Finite element simulation of the hydrothermal behaviour of an artificial aquifer for seasonal energy storage

Abstract

A mathematical-numerical procedure is being used to calculate the time marching temperature field in the Artificial Aquifer for thermal energy storage of the Stuttgart University. The procedure is based on the Finite Element Method and is able to simulate the behaviour of the aquifer during charging and discharging, by exchanging water directly. When the aquifers' geometry was determined, the numerical model was used to evaluate the influence of different locations of the water inlet and outlet facilities as well as possible layering of the aquifer on the expected flow and temperature field.