A Fully Coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Response of an Advanced Geothermal Energy Storage System in a Sedimentary Basin

This study focuses on the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical response of an advanced geothermal energy storage (AGES) system in a low temperature sedimentary basin. AGES systems are a relatively new sustainable and renewable energy approach, which can provide a cost-effective and reliable alternative to conventional geothermal systems by supporting grid flexibility. An AGES system operates by injecting heat from other renewable sources into the subsurface via existing wells to increase a target reservoir temperature. To investigate the heat storage properties of an AGES system, a two-dimensional model is developed using a two-dimensional numerical model based on finite element method where the fully coupled interactions of thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical processes are considered. A sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the design parameters of the AGES system, including Young's modulus, porosity, storage formation thickness, thermal conductivity, and injection rate on the operational performance. Results indicate that the thickness and injection rates are the most prevalent physical and design parameters influencing the operational response of the AGES system.