Title
Numerical modelling of thermal convection in the Luttelgeest carbonate platform, the Netherlands
Author
Lipsey, L.
Pluymaekers, M.
Goldberg, T.
van Oversteeg, K.
Ghazaryan, L.
Cloetingh, S.
van Wees, J.D.
Publication year
2016
Abstract
The presence of convective fluid flow in permeable layers can create zones of anomalously high temperature which can be exploited for geothermal energy. Temperature measurements from the Luttelgeest-01 (LTG-01) well in the northern onshore region of the Netherlands indicate variations in the thermal regime that could be indicative of convection. This thermal anomaly coincides with a 800 m interval of Dinantian carbonates showing signs of increased fracture permeability of 6 10-14 m2.In this study, we reproduce the thermal gradient at LTG-01 using 3D numerical models in order to better understand the interplay between natural fracture permeability and temperature patterns. Numerical models of thermal convection are used to illustrate the role of permeability on the timing of convection onset, convection structure development and resulting temperature patterns.Rayleigh number calculations indicate that convective flow is realistic within the Luttelgeest carbonate platform. The degree and pattern of convection depends strongly on the platform geometry and thickness, permeability structure and geothermal gradient of the convective zone. The spacing of convective upwellings and their thermal anomalies can be well predicted by numerical models that provide evidence for significant convection-driven thermal anomalies. Numerical models can facilitate in exploration workflows to assess thermal variation and location of upwelling zones. © 2016 The Authors.
Subject
2015 Geo
SGE - Sustainable Geo Energy
ELSS - Earth, Life and Social Sciences
Geological Survey Netherlands
Geosciences
2015 Energy
Geothermal energy
Thermal convection
3D numerical modelling
Temperature anomaly
Fracture permeability
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:61db0aa4-aebb-4906-af3a-4ace5c3e7f63
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2016.05.002
TNO identifier
536846
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
ISSN
0375-6505
Source
Geothermics, 64, 135-151
Document type
article