scholarly journals Impact of Well Placement in the Fractured Geothermal Reservoirs Based on Available Discrete Fractured System

Geosciences ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Saeed Mahmoodpour ◽  
Mrityunjay Singh ◽  
Kristian Bär ◽  
Ingo Sass

Well placement in a given geological setting for a fractured geothermal reservoir is necessary for enhanced geothermal operations. High computational cost associated with the framework of fully coupled thermo-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) processes in a fractured reservoir simulation makes the well positioning a missing point in developing a field-scale investigation. To enhance the knowledge of well placement for different working fluids, we present the importance of this topic by examining different injection-production well (doublet) positions in a given fracture network using coupled THM numerical simulations. Results of this study are examined through the thermal breakthrough time, mass flux, and the energy extraction potential to assess the impact of well position in a two-dimensional reservoir framework. Almost ten times the difference between the final amount of heat extraction is observed for different well positions but with the same well spacing and geological characteristics. Furthermore, the stress field is a strong function of well position that is important concerning the possibility of high-stress development. The objective of this work is to exemplify the importance of fracture connectivity and density near the wellbores, and from the simulated cases, it is sufficient to understand this for both the working fluids. Based on the result, the production well position search in the future will be reduced to the high-density fracture area, and it will make the optimization process according to the THM mechanism computationally efficient and economical.

Author(s):  
Saeed Mahmoodpour ◽  
Mrityunjay Singh ◽  
Kristian Bär ◽  
Ingo Sass

Well placement optimization in a given geological setting for a fractured geothermal reservoir is a prerequisite for enhanced geothermal operations. High computational cost associated in the framework of fully coupled thermo-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) processes in a fractured reservoir simulation, makes the well positioning as a missing point in developing a field scale investigation. Here, in this study, we shed light on this topic through examining different injection-production well (doublet) position in a given real fracture network. Water and CO2 are used as working fluids for geothermal operations and importance of well positions are examined using coupled THM numerical simulations for both the fluids. Results of this study are examined through the thermal breakthrough time, mass flux and the energy extraction potential to assess the impact of well position in a two-dimensional reservoir framework. Almost ten times of the difference between the final amount of heat extraction is observed for different well position but with the same well spacing and geological characteristics. Furthermore, stress field is be a strong function of well position that is important with respect to the possibility of unwanted stress development. As part of the MEET project, this study recommends to perform similar well placement optimization study for each fracture set in a fully coupled THM manner before a field well drilling.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giampaolo Proietti ◽  
Valentina Romano ◽  
Alessia Conti ◽  
Maria Chiara Tartarello ◽  
Sabina Bigi

<p>Fracture networks exist at a wide range of scale in the earth crust and strongly influence the hydraulic behaviour of rocks, providing either pathways or barriers for fluid flow. Many oil, gas, geothermal and water supply reservoirs form in fractured rocks. The main challenge is the development of numerical models that describe adequately the fracture networks and the constitutive equations governing the physical processes in fractured reservoir. The hydraulic properties of fracture networks, derived from Discrete Fracture Network (DFN), models are commonly used to populate continuum equivalent models at reservoir scale, to reduce the computational cost and the numerical complexity. However, the efficiency of fracture networks to fluid flow is strongly tied to their connectivity and spatial distribution, that continuum models are not able to capture explicitly.In this work we used field data and synthetic models to introduce a new parameter to evaluate the efficiency of fracture networks to fluid flow, reflecting a range of variability in fracture network characteristics (e.g. P32, number of fractures, stress field). This alternative method allows to model fractured systems at reservoir scale, in a variety of geological settings, using exclusively a DFN approach.</p>


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Jonghyuk Kim ◽  
Jose Guivant ◽  
Martin L. Sollie ◽  
Torleiv H. Bryne ◽  
Tor Arne Johansen

Abstract This paper addresses the fusion of the pseudorange/pseudorange rate observations from the global navigation satellite system and the inertial–visual simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) to achieve reliable navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles. This work extends the previous work on a simulation-based study [Kim et al. (2017). Compressed fusion of GNSS and inertial navigation with simultaneous localisation and mapping. IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 32(8), 22–36] to a real-flight dataset collected from a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle platform. The dataset consists of measurements from visual landmarks, an inertial measurement unit, and pseudorange and pseudorange rates. We propose a novel all-source navigation filter, termed a compressed pseudo-SLAM, which can seamlessly integrate all available information in a computationally efficient way. In this framework, a local map is dynamically defined around the vehicle, updating the vehicle and local landmark states within the region. A global map includes the rest of the landmarks and is updated at a much lower rate by accumulating (or compressing) the local-to-global correlation information within the filter. It will show that the horizontal navigation error is effectively constrained with one satellite vehicle and one landmark observation. The computational cost will be analysed, demonstrating the efficiency of the method.


Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 228 ◽  
pp. 120601
Author(s):  
Xiuping Zhong ◽  
Dongbin Pan ◽  
Ying Zhu ◽  
Yafei Wang ◽  
Lianghao Zhai ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Quinten D. Boersma ◽  
Pierre Olivier Bruna ◽  
Stephan de Hoop ◽  
Francesco Vinci ◽  
Ali Moradi Tehrani ◽  
...  

Abstract The positive impact that natural fractures can have on geothermal heat production from low-permeability reservoirs has become increasingly recognised and proven by subsurface case studies. In this study, we assess the potential impact of natural fractures on heat extraction from the tight Lower Buntsandstein Subgroup targeted by the recently drilled NLW-GT-01 well (West Netherlands Basin (WNB)). We integrate: (1) reservoir property characterisation using petrophysical analysis and geostatistical inversion, (2) image-log and core interpretation, (3) large-scale seismic fault extraction and characterisation, (4) Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) modelling and permeability upscaling, and (5) fluid-flow and temperature modelling. First, the results of the petrophysical analysis and geostatistical inversion indicate that the Volpriehausen has almost no intrinsic porosity or permeability in the rock volume surrounding the NLW-GT-01 well. The Detfurth and Hardegsen sandstones show better reservoir properties. Second, the image-log interpretation shows predominately NW–SE-orientated fractures, which are hydraulically conductive and show log-normal and negative-power-law behaviour for their length and aperture, respectively. Third, the faults extracted from the seismic data have four different orientations: NW–SE, N–S, NE–SW and E–W, with faults in proximity to the NLW-GT-01 having a similar strike to the observed fractures. Fourth, inspection of the reservoir-scale 2D DFNs, upscaled permeability models and fluid-flow/temperature simulations indicates that these potentially open natural fractures significantly enhance the effective permeability and heat production of the normally tight reservoir volume. However, our modelling results also show that when the natural fractures are closed, production values are negligible. Furthermore, because active well tests were not performed prior to the abandonment of the Triassic formations targeted by the NLW-GT-01, no conclusive data exist on whether the observed natural fractures are connected and hydraulically conductive under subsurface conditions. Therefore, based on the presented findings and remaining uncertainties, we propose that measures which can test the potential of fracture-enhanced permeability under subsurface conditions should become standard procedure in projects targeting deep and potentially fractured geothermal reservoirs.


2011 ◽  
Vol 134 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Tucker ◽  
Simon Eastwood ◽  
Christian Klostermeier ◽  
Richard Jefferson-Loveday ◽  
James Tyacke ◽  
...  

Unlike Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models that need calibration for different flow classes, LES (where larger turbulent structures are resolved by the grid and smaller modeled in a fashion reminiscent of RANS) offers the opportunity to resolve geometry dependent turbulence as found in complex internal flows—albeit at substantially higher computational cost. Based on the results for a broad range of studies involving different numerical schemes, large eddy simulation (LES) models and grid topologies, an LES hierarchy and hybrid LES related approach is proposed. With the latter, away from walls, no LES model is used, giving what can be termed numerical LES (NLES). This is relatively computationally efficient and makes use of the dissipation present in practical industrial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) programs. Near walls, RANS modeling is used to cover over numerous small structures, the LES resolution of which is generally intractable with current computational power. The linking of the RANS and NLES zones through a Hamilton–Jacobi equation is advocated. The RANS-NLES hybridization makes further sense for compressible flow solvers, where, as the Mach number tends to zero at walls, excessive dissipation can occur. The hybrid strategy is used to predict flow over a rib roughened surface and a jet impinging on a convex surface. These cases are important for blade cooling and show encouraging results. Further results are presented in a companion paper.


Author(s):  
Mahdi Esmaily Moghadam ◽  
Yuri Bazilevs ◽  
Tain-Yen Hsia ◽  
Alison Marsden

A closed-loop lumped parameter network (LPN) coupled to a 3D domain is a powerful tool that can be used to model the global dynamics of the circulatory system. Coupling a 0D LPN to a 3D CFD domain is a numerically challenging problem, often associated with instabilities, extra computational cost, and loss of modularity. A computationally efficient finite element framework has been recently proposed that achieves numerical stability without sacrificing modularity [1]. This type of coupling introduces new challenges in the linear algebraic equation solver (LS), producing an strong coupling between flow and pressure that leads to an ill-conditioned tangent matrix. In this paper we exploit this strong coupling to obtain a novel and efficient algorithm for the linear solver (LS). We illustrate the efficiency of this method on several large-scale cardiovascular blood flow simulation problems.


2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford K. Ho ◽  
Bill W. Arnold ◽  
Susan J. Altman

The drift-shadow effect describes capillary diversion of water flow around a drift or cavity in porous or fractured rock, resulting in lower water flux directly beneath the cavity. This paper presents computational simulations of drift-shadow experiments using dual-permeability models, similar to the models used for performance assessment analyses of flow and seepage in unsaturated fractured tuff at Yucca Mountain. Comparisons were made between the simulations and experimental data from small-scale drift-shadow tests. Results showed that the dual-permeability models captured the salient trends and behavior observed in the experiments, but constitutive relations (e.g., fracture capillary-pressure curves) can significantly affect the simulated results. Lower water flux beneath the drift was observed in both the simulations and tests, and fingerlike flow patterns were seen to exist with lower simulated capillary pressures. The dual-permeability models used in this analysis were capable of simulating these processes. However, features such as irregularities along the top of the drift (e.g., from roof collapse) and heterogeneities in the fracture network may reduce the impact of capillary diversion and drift shadow. An evaluation of different meshes showed that at the grid refinement used, a comparison between orthogonal and unstructured meshes did not result in large differences.


Author(s):  
Changchun Liu ◽  
Chankyu Lee ◽  
Andreas Hansen ◽  
J. Karl Hedrick ◽  
Jieyun Ding

Model predictive control (MPC) is a popular technique for the development of active safety systems. However, its high computational cost prevents it from being implemented on lower-cost hardware. This paper presents a computationally efficient predictive controller for lane keeping assistance systems. The controller shares control with the driver, and applies a correction steering when there is a potential lane departure. Using the explicit feedback MPC, a multi-parametric nonlinear programming problem with a human-in-the-loop model and safety constraints is formulated. The cost function is chosen as the difference between the linear state feedback function to be determined and the resultant optimal control sequence of the MPC problem solved off-line given the current state. The piecewise linear feedback function is obtained by solving the parametric programming with an approximation approach. The effectiveness of the controller is evaluated through numerical simulations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Pourpak ◽  
Samuel Taubert ◽  
Marios Theodorakopoulos ◽  
Arnaud Lefebvre-Prudencio ◽  
Chay Pointer ◽  
...  

Abstract The Diyab play is an emerging unconventional play in the Middle East. Up to date, reservoir characterization assessments have proved adequate productivity of the play in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this paper, an advanced simulation and modeling workflow is presented, which was applied on selected wells located on an appraisal area, by integrating geological, geomechanical, and hydraulic fracturing data. Results will be used to optimize future well landing points, well spacing and completion designs, allowing to enhance the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) and its consequent production. A 3D static model was built, by propagating across the appraisal area, all subsurface static properties from core-calibrated petrophysical and geomechanical logs which originate from vertical pilot wells. In addition, a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) derived from numerous image logs was imported in the model. Afterwards, completion data from one multi-stage hydraulically fracked horizontal well was integrated into the sector model. Simulations of hydraulic fracturing were performed and the sector model was calibrated to the real hydraulic fracturing data. Different scenarios for the fracture height were tested considering uncertainties related to the fracture barriers. This has allowed for a better understanding of the fracture propagation and SRV creation in the reservoir at the main target. In the last step, production resulting from the SRV was simulated and calibrated to the field data. In the end, the calibrated parameters were applied to the newly drilled nearby horizontal wells in the same area, while they were hydraulically fractured with different completion designs and the simulated SRVs of the new wells were then compared with the one calculated on the previous well. Applying a fully-integrated geology, geomechanics, completion and production workflow has helped us to understand the impact of geology, natural fractures, rock mechanical properties and stress regimes in the SRV geometry for the unconventional Diyab play. This work also highlights the importance of data acquisition, reservoir characterization and of SRV simulation calibration processes. This fully integrated workflow will allow for an optimized completion strategy, well landing and spacing for the future horizontal wells. A fully multi-disciplinary simulation workflow was applied to the Diyab unconventional play in onshore UAE. This workflow illustrated the most important parameters impacting the SRV creation and production in the Diyab formation for he studied area. Multiple simulation scenarios and calibration runs showed how sensitive the SRV can be to different parameters and how well placement and fracture jobs can be possibly improved to enhance the SRV creation and ultimately the production performance.


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