Heat transport simulations in a heterogeneous aquifer used for aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES)

A modelling study was carried out to evaluate the influence of aquifer heterogeneity, as represented by geologic layering, on heat transport and storage in an aquifer used for aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES). An existing ATES system in Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada, was used as a case study. The system consists of four production wells completed in an unconfined heterogeneous aquifer consisting of interbedded sands and gravels. An additional dump well was installed to provide for heat dissipation during the peak cooling periods. Three monitoring wells and the production wells were logged for temperature periodically within the first 1.5 years of operation. A three-dimensional groundwater flow and heat transport model was developed using FEFLOW. Simulation results indicate that heat and (or) cold energy moved preferentially in discrete zones within the aquifer or at least entered the wells over discrete intervals. Monitoring data support model results, but show that thermal storage was successfully achieved despite a significant cooling operation during the first year.