Heterogeneous bedrock investigation for a closed-loop geothermal system: A case study. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Radioti, G.; Delvoie, S.; Charlier, R.; Dumont, G.; Nguyen, F.
• Is Part Of: Geothermics. Volume 62(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Bedrock heterogeneity -- High-resolution temperature measurements -- Borehole televiewer -- Cuttings thermal conductivity -- Closed-loop geothermal systems; Hydrogeology -- Periodicals; Geothermal resources -- Periodicals; Énergie géothermique -- Périodiques; GEOTHERMAL ENGINEERING; GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION; Geothermal resources; Hydrogeology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geothermics.2016.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0375-6505

Abstract

Highlights: Three geophysical methods are applied to investigate the bedrock heterogeneity. High-resolution temperature profiles can be correlated to bedrock characteristics. The proposed approach can be applied for optimisation of geothermal systems. Abstract: This paper investigates bedrock heterogeneity by applying three different geophysical approaches, in order to study the long-term behaviour and the interaction between closed-loop geothermal systems. The investigated site consists of four boreholes equipped with geothermal pipes on the campus of University of Liege, Belgium. The first approach includes acoustic borehole imaging, gamma-ray logging and cuttings observation and results to a detailed fracture characterisation, rock identification and layer dip angle determination. The second approach consists of measuring the thermal conductivity of cuttings at the laboratory. Study of cuttings thermal conductivity measurements can contribute to bedrock heterogeneity knowledge concerning the transition of one formation to another and the layer dipping. The third approach is based on high-resolution temperature profiles, measured during the hardening of the grouting material and the recovery phase of a Distributed Thermal Response Test. Through this approach a correlation of the temperature profiles to the geological characteristics of the surrounding bedrock is identified. The analysis of this correlation can provide information on fractured zones, alternation of different rock types and layering dipping. This latter approach can be easily applied on closed-loop geothermal systems to characterise the bedrock and investigate its heterogeneity as well as contribute to the their long-term behaviour prediction and to the optimisation of their efficiency.