Simulation-based economical modeling of hydraulic fracturing for Enhanced Geothermal System

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is applied to extract fluids (oil, gas, and water) from very low permeability rocks. This type of stimulation could develop hot and dry rock geothermal resources. Habitually, those reservoirs are located in the depth of 2.7 Km to 5.5 Km; and more than 180 °C. This study designs a hydraulic fracturing model in horizontal wells to extract hot water economically, creating high permeable artificial fractures. We aim to investigate the effects of varying fracture-cluster lengths, proppant, and frac fluid types, on hydraulic fracturing treatments using 2D and 3D simulation models. Some parameters such as type of proppant, fracture fluids, number of stages, fracture length, and fracture width are evaluated considering the reservoir's high temperature and high pressure. Finally, different scenarios are evaluated to know if the hydraulic model is economically feasible to generate electricity with the current price of electricity price, drilling, and completion cost.