Work

On the Impact of Clogging in Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) under Constant-Rate and Constant-Head Injection-Extraction Scenarios

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) offers a promising approach for seasonal energy storage and decarbonization of heating and cooling systems. However, with long-term injection-extraction operation, well clogging often occurs due to various reasons, including suspended solids and chemical precipitation. Therefore, the temperature distribution and recovery efficiency of ATES systems can be adversely affected by clogging. This study investigates a two-zone confined aquifer system using a combination of analytical solutions and high-resolution numerical simulations conducted in COMSOL Multiphysics. Scenarios with and without clogging are evaluated under constant-rate and constant-head injection-extraction conditions. Results show that clogging significantly alters hydraulic head distributions, with steep hydraulic gradients forming near the well under both injection modes. Under the constant-rate injection case, hydraulic head increases compensation for flow resistance, resulting in minimal differences in thermal transport and recovery efficiency between the clogging and non-clogging cases. In contrast, constant-head injection is highly sensitive to clogging, as reduced hydraulic conductivities lead to lower flow rates, smaller thermal plumes, greater heat losses, and a measurable decline in recovery efficiency over 15 years. This study underscores the critical importance of accurately representing near-well hydraulic conditions in ATES modeling. It provides new insights into how operational strategies and subsurface near-well clogging influence thermal energy recovery and offers practical guidance for the design, control, and optimization of resilient ATES systems.

Source: Journal of Hydrology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.134561

Authors: Zehao Chen, Junyuan Zhang, Hongbin Zhan

Institution: Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Geothermal Energy Systems and Applications

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,030