Aquifer thermal energy storage: An attempt to counter free thermal convection

Abstract

In previous Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) experiments, appreciable free thermal convection was observed. In an attempt to counter the detrimental effects of convection, a dual recovery well system was constructed at the Mobile site and a third injection-storage-recovery cycle performed. Using a partially penetrating well, cycle 3-3 injection began on April 7, 1982. A total of 56,680 m3 of 79°C water were injected. After 57 days of storage, production began with a dual recovery well system. Due to the dominating effect of nonhomogeneities, the dual well system did not work particularly well, and a recovery factor of 0.42 was achieved. The degree of aquifer heterogeneity at the location of the present experiments was not apparent during previous experiments at a location only 109 m away, although pumping tests indicated similar values of transmissivity. Therefore aquifers with the same transmissivity can behave quite differently in a thermal sense. Heat conduction to the upper aquitard was a major energy loss mechanism. Water sample analyses indicated that there were no important changes in the chemical constituents during the third set of experiments. There was a 19% increase in total dissolved solids. At the end of injection, the land surface near the injection well had risen 1.39 cm with respect to bench marks located 70 m away.