Experimental investigation on heat transfer characteristics of single-well enhanced geothermal system

IF 3.1 2区地球科学 Q3 ENERGY & FUELS

Geothermal Energy Pub Date : 2026-02-26 DOI:10.1186/s40517-026-00379-4

Ma Bo, Li Anfan, Chen Wei, Gao Xujun, Han Wenbin, Lei Yongzhi, Wang Lingbao

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Abstract

The single-well enhanced geothermal system (SEGS) is an innovative approach designed to overcome the limitations of traditional deep borehole heat exchangers (DBHEs). It achieves this by modifying the well structure and circulating working fluid through an engineered reservoir to enhance heat transfer. This study presents a laboratory-scale experimental investigation of a SEGS analog to identify key performance determinants. The research explores the impacts of injection flow rate, injection temperature, and the initial temperature of the sandbox on the system’s thermal performance and temperature distribution into the sandbox. A series of experiments were conducted under different conditions, and the results were analyzed to determine the optimal operating parameters for maximizing heat extraction while minimizing temperature decay. The study also investigates the influence of injection–production spacing on the thermal breakthrough and the overall efficiency of the SEGS. Based on the observed trade-offs within the tested range, a flow rate of 0.4 m³/h, an injection temperature of 31 °C, and a spacing of 120 cm provided the best compromise between high heat extraction rate and stable production temperature. These findings provide foundational insights into SEGS thermal behavior and a basis for optimizing system design, supporting the development of sustainable geothermal energy solutions.

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单井强化地热系统换热特性实验研究

单井增强型地热系统（SEGS）是一种创新的方法，旨在克服传统深孔热交换器（DBHEs）的局限性。为了达到这一目的，该公司修改了井的结构，并通过工程油藏循环工作流体，以加强传热。本研究提出了一个实验室规模的SEGS模拟实验调查，以确定关键的性能决定因素。研究探讨了注入流量、注入温度和砂箱初始温度对系统热性能和进入砂箱的温度分布的影响。在不同条件下进行了一系列实验，并对实验结果进行了分析，以确定最大限度地提高热量提取，同时最大限度地降低温度衰减的最佳操作参数。研究了注采间距对热突破和SEGS综合效率的影响。根据在测试范围内观察到的权衡，流速为0.4 m3/h，注入温度为31°C，间距为120 cm是高抽热率和稳定生产温度之间的最佳折衷。这些发现为研究SEGS热行为提供了基础，并为优化系统设计提供了基础，为可持续地热能解决方案的开发提供了支持。

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来源期刊

Geothermal Energy Earth and Planetary Sciences-Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

7.10%

发文量

审稿时长

8 weeks

期刊介绍： Geothermal Energy is a peer-reviewed fully open access journal published under the SpringerOpen brand. It focuses on fundamental and applied research needed to deploy technologies for developing and integrating geothermal energy as one key element in the future energy portfolio. Contributions include geological, geophysical, and geochemical studies; exploration of geothermal fields; reservoir characterization and modeling; development of productivity-enhancing methods; and approaches to achieve robust and economic plant operation. Geothermal Energy serves to examine the interaction of individual system components while taking the whole process into account, from the development of the reservoir to the economic provision of geothermal energy.