Modelling, characterisation and optimisation of deep geothermal energy in the Cheshire basin

Brown, Christopher Simon (2020). Modelling, characterisation and optimisation of deep geothermal energy in the Cheshire basin. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Despite the significant geothermal resource in the UK, only one small scale scheme in Southampton is presently operating. Few wells have been drilled to target deep resources, particularly in the Cheshire Basin where only two wells have penetrated depths approaching 3 km. As a result, the knowledge of aquifer quality in the more central parts of the basin is limited, meaning there is a high geological risk associated to any geothermal development. To investigate this, a single well model was designed to simulate the extraction of fluid from the Collyhurst Sandstone Formation. Simulations of a range of geological and engineering parameters highlighted hydraulic conductivity could be the most significant obstacle to production, however, it could be minimised by altering engineering parameters (i.e., production rate, length and position of the well screen). A key issue with conventional extraction only methods is the disposal of waste water. To circumvent this issue, innovative deep borehole heat exchangers and standing column wells were modelled. Results indicated that both methods can produce heat loads up to 3.7 MW for short periods. Further analysis was also undertaken on heat exchangers, highlighting significant savings could be made from switching to a geothermal run heat network (>£49 million).

Type of Work: Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type: Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Cassidy, NigelUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Egan, StuartUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Griffiths, DanUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Faramarzi, AsaadUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence: All rights reserved
College/Faculty: Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
School or Department: School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
Funders: Natural Environment Research Council
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics
Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Q Science > QE Geology
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/10929

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