Numerical simulation of fluid implementing heat transfer in naturally fractured geothermal reservoir with DFN method

Abstract:

Natural fractures have an effect on the fluid flow and heat transfer in the naturally fractured geothermal reservoir. However, most of the previous works in this area assumed that reservoir systems are continuum model whether it is single continuum or dual continuum. Moreover, some people have studied without continuum model but, it was just pipeline model. In this paper, we developed a generalized discrete fracture network (DFN) geothermal reservoir simulator. In the model, 2D flow is possible within a rectangular fracture, which is important in thick naturally fractured reservoirs. The DFN model developed in this study was validated for two synthetic fracture systems using a commercial thermal model, TETRAD. Comparison results showed an excellent matching between both models. However, this model is only fracture model and it can’t calculate simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer in matrix. Therefore, matrix flow model will be added to this model.