| Abstract |
The project aims to conduct a techno-feasibility analysis for transitioning the University's campus from a steam-based to a geothermal hot water system. This assessment is crucial for optimizing water injection and production processes while evaluating the capacity and performance of shallow sandstones for thermal energy storage. In 2023, the drilling of the MIP 1S well provided essential data including logs, sidewall cores, and drilling records. These served as the foundational elements for constructing a comprehensive 3D reservoir model for the deep direct geothermal well located at the University. Utilizing offset data from neighboring wells, this model was expanded into three dimensions, incorporating crucial rock properties and data from formation injection and diagnostic fracture injection tests for precise calibration and history matching. Our focus included an in-depth examination of the Trenton formation's potential as a heat reservoir, alongside exploration of various geothermal system configurations. Complex heat and fluid flow dynamics within highly fractured systems, including exchange with the matrix, were simulated using multi-continua approaches. Additionally, reservoir-simulated models, implemented at predefined production stages, were coupled with a well-established geomechanical model to comprehensively assess stress and strain variations throughout the reservoir. The sophisticated 3D reservoir model has been instrumental in identifying the most suitable configuration for deploying geothermal systems in drilling deep direct use geothermal wells within the Appalachian basin. Evaluation of configurations including the Deep Closed Loop Single Well, Enhanced Closed Loop system, Multi single wells using the Huff & Puff method, and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (Two-well with fractures) facilitated thorough comparison and sensitivity analyses. Notably, our findings reveal that the enhanced closed-loop system emerged as the most cost-effective configuration. This determination was informed by comprehensive assessments of various parameters, encompassing fluid properties, rock-fluid interactions, geomechanical properties, and flexwell characteristics, all precisely integrated into the intricate 3D model. These insights underscore the reservoir's potential to elevate fluid temperatures to levels conducive to providing heating services, a particularly pertinent consideration for fulfilling the heating needs of institutions. This research not only advances our understanding of geothermal energy utilization but also provides valuable guidance for optimizing geothermal system configurations in similar geological settings. This study illuminates the benefits of incorporating deep-direct geothermal energy, emphasizing its role in boosting energy efficiency, fostering environmental sustainability, and supporting global climate change efforts. These insights make remarkable contributions to advancing sustainability practices within the petroleum industry, showcasing the transformative potential of embracing geothermal technologies as part of the shift towards greener energy solutions. |