Improving the geometric topology of geothermal heat exchangers in oil bore-holes

Abstract

A review has been conducted of key trends in the development of geometric topology of geothermal heat exchangers. Authors proposed approaches to improving the designs and network structures for heat-transfer media circulation in the bottom-hole space of oil-and-gas reservoirs. Four geometric topologies of geothermal heat exchangers have been analysed: І – ІІ – rectilinear vertical smooth and finned pipelines; ІІІ – IV – a cluster in the form of a set of smooth and finned single-pipe elements, representing a figure of “squirrel wheel” or “meridian sphere” type. It is shown that the most effective technical solution, which ensures the increase in the coefficient of performance (COP) of bore-hole geothermal systems is finning the heat exchanging pipes. For the heat exchangers of І – ІІ type, the calculated increase in COP in comparison with smooth pipes is 40%, and for ІІІ – IV type – 95%. The key parameters influencing the COP of a geothermal heat exchanger are: the radius of fluids draining out during the heat exchange process, the radius of pipelines with circulating heat-transfer medium, the diameter of a cluster heat exchanger, the heat exchange area, the parameters of rocks thermal resistance in the bottom-hole zone of heat-receiving.