Multi-Field Coupled Numerical Simulation of Geothermal Extraction and Reinjection in the Sandstone Reservoir

Zhizheng Liu, Xiao Dong, Huafeng Liu, Yunhua He, Shuang Li, Chao Jia (), Peng Qin, Bo Li and Pengpeng Ding
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Zhizheng Liu: Shandong Institute of Geological Survey, Jinan 250014, China
Xiao Dong: Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Huafeng Liu: Shandong Institute of Geological Survey, Jinan 250014, China
Yunhua He: Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Shuang Li: Shandong Institute of Geological Survey, Jinan 250014, China
Chao Jia: Institute of Marine Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
Peng Qin: Shandong Provincial Territorial Spatial Ecological Restoration Center, Jinan 250014, China
Bo Li: Shandong Provincial Geo-Mineral Engineering Exploration Institute, Jinan 250014, China
Pengpeng Ding: School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-17

Abstract: The sustainable exploitation of geothermal energy is often challenged by issues such as groundwater level decline and thermal attenuation. This study focuses on the sandstone thermal reservoir in Linqing City, Shandong Province. A three-dimensional thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) multi-field coupling numerical model is developed to simulate the evolution of geothermal water levels and temperature fields under varying reinjection rates. The model was validated against observed water level and temperature data, showing maximum deviations of 1.62 m and 0.6 °C. Simulation results indicate that increasing the reinjection rate mitigates water-level decline but accelerates thermal breakthrough, expanding the low-temperature zone. At a 100% reinjection rate, the minimum temperature at the bottom of the thermal reservoir decreases to 63.6 °C, and the low-temperature area extends to 11.61 km 2 . Moderate reinjection rates help to slow thermal energy loss while maintaining reservoir pressure and stabilizing water levels. This study reveals the dual effects of reinjection rate on the balance of geothermal system and puts forward suggestions on optimizing well spacing according to the simulated advance rate of cold waterfront, so as to ensure sustainable thermal recovery. It provides theoretical basis and numerical simulation support for reinjection strategy optimization and well spacing design of similar geothermal fields in Linqing and North China Plain.

Keywords: geothermal reservoir; THM coupling; reinjection; reservoir sustainability; numerical simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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