To address the geohazard disaster risks and geothermal reservoir stability posed by the construction of artificial reservoirs in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), the Yangbajing geothermal field in Xizang was selected as the research context. Focusing on the exploitation of naturally fractured geothermal reservoirs the problems were avoided related to artificial reservoir creation. A system of governing equations was established, and the accuracy of the mathematical model was verified to ensure the precision of numerical simulation. Physical parameters were defined based on the geological conditions of Yangbajing, and boundary conditions were configured according to the actual measurements from exploration wells ZK4001 and ZK4002. A three-dimensional model of a fractured geothermal reservoir was constructed. Numerical simulation methods were employed to investigate the dynamics of seepage and heat transfer dynamics within the fractured reservoir during geothermal extraction. The reservoir’s lifespan and heat extraction performance were predicted, a resource application scheme was proposed, and the impacts of well spacing, injection flow rate, and production pressure on efficiency were examined. The results indicate that the fracture network distribution is identified as the primary factor affecting geothermal extraction efficiency. The production lifespan of the simulated fractured reservoir is approximately 50 years, with a total extracted geothermal energy of 3.66×1010 MJ. In the multi-well production system, a clear distance attenuation effect is observed in the produced fluid temperature, with production wells located farther from the injection well maintaining higher output temperatures for a longer duration. Furthermore, the injection flow rate and production pressure are demonstrated to have significant impacts on the lifespan and output of the geothermal system. It is provided a theoretical basis for deep geothermal resources development and offers new insights for the efficient and sustainable utilization.
GE Yi-yang, XI Bao-ping, LIU Ke-liu, WU Xue-qing, CHI Jia-ning.
Numerical Simulation of Seepage-heat Transfer Characteristics and Longevity and Output of Multi-well Exploitation in Fractured Geothermal Reservoir[J].
Science Technology and Engineering, 2026, 26(19): 8108-8118 DOI:10.12404/j.issn.1671-1815.2507087
XuBoyue, WangLei, HuZhiqiang, et al. Technology of geothermal power generation based on thermoelectric[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2022, 22(3): 1011-1015.
WangJiyang, PangZhonghe, ChengYuanzhi, et al. Current state, utilization and prospective of global geothermal energy[J]. Science & Technology Review, 2023, 41(12): 5-11.
[5]
GhassemiX, ZhouA. Three-dimensional thermo-poroelastic model for fracture response to injection/extraction in enhanced geothermal systems[J]. Geothermics, 2011, 40(1): 39-49.
WangZhaolong. Study on the coupled thermal-hydrologic-mechanical model in ractured rock mass and its application[D]. Xuzhou: School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, 2015.
WeiJuyan, FuMeilong, LiXudong, et al. Effects of thermal compensation and number of production wells on heat extraction performance of CO2 plume geothermal systems[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2025, 25(13): 5429-5437.
WangGaosheng, ZhouYifan, ZhaoJialin, et al. Numerical simulation of heat extraction in co2multi-stage hydraulic fracturing EGS based on thermal-hydraulic-mechanical model[J]. Journal of South China Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2025, 57(2): 1-11.
ZhangPengwei, LiuHuantong, LiuBaoguo, et al. Study on instability law in hydraulic fracturing based on fluid-solid coupling method[J]. Journal of Engineering Geology, 2024, 32(4): 1439-1446.
[14]
MoskaR, LabusK, KaszaP, et al. Hydraulic fracturing in enhanced geothermal systems-field, tectonic and rock mechanics conditions-a review[J]. Energies, 2021, 14(18): 5725.
BaiHaitao, GaoJunzhe, SunYuqian, et al. Research status and prospects of corrosion and scaling in geothermal water[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2024, 24(25): 10577-10587.
XuTianfu, ChenJingyi, FengBo, et al. Possible problems of groundwater environment in the exploitation of geothermal energy[J]. Journal of Jilin University (Earth Science Edition), 2023, 53(4): 1149-1162.
WeiXin. Numerical simulation of mining fault-mode hot dry rock geothermal energy[D]. Taiyuan: College of Mining Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, 2019.
[21]
FengZ J, ZhaoY S, ZhouA C, et al. Development program of hot dry rock geothermal resource in the Yangbajing Basin of China[J]. Renewable Energy, 2012, 39(1): 490-495.
[22]
YaoJ, ZhangX, SunZ, et al. Numerical simulation of the heat extraction in 3D-EGS with thermal-hydraulic-mechanical coupling method based on discrete fractures model[J]. Geothermics, 2018, 74: 19-34.
[23]
SunZ X, ZhangX, XuY, et al. Numerical simulation of the heat extraction in EGS with thermal-hydraulic-mechanical coupling method based on discrete fractures model[J]. Energy, 2017, 120: 20-33.
WangYingchun, ZhouJinlin, LiLiang, et al. Geothermal geological conditions in the Yangbajing geothermal field andits enlightenment to the exploration of supercritical geothermal resources[J]. Natural Gas Industry, 2022, 42(4): 35-45.
GaoHonglei, HuZhihua, WuYajuan, et al. Evolution of the quaternary tectonic stress field and hydrothermal activity in the yangbajing geothermal field, Tibet[J/OL]. (2025-08-25)[2025-10-09]. https://link.cnki.net/urlid/44.1595.P.20250822.1622.004.
FengZengzhao, ZhaoYangsheng. Numerical simulation study of exert and longevity in heat extraction in HDR[C] // Proceedings of the 11th Annual Conference of China Association for Science and Technology. Taiyuan: Independent Innovation and Sustainable Growth. Institute of Mining Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, 2009: 525-531.
[32]
ElsworthD. A comparative evaluation of the parallel flow and spherical reservoir models of HDR geothermal systems[J]. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 1990, 44(3/4): 283-293.
LiuDongyi, ZhaoZhenhua, JiaChao, et al. Geothermal heating mode of “multi-well coordination system”: a case study of the typical geothermal distribution area in Linqing, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province[J]. Science Technology and Engineering, 2025, 25(8): 3102-3109.