| Title | Analytical Estimates on the Deep Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage Using Electromagnetic Heating |
|---|---|
| Authors | Grigori CHAPIRO, Samuel O. ALMEIDA, Pacelli L. J. ZITHA |
| Year | 2024 |
| Conference | Stanford Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | ATES, low-enthalphy geothermal sources, electromagnetic heating, flows in porous media, partial differential equations |
| Abstract | Electromagnetic (EM) heating is a promising approach for the efficient storage of renewable energy derived from sources like photovoltaic solar and wind power within aquifers. In this study, we delve into the dynamics of how this captured energy elevates the temperature of a representative deep aquifer over a six-month period, as well as the extent to which this stored energy can be subsequently recovered during the following six months. Our approach involves injecting water into the aquifer at a constant flow rate while concurrently subjecting it to high-frequency electromagnetic microwaves generated at the water's natural resonance frequency of 2.45 GHz. To comprehensively describe this intricate interplay between reservoir flow and EM heating, we employ Darcy's and energy balance equations. Notably, the energy balance equation incorporates a source term to account for the propagation and absorption of EM waves, which are modeled independently using Maxwell's equations. For a more simplified model, we analytically solve these equations. The analytical estimates are rigorously ed against numerical simulations, utilizing data from prior controlled laboratory experiments documented in the literature. Our results demonstrate the considerable efficacy of down-hole EM heating as an innovative method for storing renewable energies, offering a viable solution to mitigate the inherent intermittency associated with these sources. This research contributes to the evolving landscape of sustainable energy storage solutions. |