Mathematical modeling temperature's fields in overburden during underground coal gasification

Abstract

Underground coal gasification (UCG) appears as an efficient method for the conversion of the world's coal resources into energy, liquid fuels, and chemicals has attracted lots of attention in recent years. There are not known negative thermal impacts on rocks and surface. 2D temperature model is developing for studying temperature's fields in overburden of UCG. Mathematical model is based on Fourier's partial equation but expanded by heat exchange between solid and liquid phase. The liquid phase is represented by underground water flows. The dynamical model will allow simulating temperature fields in coal, rock and heat flows from UCG to surface through overburden (necessary for understanding of changes in the rock structure under the influence heat from UCG cavity).