Sensible energy storage in aquifers: 1. Theoretical study

Authors:
  • JSJ. P. Sauty
    J. P. Sauty
  • AGA. C. Gringarten
    A. C. Gringarten
  • AMA. Menjoz
    A. Menjoz
  • PLP. A. Landel
    P. A. Landel
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a theoretical study on the thermal behavior of a hot water storage system in an aquifer using a single well. It is shown that the storage efficiency and temperature are controlled by a limited number of dimensionless groups that depend on the aquifer's physical characteristics and the storage operating parameters. A numerical model is checked against analytical solutions and is then used to evaluate the variation with time of the well temperature during production periods for symmetrical cycles (production volume and flowrate equal to injection volume and flowrate). From these results, type curves are plotted for several sets of dimensionless parameters, covering the range of practical applications. Effects of unequal injection and production periods, standby periods, and other operating conditions are also investigated. Practical recommendations are made for efficient storage projects.