Study on the intrinsic mechanisms underlying enhanced geothermal system (EGS) heat transfer performance differences in multi-wells

Abstract

The effectiveness of the multi-well arrangement mode in enhanced geothermal systems in large-scale fields has been well established. However, the mechanisms that lead to variations in heat transfer performance between different numbers of well arrangements have remained unclear. In this study, the multi-well pattern was segmented into several double-well units and a mathematical model was constructed to investigate seepage heat transfer in enhanced geothermal systems using numerical simulation techniques. The lifespan and heat transfer characteristics of both multi-well and corresponding double-well units were examined, with supplementary experimental validation. Additionally, a flow reduction coefficient for multi-well systems was proposed to explain the differences in heat transfer performance caused by the pressure superposition of multiple-well seepage fields. It was found that heat extraction from a multi-well enhanced geothermal system is equivalent to the linear superposition of corresponding double-well units. Furthermore, the lifespan of multi-well systems is significantly longer than that of corresponding double-well systems due to the influence of the multi-well flow reduction coefficient. In fact, this difference can exceed threefold in nine-well arrangements, resulting in reduced efficiency of multi-well heat exchange. This work provides a novel perspective on exploring the intrinsic mechanisms that underlie differences in heat transfer performance in enhanced geothermal systems from a flow field perspective. It contributes to a better understanding of optimal well arrangement modes for enhanced geothermal systems and supports the development of large-scale geothermal fields.