Heterogeneous 3D Model Research Articles

Qualitative assessment of optimizing the well spacings based on the economic analysis

The design of well spacing significantly influences the sustainability and economic benefit of geothermal energy extraction. However, most studies have predominantly employed heat production-related parameters as indicators of well spacing, and a comprehensive analysis of well spacing design based on an economic model is necessary for practical implementation. In this study, an economic indicator considering the benefits derived from heat production and operating costs is proposed and applied in the Caofeidian, a typical abandoned oilfield in the Bohai Bay Basin. It offers a refined portrayal of directional wells, moving beyond rudimentary representations, to capture their appropriate degree of complexity and behavior in drilling configurations. First, by integrating thermophysical information and site investigation data from previous oil investigations, a heterogeneous 3D model is constructed to forecast the 30-year temperature and pressure evolution. Then, a modified levelized cost of heat (LCOH-HT) is proposed to perform economic analysis in optimizing the well spacing, revealing an optimal range of 300–600 m for the different selected wells. In comparison with results derived solely from heat production considerations, drilling and pumping costs contribute to a 300 m reduction in the optimal well spacing based on the proposed approach, as a larger well spacing leads to increased hydraulic losses and drilling cost, necessitating greater pumping efforts and costs. This finding underscores the need to balance economic and thermal considerations. In addition, we found the difference in the optimal well spacing in space is also caused by the porosity variations. Porosity affects fluid temperature and pressure, leading to changes in the benefits and costs associated with pressure fluctuations. Notably, this novel economic analysis method is not limited to spacing optimization; it can also be used to optimize operating parameters, such as the flow rate, which could provide practical strategies for geothermal energy extraction.

3D Heterogeneous Model for Electrodes in Lithium-Ion Batteries to Study Interfacial Detachment of Active Material Particles and Carbon-Binder Domain

Mechanics plays a crucial role in the performance and lifespan of lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells. Thus, it is important to address the interplay between electrochemistry and mechanics in LIBs, especially when aiming to enhance the energy density of electrodes. Accordingly, this work introduces a framework for a fully coupled electro-chemo-mechanical heterogeneous 3D model that allows resolving the inhomogeneities accompanied by electrochemical and mechanical responses of LIB electrodes during operation. The model is employed to numerically study the mechanical degradation of a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cathode electrode, assembled in a half-cell, upon cycling. As opposed to previous works, a virtual morphology for a high-energy electrode with low porosity is developed in this study, which comprises distinct domains of active material (AM) particles, the carbon-binder domain (CBD), and the pore domain to resemble real commercial electrodes. It is observed that the mechanical strain mismatch between irregularly and randomly positioned AM particles and the CBD might lead to local contact detachment. This interfacial gap, in combination with the diminishing contact strength over cell cycling, continuously deteriorates the electrode performance upon cycling by impedance rise and capacity drop. In agreement with previous experimental reports, the presented simulation results exhibit that the contact loss mostly takes place in the regions closer to the separator. Eventually, the resulting gradual capacity drop and change in impedance spectrum over cycling, as the consequence of interfacial gap formation, are discussed and indicated.

Optimization of gas recycling technique in development of gas-condensate fields

Purpose. The research purpose is to increase the efficiency of development of gas condensate fields with a high condensate yield in the reservoir gas and to develop optimal ways of increasing their hydrocarbon recovery. Methods. The effectiveness of the implementation of reservoir pressure maintenance technologies using dry gas for the development of gas condensate fields with a high condensate yield in the reservoir gas is studied on the basis of a heterogeneous 3D model using the Schlumberger Eclipse and Petrel software packages. The technological indicators of the development of gas-condensate reservoir are studied for different pressure values at the beginning of the dry gas injection. Calculations were made for pressures at the beginning of injection at the level of: 1.0 Рinit; 0.8 Рinit; 0.6 Рinit; 0.4 Рinit; 0.2 Рinit. Findings. It has been determined that when the dry gas is injected into a gas-condensate reservoir, reservoir pressure is maintained at a significantly higher level than it is in the case of depletion. This ensures stable operation of production wells over a longer period of the reservoir development. According to the research results, it should be noted that in the case of implementation of the reservoir pressure maintenance technology, a part of the precipitated condensate is transferred to the gas phase, which makes it necessary to extract it together with the reservoir gas. Based on the modeling results, the ultimate condensate recovery factor have been calculated. The calculation results indicate that in the case of the cycling process implementation, the ultimate condensate recovery factor of the gas-condensate reservoir increases by 7.26% compared to depletion development. Originality. Based on the calculation data analysis, the optimal pressure value at the beginning of dry gas injection into a gas-condensate reservoir has been determined, which is 0.842 Рinit. Practical implications. The use of the conducted research results will optimize the development system of gas-condensate fields with high initial condensate yield in the reservoir gas and increase the efficiency of development the explored hydrocarbon reserves in the conditions of a significant shortage of hydrocarbon raw materials in Ukraine. The conducted research results indicate the high technological efficiency of the reservoir pressure maintenance technology using dry gas.

Multielectrode biosensor chip for spatial resolution screening of 3D cell models based on microcavity arrays

Three-dimensional cell models represent the native in vivo situation more closely than two-dimensional cultures and are therefore preferred today for in vitro studies. In this context, there is a great demand for fast, non-invasive, real-time, and label-free methods that are capable for detailed analyses of three-dimensional cultures. To characterize heterogeneous cultures or to detect localized drug effects, a measurement method such as impedance spectroscopy in combination with microcavity arrays (MCAs) is desirable, which additionally offers spatial resolution. To overcome these limitations of the previously described MCA based on opaque silicon substrates and a square shape with four measurement electrodes imposed by the crystal structure, we used the selective laser etching (SLE) method to fabricate microcavities in fused silica and borosilicate glass without geometric constraints. We successfully developed MCAs with variable base including up to eight measurement electrodes in one cavity, which allows the increase in the number of electrode combinations to improve spatial resolution. In addition, we integrated a central cone electrode at the cavity bottom to extend the spatial resolution on the z-axis. To demonstrate the capability of the MCAs, we used MDA-HB-231 spheroids with an enclosed glass sphere to show that the heterogeneity of the model is evident in the relative impedance spectra. Analyses on various cell spheroids highlight the broad applicability of glass MCAs. In conclusion, our SLE-fabricated MCA clearly improve bioelectronic analyses of cellular changes in heterogeneous 3D models. Thus, bioelectronic analysis of electrophysiologically active cells and tumor biopsy samples could significantly benefit from our development.

SHARING HIGH-RESOLUTION MODELS AND INFORMATION ON WEB: THE WEB MODULE OF BIM3DSG SYSTEM

Abstract. BIM3DSG system is described here. It is an ad hoc designed BIM system created for Cultural Heritage applications. It proposes some solutions to solve some issues related to the use of BIM in this field. First, it tries to resolve the problem of managing huge, complex, high resolution and heterogeneous 3D models, and then it offers a practical, easy and efficient solution for a wide sharing of data and information.

SHARING HIGH-RESOLUTION MODELS AND INFORMATION ON WEB: THE WEB MODULE OF BIM3DSG SYSTEM

BIM3DSG system is described here. It is an ad hoc designed BIM system created for Cultural Heritage applications. It proposes some solutions to solve some issues related to the use of BIM in this field. First, it tries to resolve the problem of managing huge, complex, high resolution and heterogeneous 3D models, and then it offers a practical, easy and efficient solution for a wide sharing of data and information.

Experimental and numerical investigations on structured catalysts for methane steam reforming intensification

Hydrogen production for green energy purposes arouses attention of industrial and scientific research. Despite a growing interest towards distributed hydrogen production, difficulties due to the heat and mass transfer limitations in the steam reforming processes reduces the possibility of small scale plants, and dramatically increases fixed and operative costs. Highly thermal conductive honeycomb structures were proposed as catalyst supports for hydrogen-rich stream production by methane steam reforming to enhance the heat and material transfer properties of catalysts, in order to increase the process sustainability. This work focuses on the experimental testing and preliminary numerical modeling of the methane steam reforming reaction performed on a Nickel-loaded silicon carbide monolith packaged into an externally heated tube. In particular, the two flow configurations of Flow Through and Wall Flow were investigated and compared, the impact of a washcoat deposition was evaluated. The wall-flow catalytic configuration is an innovative solution in the reforming processes, no examples were reported in the literature. A preliminary steady-state heterogeneous 3D model was developed including momentum, mass and energy balances. The experimental tests as well as the numerical simulations indicate that the Wall Flow configuration may overcome the fixed-bed reactor problems, yielding a more uniform temperature distribution and more effective mass transport. The highly conductive supports in wall-flow configuration appeared so able to minimize typical reforming processes limitations, improving the overall catalytic system kinetics and so resulting in an appreciable process intensification.

Monolithic catalysts for methane steam reforming intensification: Experimental and numerical investigations

Highly thermal conductive honeycomb structures were proposed as catalyst supports to enhance the heat and material transfer properties of catalysts. This work focuses on the experimental testing and preliminary numerical modeling of the methane steam reforming reaction performed on a Ni-loaded SiC monolith packaged into an externally heated tube. In particular, the two flow configurations of flow through and wall flow were investigated and compared. A preliminary steady-state heterogeneous 3D model was developed including momentum, mass and energy balances. The experimental tests as well as the numerical simulations indicate that the wall flow configuration may overcome the fixed-bed reactor problems, yielding a more uniform temperature distribution and more effective mass transport.

Far-Source Long-Period Displacement Response Spectra in the Po and Venetian Plains (Italy) from 3D Wavefield Simulations

Abstract Design-elastic displacement spectra for seismic codes and zoning studies of seismic hazard for long-period structures are becoming of utmost importance in modern earthquake engineering. The increase of displacement-based design approaches, together with the availability of good-quality digital strong-motion data, allow the creation of reliable spectral shapes for seismic design of up to 10 s. Nevertheless, to characterize the site amplification effects during large levels of shaking, additional studies are needed, especially in deep sedimentary basins and plains that can be strongly excited by large amplitude long-period waves. Data within deep basins is rare because accelerometric seismic networks are normally deployed on rock or stiff soil, and modeling of waveforms is hence necessary for bridging this gap. Focusing on the numerical modeling of the 3D wavefield in 1D flat layered and 3D structures in the Po and Venetian plains (northern Italy) and on earthquakes with magnitudes M 6.6 and hypocentral distances greater than 50 km, in this study we (1) estimate the displacement response spectra (DRS) from 1 to 10 s in the Po and Venetian plains, (2) compare the DRS from numerical simulations using flat layered and heterogeneous 3D models against the currently available uniform-hazard DRS for Italy, and (3) evaluate the influence of deep sediments on DRS shape and thus on seismic codes. Finally, 1D- and 3D-simulated DRS are compared with DRS obtained from recordings in the Kanto basin where similar long-period displacement is observed.

A workflow for handling heterogeneous 3D models with the TOUGH2 family of codes: Applications to numerical modeling of CO 2 geological storage

This paper is addressed to the TOUGH2 user community. It presents a new tool for handling simulations run with the TOUGH2 code with specific application to CO 2 geological storage. This tool is composed of separate FORTRAN subroutines (or modules) that can be run independently, using input and output files in ASCII format for TOUGH2. These modules have been developed specifically for modeling of carbon dioxide geological storage and their use with TOUGH2 and the Equation of State module ECO2N, dedicated to CO 2–water–salt mixture systems, with TOUGHREACT, which is an adaptation of TOUGH2 with ECO2N and geochemical fluid–rock interactions, and with TOUGH2 and the EOS7C module dedicated to CO 2–CH 4 gas mixture is described. The objective is to save time for the pre-processing, execution and visualization of complex geometry for geological system representation. The workflow is rapid and user-friendly and future implementation to other TOUGH2 EOS modules for other contexts (e.g. nuclear waste disposal, geothermal production) is straightforward. Three examples are shown for validation: (i) leakage of CO 2 up through an abandoned well; (ii) 3D reactive transport modeling of CO 2 in a sandy aquifer formation in the Sleipner gas Field, (North Sea, Norway); and (iii) an estimation of enhanced gas recovery technology using CO 2 as the injected and stored gas to produce methane in the K12B Gas Field (North Sea, Denmark).

Use of Reduced-Order Modeling Procedures for Production Optimization

Summary The determination of optimal well settings is very demanding computationally because the simulation model must be run many times during the course of the optimization. For this reason, reduced-order modeling procedures, which are a family of techniques that enable highly efficient simulations, may be very useful for optimization problems. In this paper, we describe a recently developed reduced-order modeling (ROM) technique that has been used in other application areas, the trajectory piecewise linearization (TPWL) procedure, and incorporate it in production-optimization computations. The TPWL methodology represents solutions encountered during the optimization runs in terms of Taylor-series expansions around previously simulated states. This requires a small number of preprocessing (training) simulations using the full (high-fidelity) model, during which pressure and saturation states and Jacobian matrices are saved. These states and matrices are then projected into a low-dimensional space using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Simulations in this reduced space can be performed very efficiently; in this work, we observe runtime speedups of a factor of 450. Overall speedups are, however, less because of the preprocessing overhead. We assess the TPWL representation for simulations of waterflood in a heterogeneous 3D model containing more than 20,000 gridblocks and six wells. The high degree of accuracy of the TPWL model is first demonstrated for several testing simulations in which producer- and injector-well settings differ from those used in the training runs. The TPWL representations are then used in optimizations involving the determination of optimal bottomhole pressures (BHPs) for a reservoir model with four production wells and two injection wells. A gradient-based algorithm is applied for the optimizations. In the first case, the BHPs of the producers and injectors are optimized at six different times (36 control variables) and in the second case at 15 different times (90 control variables). Results for optimized net present value (NPV) using TPWL are shown to be in consistently close agreement with those computed using high-fidelity simulations. Most significantly, when the optimal well settings obtained using the TPWL procedure are applied in high-fidelity models, the resulting NPVs are within approximately 0.5% of the values determined using the high-fidelity simulations. Our overall conclusion is that the TPWL representation may be quite useful in production-optimization problems.

Limit analysis of multi-layered plates. Part II: Shear effects

In the first part of this work [Dallot, J., Sab, K., 2007. Limit analysis of multi-layered plates. Part I: the homogenized Love–Kirchhoff model. J. Mech. Phys. Solids, in press, doi: 10.1016/j.jmps.2007.05.005], the limit analysis of a multi-layered plastic plate submitted to out-of-plane loads was studied. The authors have shown that a homogeneous equivalent Love–Kirchhoff plate can be substituted for the heterogeneous multi-layered plate, as the slenderness (length-to-thickness) ratio goes to infinity. In fact, the out-of-plane shear stresses are shown to become asymptotically negligible when compared to in-plane stresses, as the slenderness ratio goes to infinity. Actually, failure of thick multi-layered structures often occurs by shearing in the core layers and sliding at the interfaces between the layers. Both shearing and sliding are caused by the out-of-plane shear stresses. The purpose of the present paper is to build an enhanced Multi-particular Model for Multi-layered Material (M4) taking into account shear stress effects. In this model, each layer is seen as a Reissner–Mindlin plate interacting with its neighboring layers through interfaces. The proposed model is asymptotically consistent with the homogenized Love–Kirchhoff model described in the first part of the work, as the slenderness ratio goes to infinity. Kinematic and static methods for the determination of the limit load of a thick multi-layered plate which is submitted to out-of-plane distributed forces are described. The special case of multi-layered plates under cylindrical bending conditions is studied. These conditions lead to simplifications which often allow for the analytical resolution of the Love–Kirchhoff and the M4 limit analysis problems. The benefit of the proposed M4 model is demonstrated on an example. A comparison between the heterogeneous 3D model, the Love–Kirchhoff model and the M4 model is performed on a three-layer sandwich plate under cylindrical bending conditions. Finite element calculations are used to solve the 3D problem, while both the Love–Kirchhoff and the M4 problems are analytically solved. It is shown that, when the contrast between the core and the skins strengths is high, the Love–Kirchhoff model fails to capture the plastic collapse modes that cause the ruin of the sandwich plate. These modes are well captured by the M4 model which predicts limit loads that are very consistent with the limit loads predicted by the heterogeneous 3D model (the relative error is found to be smaller than 1%).