Search Results (17)

To enhance the development efficiency of medium–deep geothermal resources in cold regions, this study focuses on a coaxial borehole heat exchanger (CBHE) located in Dapuzi Town, Xining City, Qinghai Province. Based on field-scale heat exchange experiments, a three-dimensional numerical model of the CBHE was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2, incorporating both conductive heat transfer in the surrounding geological formation and convective heat transfer within the wellbore. The model was calibrated and validated against measured data. On this basis, the effects of wellhead injection flow rate, injection temperature, and the thermal conductivity of the inner pipe on heat exchange performance were systematically analyzed. The results show that in cold regions with high altitudes (2000–3000 m) and medium–deep low-temperature geothermal reservoirs (68.8 °C), using a coaxial heat exchange system for space heating delivers good heat extraction performance, with a maximum average power output of 282.37 kW. Among the parameters, the injection flow rate has the most significant impact on heat extraction. When the flow rate increases from 10 m³/h to 30 m³/h, the heat extraction power increases by 57.58%. An increase in injection temperature helps suppress thermal short-circuiting and improves the effluent temperature, but excessively high temperatures lead to a decline in heat extraction. Additionally, increasing the thermal conductivity of the inner pipe significantly intensifies thermal short-circuiting and reduces overall heat exchange capacity. Under constant reservoir conditions, the thermal influence radius expands with both depth and operating time, reaching a maximum of 10.04 m by the end of the heating period. For the CBHE system in Dapuzi, maintaining an injection flow rate of 20–25 m³/h and an injection temperature of approximately 20 °C can achieve an optimal balance between effluent temperature and heat extraction. Full article

This study focuses on the genesis mechanism of thermal anomalies in the southwestern part of the Anan Depression in the Erlian Basin. Based on magnetotelluric 3D inversion data, a high-resolution electrical resistivity structure model was constructed, revealing the spatial configuration of deep heat sources and thermal pathways. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) Magnetotelluric 3D imaging reveals an elliptical low-resistivity anomaly (Anomaly C: 20 km × 16 km × 5 km, 0–5 Ωm) at depths of ~10–15 km. This anomaly is interpreted as a hypersaline fluid (approximately 400 °C, ~1.5% volume fraction, 3–5 wt.% NaCl), acting as the primary heat source. (2) Upward migration along F1/F3 fault conduits (10–40 Ωm) establishes a continuous pathway to mid-depth reservoirs D1/D2 (~5 km, 5–10 Ωm) and shallow crust. An overlying high-resistivity caprock (40–100 Ωm) seals thermal energy, forming a convective “source-conduit-reservoir-cap” system. (3) Integrated seismic data reveal that heat from the Abaga volcanic melt supplements Anomaly C via conduction through these conduits, combining with mantle-derived heat to form a composite source. This research delineates the interacting genesis mechanism of “deep low-resistivity heat source—medium-low resistivity fault conduit—shallow low-resistivity reservoir—relatively high-resistivity cap rock” in the southwestern A’nan Sag, providing a scientific basis for optimizing geothermal exploration targets and assessing resource potential. Full article

Hydrogeochemical characteristics and temperature variations in fault-controlled, deep-circulation thermal springs elucidate water–rock interaction dynamics and hydrothermal circulation depths, providing critical insights into fault permeability and stress accumulation. To investigate the coexistence of high-temperature and medium-low-temperature thermal springs on small-scale faults and their distinct circulation mechanisms, hydrochemical and isotopic analyses were conducted on 13 water samples (9 proximal on the Xiangbaihe Fault) in western Yunnan. The hot springs along the Xiangbaihe Fault are predominantly classified as the Na-HCO₃ type, derived from carbonate and aluminosilicate hydrolysis. δ²H and δ¹⁸O confirmed a meteoric origin, with recharge elevations spanning 2465–3286 m (Gaoligong Mountain). Inverse hydrochemical modeling demonstrated progressive mineral transfer and water–rock interactions along the fault’s east–west axis. Conservative elements (Cl, Li) suggested a shared geothermal fluid source or reservoir affiliation. BLZ reservoir temperatures (194–221 °C) were classified as a high-temperature system, whereas others (58–150 °C) represented medium-low-temperature systems. Although each thermal spring represents a distinct geothermal system, reservoir interconnectivity is inferred. Notably, despite uniform lithology, variations in spring temperature and elemental composition are attributed to a subsurface magma chamber beneath BLZ, heterogeneous fault geometries, differential reservoir temperatures, and variable cold-water mixing ratios. This study establishes a framework for understanding groundwater circulation in small-scale fault-associated geothermal systems, with implications for tectonic activity monitoring and geothermal resource assessment. Full article

To enhance the efficient development of geothermal energy, this study investigates the heat transfer enhancement mechanisms in medium-depth coaxial underground heat exchangers (CUHEs) integrated with corrugated fins, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Nine distinct corrugated fin geometries were modeled, and the streamlines, velocity fields, temperature fields, and turbulent kinetic energy were analyzed across Reynolds numbers (Re) ranging from 12,000 to 42,000. The results demonstrate that corrugated fins significantly promote fluid turbulence and mixing, thereby augmenting convective heat transfer. Compared to smooth inner tubes, the Nusselt number (Nu) is enhanced by a factor of 1.43–2.19, while the friction factor (f) increases by a factor of 2.94–6.79. The performance evaluation criterion (PEC) improves with increasing fin width and decreasing fin spacing. The optimal configuration, featuring a fin width of 15 mm, a spacing of 60 mm, and a thickness of 15 mm, achieves a maximum PEC value of 1.34 at Re = 12,000, indicating a substantial improvement in heat transfer performance within acceptable pressure drop limits. This research innovatively explores the performance enhancement of CUHEs at high Re, systematically elucidates the influence of geometric parameters on heat transfer and flow resistance, and employs the PEC index to optimize the structural design. This provides significant theoretical support for the efficient engineering application of CUHEs in geothermal utilization. Full article

Geothermal resources are abundant in the Southern North China Basin, which is one of the prospective areas hosting low–medium-temperature geothermal resources in sedimentary basins in China. The purpose of this work is to reveal the formation and storage conditions of the geothermal resources in the western margin of the Taikang Uplift and delineate the range of potential geothermal reservoirs. This paper uses five magnetotelluric sounding profiles for data processing and analysis, including the calculation of 2D skewness and electric strike. Data processing, analysis, and NLCG 2D inversion were performed on MT data, which consisted of 111 measurement points, and reliable two-dimensional resistivity models and resistivity planes were obtained. In combination with drilling verification and the analysis of geophysical logging data, the stratigraphic lithology and the range of potential geothermal reservoirs were largely clarified. The results show that using the magnetotelluric sounding method can well delineate the range of deep geothermal reservoirs in sedimentary basins and that the MT method is suitable for exploring buried geothermal resources in deep plains. The analytical results showed that the XZR-1 well yielded 1480 cubic meters of water per day, with the water temperature of the wellhead being approximately 78 °C, and combined with the results of this electromagnetic and drilling exploration, a geothermal geological model and genesis process of the west of the Taikang Uplift area was constructed. The water yield and temperature were higher than those of previous exploration results, which has important guiding significance for the future development and utilization of karst fissure heat reservoirs in the western Taikang Uplift. Full article

Hydrogeochemical research on fluids is an effective method to understand the formation mechanism, occurrence environment, and circulation process of groundwater. The groundwater sampling sites are located in the town of Dachaidan on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, which was selected as the study object. Samples were collected from hot and cold springs and surface water in the area. This study is based on the analysis of water chemistry and isotopes, and aims (1) to discuss the chemical characteristics of groundwater in Da Qaidam, (2) to estimate the deep reservoir temperatures, recharge elevation and circulation depth of geothermal waters, and (3) to figure out the heat source beneath the geothermal area and its genetic mechanism. The result showed the following: The hydrochemical type of the hot spring is Cl·SO₄-Na and Cl-Na, and the hydrochemical type of cold spring is SO₄·HCO₃-Na·Ca and Cl·HCO₃·SO₄-Ca·Na. The main source of groundwater recharge is snow and ice melt water. The recharge elevation ranges from 4666.8 m to 5755.9 m. The geothermal reservoir temperature is about 119.15–126.6 °C. Ice and snow melt water infiltrate into the high mountainous areas on the north side of Da Qaidam and circulate underground through the developed deep and large fractures. Part of the groundwater migrates upwards under the water conduction of the Da Qaidam fault fracture zone to form cold springs, while another part is heated by deep circulation and exposed to the surface in the form of medium to low temperature tectonic hot springs. The research results can provide a scientific basis for geothermal resource exploitation and utilization in Qinghai Province. Full article

The effective utilization of medium-high temperature geothermal energy is pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and plays a crucial role in developing clean energy technologies. The MiDu geothermal field, situated in the southeastern region of Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, lies within the Mediterranean–Himalayan high-temperature geothermal belt and is characterized by abundant geothermal resources. However, due to its considerable depth, exploration poses significant risks, resulting in a total utilization rate of less than 0.5% of the total reserves. This study employs natural seismic data to perform a tomographic analysis of the geothermal system in the Midu basin. By examining the P-wave velocity (Vp) and the velocity ratio of P-waves and S-waves (Vp/Vs) at various depths, the findings reveal that the basin comprises two distinct structural layers: the thrust basement of the Mesozoic and Paleozoic eras and the strike–slip extensional sedimentary layer of the Cenozoic era. A low-velocity anomaly in the central basin corresponds to the loose Cenozoic sedimentary layer. In contrast, high-velocity anomalies at the basin edges correlate with boundary faults and the Mesozoic–Paleozoic strata. Below a depth of 4 km, the Red River Fault and MiDu Fault continue to dominate the basin’s structure, whereas the influence of the Malipo Fault diminishes. The MiDu Fault exhibits higher thermal conductivity than the Yinjie Fault. It interfaces with multiple carbonate and basalt formations characterized by well-developed pores and fractures, making it a crucial conduit for water and a control point for geothermal storage. Consequently, the existence of medium-high temperature (>90 °C) geothermal resources for power generation should be concentrated around the Midu fault on the western side of the basin, while the Yinjie fault area is more favorable for advancements in heating and wellness. Full article

The Northern Jiangsu Basin (NJB), located at the northeast edge of the Yangtze block, is not only rich in oil and gas resources but also contains abundant geothermal resources. Nevertheless, the distribution of geothermal resources at medium depth in the NJB is still unclear due to its complex geological structure and tectonic–thermal evolution process, which restricts its exploitation and utilization. The characteristics of the geothermal field and distribution of geothermal reservoirs within the NJB are preliminarily analyzed based on available temperature measurements and geothermal exploration data. The prospective areas for the exploration of deep geothermal resources are discussed. The analysis results show that (1) Mesozoic–Paleozoic marine carbonate rocks are appropriate for use as principal geothermal reservoirs for the deep geothermal exploration and development within the NJB; (2) the geothermal field is evidently affected by the base fluctuation, and the high-temperature area is mainly concentrated at the junction of the Jianhu uplift and Dongtai depression; (3) the southeast margin of Jinhu sag, Lianbei sag, the east and west slope zone of Gaoyou sag, the low subuplifts within the depression such as Lingtangqiao–Liubao–Zheduo subuplifts, Xiaohai–Yuhua subuplifts and the west of Wubao low subuplift, have good prospects for deep geothermal exploration. Full article

The growth of the geothermal industry demands the constant search of techniques with the aim of reducing exploration efforts whilst minimizing subsurface uncertainty. The exploration of geothermal resources is fundamental from the exploitation point of view, especially in those regions where this energy is not as widespread as the rest of renewable sources. This research shows how geoelectrical methods can contribute to the investigation and characterization of medium–low enthalpy geothermal resources until about 800 m of depth. A 2000 m long electrical-resistivity tomography profile was performed in a region of Southern Spain with previous evidence of moderate geothermal potential. Results of this geophysical campaign (together with a preliminary geological characterization) allowed for the obtainment of a 2D profile and a pseudo-3D model with extensive information about the subsoil in terms of geological composition and formations. The interpretation of geophysical results denotes the existence of a potential formation constituted by carbonate materials with thickness greater than 300 m, crossing different fractures. Once the ideal location for the geothermal exploitation is defined, the research evaluates the contribution of the possible energy source, deducing that the energy extraction in the potential fracturing area would be double that of the one in the vicinity of the site. Full article

The energy inside the Earth can not only be released outward through earthquakes and volcanoes but also can be used by humans in the form of geothermal energy. Is there a correlation between different forms of energy release? In this contribution, we perform detailed seismic and geothermal research in the Beijing area. The results show that the geothermal resources in Beijing belong to typical medium-low temperature geothermal resources of the sedimentary basin, and some areas are controlled by deep fault activities (e.g., Xiji geothermal well (No. 17)). The heat sources are upper mantle heat, radioactive heat in granite, and residual heat from magma cooling. The high overlap of earthquakes and geothermal field locations and the positive correlation between the injection water and earthquakes indicate that the exploitation and injection water will promote the release of the earth’s energy. The energy releases are partitioned into multiple microearthquakes, avoiding damaging earthquakes (M_L ≥ 5) due to excessive energy accumulation. Therefore, the exploitation of geothermal resources may be one way to reduce destructive earthquakes. Furthermore, the use of geothermal resources can also reduce the burning of fossil energy, which is of great significance in dealing with global warming. Full article

The central part of the Zhangjiakou area is occupied by the Yanshan orogenic basin. A large number of piedmont faults developed over time, controlling the exposure of geothermal anomalies. The fluid chemistry characteristics and their influence on the heat generation mechanism of the medium- and low-temperature convective geothermal field in the area are not fully understood. In this study, the geothermal fluid was sampled and tested, and the hydrogeological background conditions were analyzed. The results show that the sulfate in geothermal fluid originates from the dissolution of gypsum or H₂S oxidation in deep magma. The geothermal fluid in the faulted basin flows upward after deep circulation and interacts with shallow groundwater. The main source of geothermal fluid is atmospheric precipitation. The temperature of the hot reservoir is between 82 °C and 121 °C, and the depth of geothermal water circulation is more than 3200 m. It can be seen that the geothermal resources in this area are formed by the long-term contact of residual magma, geothermal heating and mechanical heating of neotectonic movement after atmospheric precipitation recharge. Full article

Among so many fault basins around Ordos presenting good geothermal background, Yinchuan Plain is the key development and protection area of the Ecological and Economic Belt along the Yellow River in Ningxia and Yinchuan Metropolitan Area. The study of geothermal resources in this region is of great significance to the sustainable economic development of Yinchuan Plain. Most scholars suggested that Yinchuan Plain geothermal resources are low-to-medium temperature geothermal resources and have high value in terms of development and utilization due to their large reserves, good water quality conditions, and wide distribution. However, there is much controversy over the geothermal mechanism of this region. As an effective means to study geothermal mechanism, geophysical methods can be used to study regional basement uplift and structural distribution characteristics. Based on the discussion of regional geothermal geology background, this paper studies the distribution rules of Moho and Curie depths in the region by applying different geophysical data. The results show that the western margin of Yinchuan Plain is obviously uplifted. As inferred from the epicentral distribution of Yinchuan Plain section, there is a significant difference of the seismic bottom interface on the east and west sides of the Yellow River fault in Yinchuan Plain. The three-dimensional gravity inversion confirms basement uplift in this region. By referring to results obtained by the inversion of gravity and magnetic data and deep seismic exploration, the paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the regional geothermal geology conditions and proposes a geothermal conceptual model of Yinchuan Plain. The heat source comes from the earth heat flow and migrates to the thermal reservoir through the fault or fissure convection. The deep-large active faults provide a channel for deep heat flow to the shallow part, and the thermal fluid accumulates in the uplift area to form the high geothermal anomaly area. There should be two large-scale geological activities in the geotropics around Ordos. One is the basement uplift of the basins around Ordos platform, which provide the heat source. The other is the uplift of Ordos, which places the surrounding basin in an extensional environment and provides a channel for the heat source upwelling. Full article

Numerous geothermal resources of medium to low temperature have been reported in southern China. Suichuan County is one of the regions where thermal manifestations are abundant. However, the study regarding the understanding of geothermal water sources, hydrochemical composition and fluid-rock interaction lacks behind. Therefore, this study has characterized the slightly acidic to slightly alkaline bicarbonate geothermal waters of medium-low temperature of the Suichuan area. Geothermal waters of the study area have been evaluated mainly as of HCO₃-Ca-Na hydrochemical type with a maximum temperature of 80 °C. The results indicate the low hydrochemical concentration where HCO₃⁻ acts as a principal anion. Furthermore, the F⁻ content in geothermal and two cold water samples have been found high with a maximum value of 13.4 (mg/L), showing high pH of 9.6 as well. Here, the compilation of deuterium and oxygen-18 isotopic data of geothermal waters showed a local precipitation origin with a recharge elevation ranging from 630–1000 m. The circulation depth and reservoir temperatures are estimated, explaining the deep thermal water behavior. Additionally, the estimation of saturation indices of various minerals shows the geothermal waters’ corrosive or scaling behavior. Subsequently, the geothermal water points in the study area represent a fracture convection formation pattern. Finally, by integrating conventional hydrochemistry along with isotopic data, and considering the geological framework, a conceptual genetic model of the Suichuan thermal ground waters has been discussed. Hydrochemistry and isotopic features along with a conceptual circulation model have been provided by the foundation towards the sustainable management of hydrothermal resources in Suichuan. Proper management policies and practices are required for further development of Suichuan hydrothermal waters. Full article

Medium-depth and deep geothermal energy has been widely used because of its abundant resources and supply stability. Recently, attention has been given to the closed-loop heat extraction system using a deep borehole heat exchanger (DBHE), which enables geothermal energy to be harnessed almost everywhere. In this study, a check valve is adopted in a DBHE system in which the whole section of the well is used for heat extraction in winter during building heating and the upper part of the well is used for heat injection in summer during building cooling. The influence of injected water flowrates, water inlet temperatures, depths of the check valve and formation of thermal conductivities on the performance of this novel DBHE system has been investigated. It is found that heat injection through the upper part of the well in summer can improve the heat extraction rates to a certain extent during the heating season. In summer, the inlet temperature of water has a great influence on the heat injection rates. The increase in the depth of the check valve improves the heat injection rates of the novel DBHE system. When the depth of the check valve is 900 m, the heat injection rates in summer can reach 51.03 kW, which is 27.55% of the heat extraction rates in winter. In this case, the heat injection in summer has the greatest effect on the improvement of heat extraction in winter, which is 6.05 kW, accounting for 3.38% of the heat extraction in that year. It is found that the thermal conductivity of the formation has a great influence on the heat extraction rates in winter and heat injection rates in summer. The proposed novel DBHE system can be used to inject the heat discharged from the building in summer and extract geothermal energy for building heating in winter, forming a better heat balance at certain depths and resulting in a sustainable operation for heating and cooling. Another benefit of using this system is that the heat discharged from air conditioning into the air can be reduced in summer and “urban thermal pollution” can be alleviated. Full article

This paper introduces a method to study the origin of geothermal water by analysis of hydrochemistry and isotopes. In addition, the genetic mechanism of geothermal water (GTW) is revealed. The study of the origin of geothermal water is useful for the sustainability of geothermal use. As an example, Tangquan is abundant in GTW resources. Elucidating the recharge sources and formation mechanism of the GTW in this area is vitally important for its scientific development. In this study, the GTW in Tangquan was systematically investigated using hydrochemical and isotopic geochemical analysis methods. The results show the following. The GTW and shallow cold water in the study area differ significantly in their hydrochemical compositions. The geothermal reservoir has a temperature ranging from 63 to 75 °C. The GTW circulates at depths of 1.8–2.3 km. The GTW is recharged by the infiltration of meteoric water at elevations of 321–539 m and has a circulation period of approximately 2046–6474 years. The GTW becomes mixed with the shallow cold karst water at a ratio of approximately 4–26% (cold water) during the upwelling process. In terms of the cause of its formation, the geothermal system in the study area is, according to analysis, of the low-medium-temperature convective type. This geothermal system is predominantly recharged by precipitation that falls in the outcropping carbonate area within the Laoshan complex anticline and is heated by the terrestrial heat flow in the area. The geothermal reservoir is composed primarily of Upper Sinian dolomite formations, and its caprock is made up of Cambrian, Cretaceous, and Quaternary formations. Through deep circulation, the GTW migrates upward along channels formed from the convergence of northeast–east- and north–west-trending faults and is mixed with the shallow cold water, leading to geothermal anomalies in the area. Full article