A sensitivity analysis of a single extraction well from deep geothermal aquifers in the Cheshire Basin, UK

Brown, C. S. , Cassidy, N. J., Egan, S. S. and Griffiths, D. (2022) A sensitivity analysis of a single extraction well from deep geothermal aquifers in the Cheshire Basin, UK. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 55(3), qjegh2021-131. (doi: 10.1144/qjegh2021-131)

[img] Text
261204.pdf - Accepted Version

3MB

Abstract

Deep hot sedimentary aquifers (HSAs) are targeted for geothermal exploitation in the Cheshire Basin, UK. In this study, a single extraction well targeting the Collyhurst Sandstone Formation was modelled on MATLAB coupling heat and fluid flux. The Collyhurst Sandstone Formation in the Crewe area of the Cheshire Basin is expected to be found at a depth of 2.8 to 3.5 km, and was chosen as an area for geothermal exploration due to the high demand for energy.Model results suggest that low-enthalpy, deep geothermal systems with thick HSAs are affected by both geological and engineering parameters. The results of this study highlight that the thermal gradient, hydraulic conductivity, production rate, length and position of the well screen are the key parameters capable of affecting the success and viability of any single well scheme. Poor planning during exploration and development can hinder the productivity of any single well scheme and these parameters must be considered to fully understand the risk. Engineering parameters, such as the length of the well screen, can be used during well planning to mitigate geological risks in the aquifer, whilst the results presented can also be used as a guide for energy potential under varying conditions.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The authors would like to show appreciation to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC grant reference number NE/M00998X/1) and Cheshire East Council for funding this research.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Brown, Dr Christopher
Creator Roles:
Brown, C. S.Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Software, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing
Authors: Brown, C. S., Cassidy, N. J., Egan, S. S., and Griffiths, D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
Publisher:Geological Society
ISSN:1470-9236
ISSN (Online):2041-4803
Published Online:10 December 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 55(3): qjegh2021-131
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record