A thermo-flow-mechanics-fracture model coupling a phase-field interface approach and thermo-fluid-structure interaction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-accuracy phase-field interface model that couples temperature dynamics with hydraulic-mechanical processes to better understand fracture behavior in geothermal reservoirs, especially in EGS.

Contribution

It develops a novel four-step algorithm integrating temperature effects into a thermo-fluid-structure interaction framework for fracture modeling.

Findings

Mesh convergence results validate the model's accuracy.

Temperature significantly influences fracture width and permeability.

The approach enhances understanding of fracture evolution under thermal effects.

Abstract

Geothermal energy, a promising renewable source, relies on efficiently utilizing geothermal reservoirs, especially in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), where fractures in hot rock formations enhance permeability. Understanding fracture behavior, influenced by temperature changes, is crucial for optimizing energy extraction. To address this, we propose a novel high-accuracy phase-field interface model integrating temperature dynamics into a comprehensive hydraulic-mechanical approach, aiming for a thermo-fluid-structure interaction representation. Therein, the key technical development is a four-step algorithm. This consists of computing the fracture width, reconstructing the sharp interface geometry, solving the thermo-fluid-structure interaction (TFSI) problem, and employing a phase-field approach coupled to the temperature and pressure from the TFSI problem. By coupling temperature-hydraulic-mechanical processes with our newly proposed high-accuracy phase-field interface approach, we investigate how temperature impacts fracture width values, which are crucial for permeability in EGS reservoirs. Through this model and three different numerical simulations, we aim to provide an approach to deepen understanding of the complex interplay between temperature, mechanical deformation, and permeability evolution. Therein, we substantiate our formulations and algorithms through mesh convergence results of crack width and total crack volumes for static fractures, and crack lengths in the case of propagating fractures.