Water (Aug 2023)

Seepage and Heat Transfer of Dominant Flow in Fractured Geothermal Reservoirs: A Review and Outlook

  • Zhiyan Liu,
  • Yanguang Liu,
  • Tingxin Li,
  • Meihua Wei

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/w15162953
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 16
p. 2953

Abstract

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Deep geothermal reservoirs have great potential for exploitation and are characterized by high temperatures, high stress, and strong heterogeneity. However, these reservoirs contain widely and continuously distributed dominant flow channels with high permeability, predisposing these reservoirs to the formation of dominant flow, which notably decreases the efficiency of heat extraction. Focusing on the dominant flow in fractures, this study provides a definite concept, systematically reviews current studies, and puts forward suggestions for future research. It is expected that this study will serve as a reference for the sustainable, high-quality development of deep geothermal resources.

Keywords