Modelling Of Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Coupled Processes For Faulted Geothermal Reservoirs

Abstract

Understanding the coupling between thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in saturated porous media is of interest for geothermal power production. Indeed, characterization of pore pressure, temperature and stress distributions within a reservoir during injection and production of fluid can help to understand reservoir behaviour and constrain reservoir productivity. This study presents a physical framework for describing the coupling between thermo-hydro-mechanical processes within geothermal reservoirs. This framework includes, among diverse processes, evolution of transport properties (Porosity and permeability) As induced by effective stress, pore pressure and temperature changes based on formulations consistent with the theories of poro- and thermoelasticity. This study aims to describe thermo- and poroelastic behaviour of geothermal reservoirs in order to better estimate reservoir productivity during geothermal operations. In addition, attention is given to the integration of geological complexity (Fault geometry or anisotropic formations) Into coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes modelling.