Sensitivity analysis of a dual-continuum model system for integrated CO2 sequestration and geothermal extraction in a fractured reservoir

Abstract

Depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs are considered as the most feasible option for CO₂ geological sequestration and utilization. Most of the hydrocarbon reservoirs are naturally fractured. Simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer in these fractured formations remains a significant challenge in reservoir engineering. In this study, a dual-continuum model is developed to simulate integrated CO₂ sequestration and CO₂-circulated geothermal extraction in a fractured reservoir block in North Oman. The high-dimensional sensitivity of key parameters controlling CO₂-brine flow and heat transfer in this matrix-fracture system is quantitatively evaluated by an efficient surrogate modeling approach. The surrogate models are constructed and validated based on a suite of physics-based model simulations. It is found that fracture permeability dominates the CO₂ injectivity, storage, circulation and associated geothermal extraction. Response surface analysis shows that the flow area density between matrix-fracture and matrix block length controls the flux interaction between matrix and fracture formations. In contrast, the fracture aperture shows negligible influence in the dual-continuum modeling system. Particularly, sensitivity varying with locations on the response surface is analyzed for defined performance indicators.