Distributed thermal response test to analyze thermal properties in heterogeneous lithology. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDaniel, Adam; Tinjum, James; Hart, David J.; Lin, Yu-Feng; Stumpf, Andrew; Thomas, Lauren
• Is Part Of: Geothermics. Volume 76(2018)
• Page Start: 116
• Page End: 124
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Thermal response test -- Distributed temperature sensing -- Thermal conductivity -- Heterogeneous geology -- Fiber -- Optics; 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.2018.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0375-6505

Abstract

Highlights: A fiber optic distributed thermal response test (DTRT) was performed in well-documented heterogeneous geology. Novel DTRT data analysis achieves a model RMSE accuracy of 0.6 [C] and is verified to within 2.5% of lab core measurements. Heterogeneous subsurface heat transfer is observed, quantified, and correlates well to geologic conditions. Discussion on distributed thermal dissipation with presence of coal seams. Abstract: A fiber optic distributed thermal response test (DTRT) conducted in well-documented heterogeneous geology is combined with laboratory thermophysical measurements of cores and novel data analysis techniques to provide a detailed description of variability in subsurface heat transfer. The results of this study show that appreciable variation in subsurface heat flow exists and can be quantified in a lithological context, which may aid in the optimization of future geothermal borefield design. District-scale borefields that are expected to contend with imbalanced loads and potential overheating may find additional value from knowledge of which geologic units to utilize and which to avoid.