficiency; operational parameter optimization; numerical simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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