Fractured Geothermal Reservoirs: Characterising and Modelling Fractures with Limited Data Sets
Welcome to Fractured Geothermal Reservoirs: Characterising and Modelling Fractures with Limited Data Sets. The virtual event is scheduled to take place on the 9th of November 2020.
The event Chairs and hosts are Dr. Michael Welch, Technical University of Denmark (left), Dr. Alberto Riva, University of Ferrara (center) and Dr. Domenico Liotta, Università di Bari (right).
Event Programme
9th November 2020 I Online1pm CET- 5pm CET
| Fieldwork & Geophysics |
| 1:00pm | Opening Address Dr. Michael Welch (Technical University of Denmark) |
| 1:05pm | The fieldwork approach to have key-parameters for modeling fractures-controlled reservoirs. Dr. Domenico Liotta (Università di Bari) |
| 1:30pm | Fractured outcrop analogues for dual porosity geothermal systems. Dr. Richard Jones, Dr. Susie Daniels (Geospatial Research Limited) |
| 1:55pm | Controls on fracture intensities in Belgian Lower Carboniferous carbonates, based on well data and outcrop analogues. Ms. Eva van der Voet (KU Leuven/Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek) (VITO) |
| 2:20pm | Break |
| Modelling |
| 2:30pm | The issue of data availability in fractured geothermal carbonate reservoirs. Dr. Alberto Riva (University of Ferrara) |
| 2:55pm | Building fracture models with sparse data: an example from the Drenthe structure, northeast Netherlands. Dr. Michael Welch, Mikael Lüthje, Simon Oldfield (Technical University of Denmark) |
| 3:20pm | Flow and heat transport through fractured geothermal reservoirs. Dr. Hamid M. Nick, (Technical University of Denmark) |
| 3:45pm | Break |
| Geomechanics |
| 3:55pm | Building a 3D Geomechanical Model for the Ruhr Metropolitan Area (Germany) with Limited Data Availability. 1Michal Kruszewski, 2Martin Balcewicz 1 Fraunhofer IEG Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems, Bochum, Germany 2 Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Bochum, Germany |
| 4:20pm | Discussion Session |
| 4:55pm | Closing Address Dr. Michael Welch (Technical University of Denmark) |
1:05 pm CET
The fieldwork approach to have key-parameters for modeling fractures-controlled reservoirs. Dr. Domenico Liotta, Università di Bari
Relationships between geothermal fluid pathways and geological structures are usually modeled to derive plans for a sustainable use of the natural resources. Modeling is obviously based on the conceptual (i.e. geometrical) model of the relationships between permeable structures and geological bodies and on key-parameters such as: a) permeability induced by fractures; b) density and viscosity of the fluids; c) hydraulic conductivity. All these features can be derived by fieldwork and laboratory data, studying exposed exhumed geothermal systems, analogue of the deep structure of the active geothermal system.
1:30 pm CET
Fractured outcrop analogues for dual porosity geothermal systems. Dr. Richard Jones, Dr. Susie Daniels, Geospatial Research Limited
1:30 pm CET
Fractured outcrop analogues for dual porosity geothermal systems. Dr. Richard Jones, Dr. Susie Daniels, Geospatial Research Limited
Natural fracture networks can contribute critical permeability in geothermal plays. Outcrop studies are particularly useful to provide quantitative data at high resolution across multiple scales of observation. We illustrate the importance of field studies to characterise a range of dual porosity fracture systems in carbonate, clastic and crystalline lithologies.
1:55 pm CET
Controls on fracture intensities in Belgian Lower Carboniferous carbonates, based on well data and outcrop analogues. Ms. Eva van der Voet, KU Leuven/Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO)
Since the Lower Carboniferous limestones and dolostones in northern Belgium contain low porosities, fractures are important for the development of geothermal systems in this reservoir. New insights in the factors controlling fracture intensities were derived from analyses on core material, FMI logs and outcrop analogues in southern Belgium.
02:30 pm CET
The issue of data availability in fractured geothermal carbonate reservoirs. Dr. Alberto Riva, University of Ferrara
Data availability is a critical factor when dealing with fractured carbonate reservoirs as is the base for any fracture model. However, in the geothermal world, often we are dealing with few vintage data derived from the oil industry during exploration or well logging is reduced to minimal. In this presentation we show some examples of how to deal with these data in fractured carbonates trying to create robust fracture and reservoirs models.
02:55 pm CET
Building fracture models with sparse data: an example from the Drenthe structure, northeast Netherlands. Dr. Michael Welch, Mikael Lüthje, Simon Oldfield (Technical University of Denmark)
The Drenthe structure, onshore northeast Netherlands, is a salt diapir overlain by several Cretaceous and Tertiary aquifer layers, including chalk, which are considered potential prospects for geothermal energy production. The chalk in particular has low matrix permeability, and therefore natural fractures are a key control on fluid flow through the aquifer. However the fracture network is poorly constrained as there is limited borehole and seismic data, and no nearby outcrop analogues.
In this study we use a new algorithm to generate fracture models by simulating the growth of the natural fracture network in response to salt diapirism. We generate a range of models (both implicit models and explicit Discrete Fracture Network models) to study the range of uncertainty in potential fracture density and distribution. We show how these models can be calibrated against hydrogeological data to help constrain flow through the aquifer.
03:20 pm CET
Flow and heat transport through fractured geothermal reservoirs. Dr. Hamid M. Nick,Technical University of Denmark.
Recent advances in modelling of coupled Thermal-Hydraulic-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) processes for fractured reservoirs have improved the predictive capability of reservoir simulations. A clear understanding of the impact of these processes on the performance of geothermal systems and identification of the key controlling parameters are crucial in designing optimal energy recovery schemes. Here, the interaction among different processes in fractured reservoirs and their impact on the key performance indicators are discussed.
3:55 pm CET
Building a 3D Geomechanical Model for the Ruhr Metropolitan Area (Germany) with Limited Data Availability
1 Fraunhofer IEG Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems, Bochum, Germany
2 Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Bochum, Germany
Understanding in-situ stresses, their spatial variability due to rock property contracts, and the influence of major deformation zones is of utmost importance for the exploration and extraction of deep geothermal resources, especially in highly populated areas. We present a three-step workflow for the development of a 3D geomechanical model for the Ruhr Metropolitan Area, located in western Germany, composed of i) field surveys, ii) construction of a 3D structural geological model including major deformation zones, iii) transfer of the model geometry into the FEM environment and numerical modelling. The preliminary results of the model are calibrated against stress data acquired from within the Ruhr region. The final 3D model will support future geothermal applications by preventing possible seismic hazards.
3:55 pm CET
Building a 3D Geomechanical Model for the Ruhr Metropolitan Area (Germany) with Limited Data Availability
1 Fraunhofer IEG Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems, Bochum, Germany
2 Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Bochum, Germany
1 Fraunhofer IEG Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems, Bochum, Germany
2 Bochum University of Applied Sciences, Bochum, Germany
Understanding in-situ stresses, their spatial variability due to rock property contracts, and the influence of major deformation zones is of utmost importance for the exploration and extraction of deep geothermal resources, especially in highly populated areas. We present a three-step workflow for the development of a 3D geomechanical model for the Ruhr Metropolitan Area, located in western Germany, composed of i) field surveys, ii) construction of a 3D structural geological model including major deformation zones, iii) transfer of the model geometry into the FEM environment and numerical modelling. The preliminary results of the model are calibrated against stress data acquired from within the Ruhr region. The final 3D model will support future geothermal applications by preventing possible seismic hazards.