Optimized EGS Reservoir Stimulation using Microseismic and Numerical Methods
- Key words
- EGS reservoir; discrete element method; synthetic rock mass; synthetic seismicity; microseismic monitoring; natural fractures
- Location
- Soultz-sous-Forets, France
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 2011
- Session
- HDR/EGS; Reservoir modeling; Induced seismicity; Hydraulic f
- Language
- English
Abstract
In this paper, in order to develop robust predictive models for engineering the reservoir and the induced or mobilized fracture network, a fully dynamic 2D Synthetic Rock Mass model is validated to simulate fluid injection in a geothermal reservoir by comparing modeling geometries of hydraulic fractures and induced seismicity with actual results. The numerical results qualitatively agree with field observations and reveal the possible interaction between new fractures and natural fractures indicated by recorded microseimic events. The model enables us to examine in detail the interaction between fluid pressure, rock deformation and slip on existing fractures for the different reservoir conditions. The validated numerical models can help provide insight on the relationship between seismicity, stress/damage and the fluid front in order to optimize the EGS reservoir stimulation for the project in hand or for future projects.
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