Geothermal data analysis and optimization

Authors

  • Robert McKibbin
  • Neville Donald Fowkes
  • Brendan Florio
  • Frank Horowitz

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21914/anziamj.v52i0.3600

Keywords:

geothermal, porous media flow

Abstract

The possibility of convective upwelling in the sedimentary Perth Basin, based on available data and simple models, was examined and its relative contribution to heat transport in a geothermal context assessed. The presence of such upwelling could greatly increase the viability of geothermal power extraction from the Basin. The onset of convection is determined by the Rayleigh number, which provides a measure for the balance between buoyancy driven upwelling and viscous resistance to flow. Being sedimentary, the porous aquifer system is layered and fractured so that the effects of anisotropy, especially that in permeability, need to be accounted for when determining the critical Rayleigh number. Variations in viscosity and the coefficient of thermal expansion also occur within the convection zone. Estimates were made for the relative size of the convective contribution to heat transport. The possibility of the surface detection of cellular convection and the effects of horizontal inflow into the convection zone were examined. References
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Published

2011-02-10

Issue

Section

Proceedings of the Mathematics in Industry Study Group