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Assessing the feasibility of deep geothermal wells using advanced technologies and reservoir simulation: a case study in the DJ Basin, Colorado

Nassereddine, Ali
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Advisor
Zerpa, Luis E.
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Date
Date Issued
2024
Date Submitted
Keywords
closed loop
 deep geothermal
 DJ Basin Colorado
 enhanced geothermal system (EGS)
 hot dry rock (HDR)
 u-shaped geothermal system
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2024 - Mines Theses & Dissertations
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Nassereddine_mines_0052N_12845.pdf
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Nassereddine_mines_0052N_316/1_ Fig1.1 Temperature vs Depth (EnvGeo EGS, Inc. 2020), reprinted by permission of EnvGeo EGS, Inc. Team..pdf
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Nassereddine_mines_0052N_316/2_FIG1~1.PDF
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Nassereddine_mines_0052N_316/3_ Fig1.3 Westeast cross sectionshowing structural setting of the Denver Basin, Colorado, adapted from Robson and Banta (1987), reprinted by permission of USGS..pdf
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Nassereddine_mines_0052N_316/4_ Fig2.1 Temperature Gradient. Adapted from Panchuk (2019), reprinted by permission of Karla Panchuk and licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.pdf
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https://hdl.handle.net/11124/179270
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Abstract
This study explores the potential of extracting geothermal energy from the Wattenberg field's basement in the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin. Recognizing the need for advanced drilling technologies and innovative reservoir management techniques due to the challenging conditions of deep geothermal wells, this research only focuses on assessing the flow performance of various well configurations and their heat extraction efficiencies. To be specific, the research centered on U-Shaped, V-Shaped, Inclined V-Shaped, and Pipe-in-Pipe on drilling and well completion compared to the known Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) configurations. Employing numerical modeling, the study investigates the thermal behavior under different operational scenarios, such as variations in well configurations and the impact of fracture states. Findings indicate that closed-loop systems provide moderate temperature increases, highlighting the critical influence of well architecture on thermal performance. Remarkably, EGS configurations demonstrate a significant potential for high-temperature geothermal energy extraction. This research underscores the critical need for a comprehensive evaluation of well configurations in geothermal energy projects, especially in geologically complex regions like the DJ Basin. By focusing on the comparative performance of various well designs, this study contributes valuable insights into the strategic planning and development of geothermal energy resources. The advancements and knowledge gained from this investigation highlight the evolving landscape of geothermal technology, paving the way for future explorations and optimizations in geothermal energy extraction.
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