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Reservoir Thermal Modelling for Geothermal Wells (ETR14)

    Description

    This course introduces the key concepts of heat transfer and thermal modelling as applied to geothermal energy extraction. It focuses on developing the background knowledge required to understand subsurface thermal processes, system efficiencies, and the role of parasitic loads in geothermal system performance.
    Throughout the course, key modelling techniques will be explored, showing the difference between high level conceptual modelling and the detailed feasibility studies required for project development.
    By the end of the course, participants will have a practical understanding of geothermal well thermal behaviour and the ability to critically assess geothermal energy models and feasibility studies.

    Course Level: Skill / Advanced
    Duration: 5 days
    Instructor: Ben Adams

    Designed for you, if you are...

    • A geothermal engineer or reservoir engineer involved in geothermal well planning
    • A drilling or production engineer optimising geothermal well performance
    • A renewable energy specialist evaluating geothermal energy projects
    • A project manager or investor assessing technical and economic feasibility of geothermal systems
    • A scientist or researcher working on heat transfer, thermodynamics, and geothermal energy extraction

    How we build your confidence

    • Instructor-led interactive sessions with real-world case studies and simulations
    • Step-by-step guidance on geothermal well modelling, system optimisation, and performance forecasting
    • Hands-on exercises to reinforce applied concepts in a practical setting
    • Extensive Q&A sessions to discuss project specific challenges
    • Project-based development of geothermal well specifications

    The benefits from attending

    By the end of the course you will be able to:
    • Understand and calculate geothermal heat in place for resource assessment
    • Model pressure drops and fluid flow in geothermal wells to optimise system performance
    • Evaluate parasitic loads and pump power requirements for closed and open loop systems
    • Optimise geothermal well design based on flow rates, well spacing, and system sensitivities
    • Use thermal models to estimate production power, efficiency, and decline rates
    • Recognise key due diligence red flags when evaluating geothermal projects
    • Apply practical modelling techniques to real-world geothermal well scenarios
    • Differentiate between wellbore and reservoir effects on thermal modelling
    • Understand how heat transfer principles apply to geothermal reservoir modelling

    Topics

    Introduction to Geothermal Thermal Modelling
    • The importance of thermal modelling for geothermal projects

    Understanding Geothermal Energy
    • The IADC classification of geothermal wells
    • The role of geothermal energy in the global energy mix
    • Types of geothermal systems - open-loop, closed-loop, and hybrid systems
    • The past, present, and future of geothermal energy
    • The value of heat – economic and technical considerations

    Energy Extraction Techniques
    • Subsurface geothermal technologies - AGS, EGS, NextGen concepts
    • Surface equipment and power conversion systems
    • Defining thermal power and efficiency parameters

    What Can Be Modelled?
    • Overview of modelling techniques and workflows
    • Determining the required level of detail for different project phases
    • Differences between high level modelling and feasibility studies
    • The dangers of not understanding the limitations of the software being used

    Heat Transfer Principles & Thermal Modelling Fundamentals
    • Principles of heat transfer
    • Conduction, convection, and radiation
    • Comparing conduction vs. convection in geothermal settings
    • The impact of flow rate on heat transfer efficiency

    Understanding Thermal Properties
    • Thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity
    • Thermal vs. electrical power - gross vs. net power output

    Heat Transfer in Boreholes
    • Heat transfer processes within a geothermal wellbore
    • Flow regimes and Reynolds number effects
    • Radial heat flow and thermal resistance in boreholes

    Heat Transfer in Permeable Reservoirs
    • Different flow types and their impact on heat transfer
    • Modelling approaches for geothermal reservoirs
    • Thermal drawdown and effects of fracture geometry

    Heat in Place & System Efficiency
    • Understanding how much heat is available in a geothermal reservoir
    • Simple heat in place calculations using Excel based models
    • Estimating first pass production rates from heat in place calculations

    Parasitic Loads & Pressure Drop Modelling
    • Wellbore effects on temperature and pressure loss
    • Pressure drop calculations in permeable reservoirs
    • Estimating pump power based on system pressure drops

    System Efficiency & Performance Forecasting
    • Completion style and production temperature decline
    • Efficiency curves for Organic Rankine Cycle (OCR) power generation
    • Comparing actual system performance to heat in place estimates

    Modelling 'Closed Loop' Geothermal Systems
    • Understanding system sensitivities, pump power, and decline rates
    • Key performance indicators for closed loop systems

    Closed Loop System Optimisation
    • Pump power and pressure drop adjustments
    • Material selection for high temperature operations
    • Optimising flow rate and injection temperature

    Modelling 'Open Loop' Geothermal Systems
    • Pressure drop considerations and pump power requirements
    • Typical decline curves for open loop systems

    Open Loop System Optimisation
    • Pump power, well spacing, and flow rate adjustments
    • Fracture networks and their impact on heat transfer

    Project Feasibility, Risk Management & System Design Challenge
    • Due diligence & risk assessment
    • Key red flags in geothermal feasibility studies
    • Common pitfalls in thermal modelling & assumptions

    System Design Challenge - Specifying a Geothermal System
    • Participants will develop and present system specifications for:
      - A project requiring an output of 3 MWe
      - A project requiring up to 1 MWth (thermal energy only)
    • Future trends in geothermal energy
    • Best practices for geothermal due diligence and project development


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