Insights of using Control Theory for minimizing Induced Seismicity in Underground Reservoirs

TL;DR

This paper introduces a control theory-based method to minimize induced seismicity in underground reservoirs, enhancing safety and efficiency in geothermal and energy storage applications.

Contribution

It develops a novel control approach using a simplified seismicity model to actively regulate seismic activity during fluid injections in underground reservoirs.

Findings

Control approach effectively reduces seismicity rates in simulations.

Method maintains fluid circulation while minimizing earthquakes.

Robustness confirmed under system uncertainties and unknown dynamics.

Abstract

Deep Geothermal Energy, Carbon Capture, and Storage and Hydrogen Storage have significant potential to meet the large-scale needs of the energy sector and reduce the CO$_2$ emissions. However, the injection of fluids into the earth's crust, upon which these activities rely, can lead to the formation of new seismogenic faults or the reactivation of existing ones, thereby causing earthquakes. In this study, we propose a novel approach based on control theory to address this issue. First, we obtain a simplified model of induced seismicity due to fluid injections in an underground reservoir using a diffusion equation in three dimensions. Then, we design a robust tracking control approach to force the seismicity rate to follow desired references. In this way, the induced seismicity is minimized while ensuring fluid circulation for the needs of renewable energy production and storage. The designed control guarantees the achievement of the control objectives even in the presence of system uncertainties and unknown dynamics. Finally, we present simulations of a simplified geothermal reservoir under different scenarios of energy demand to show the reliability and performance of the control approach, opening new perspectives for field experiments based on real-time regulators.