Abstract
The paper focuses on the thermal evaluation of geological well data along the Williston Basin, possessing the greatest potential for geothermal energy development. The research follows the criteria for possible electrical generation through binary type systems for medium-temperatures exceeding 80℃. The bottom-hole temperatures (BHTs) obtained from the geological well data are corrected to thermal equilibrium through the Harrison correction method, from which the findings clearly point to the Estevan 103.5'W region, as the best geothermal energy prospect for a binary type system. Three wells having the highest recorded temperatures at depth are seen in particular with well locators of 101/11-14-002-09W2/00, 121/10-28-001-10W2/02, and 141/03-08-001-11W2/00 having temperatures of 106℃, 100℃ and 127℃ at depths respectively. The thermal distribution map serves as a preliminary tool for investigating the potential of the Williston Basin for geothermal energy development. These maps, coupled with hydraulic maps, can be used as an enhanced method of determining prospective site locations for wells. Finally, temperatures above 80℃ were found at depths exceeding 2250m for the Williston Basin, overlying the Winnipeg and Deadwood formations.
Highlights
Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source which utilizes the thermal properties of the earth’s crust to generate energy which can be used for the heating and cooling of buildings, and generation of electricity
The bottom-hole temperatures (BHTs) obtained from the geological well data has to be corrected to thermal equilibrium
It is observed that the BHTs increase the closer the well is located to the 49° N latitude, and localized to the 103 °W longitude mark
Summary
Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source which utilizes the thermal properties of the earth’s crust to generate energy which can be used for the heating and cooling of buildings, and generation of electricity. The former has gained an extensive application in Canada. The potential of geothermal energy resources is broadly distributed across the Provinces. 5′W and Estevan 105′W ), and Weyburn under the Province of Saskatchewan.
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