Numerical Simulation of Critical Factors Controlling Heat Extraction from Geothermal Systems Using a Closed-Loop Heat Exchange Method

Author(s): Oldenburg, Curtis; Pan, Lehua; Muir, Mark; Eastman, Alan; Higgins, Brian | Abstract: Closed-loop heat exchange for geothermal energy production involves injecting working fluid down a well that extends through the geothermal resource over a significant length to absorb heat by conduction through the well pipe. The well then needs to return to the surface for energy recovery and fluid re-injection to complete the cycle. We have carried...