Hybrid numerical modelling of fluid and heat transport between the overpressured and gravitational flow systems of the Pannonian Basin

• Published in: Geothermics Vol. 72; pp. 268 - 276
• Main Authors: Vass, István, Tóth, Tivadar M., Szanyi, János, Kovács, Balázs
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2018; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Computational fluid dynamics; Computer simulation; Finite element method; Fluid flow; Fractal geometry; Fractured reservoir; Fractures; Geothermal energy; Geothermal power; Gravity; Heat conductivity; Heat transfer; Heat transport; Hydraulics; Hydrogeology; Mathematical models; Numerical modelling; Overpressure; Reservoirs; Rocks; Simulation; Stratigraphy; Fractured reservoir; Overpressure; Numerical modelling; Geothermal energy
• ISSN: 0375-6505; 1879-3576
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geothermics.2017.11.013

•DFN based simulation showed communicating fracture network in amphibolite bodies.•Hydrodynamic and heat flow processes were analysed by hybrid modelling technique.•Fluid can migrate upwards through over-pressured low permeability metamorphic chimneys.•Heat transfer results positive temperature anomaly at the top of the basement highs. Fractured rock bodies are especially important in Hungary, where numerous hydrocarbon reservoirs and geothermal fields occur in the fractured crystalline basement of the Pannonian Basin. To simulate a 3D fracture network for both near well regions and at reservoir scale, a fractal geometry based DFN (discrete fracture network) modelling system (RepSim) was used. To perform numerical simulation of the geological-hydrogeological problem, in which the hydraulic interaction is investigated between porous and fractured rock bodies, a finite element modelling system called FeFlow was applied. Modelling results suggest that the protruding basement highs govern heat transfer and fluid flow like a “hydro-geothermal chimney” owing to their stratigraphic and structural position as well as favourable hydraulic and thermal conductivities. Thus such fractured basement highs are deemed prospective for further geothermal investigations.