From numerical simulations to rapid design exploration
In 2023, EAPOSYS worked with Professor Pierre Perrochet from the University of Neuchâtel, supported by an Innosuisse Innovation Cheque, to develop an analytical calculation module for the thermodynamic assessment of Advanced Geothermal Systems.
The tool can model multiple wellbore sections and geometries while accounting for geothermal conditions and interactions between different parts of the underground system. Unlike computationally intensive numerical simulations, the analytical approach enables rapid and systematic parametric analyses across many possible AGS configurations.
Benchmarking the analytical approach
The module was benchmarked against published numerical simulations and field measurements from several closed-loop geothermal studies and projects. The comparison confirmed that the analytical approach could reproduce reported thermal behaviour with high accuracy, providing confidence in the underlying assumptions.
Exploring incremental AGS designs
The tool was then applied to the incremental AGS architecture developed with Well Engineering Partners, testing the influence of well geometry, length, depth, geothermal gradient and operating conditions. The study showed how analytical modelling could be used to rapidly explore and optimize different configurations before moving to more detailed engineering.
This project laid an important foundation for what would become EAPOSIM: EAPOSYS’ engineering and simulation toolkit for rapid AGS design and performance assessment.
