Modeling Self-Potential Effects during Reservoir Stimulation in Enhanced Geothermal System

G. Perillo[1], A. Monetti[2], A. Troiano[2], M. G. Di Giuseppe[2], C. Troise[2], G. De Natale[2]
[1]University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
[2]INGV-Osservatorio Vesuviano, Naples, Italy
Published in 2014

Geothermal systems represent a large resource that can provide, with a reasonable investment, a very high and cost-effective power generating capacity. Despite its unquestionable potential, geothermal exploitation has long been perceived as limited, mainly because of the dependence from strict site-related conditions, mainly related to the reservoir rock’s permeability. In this work, SP anomalies observed above the Soultz-sous-Forets geothermal reservoir while injecting cold water have been modeled, considering a source related to the fluid flow induced by the well stimulation process. In particular, the retrieved changes of pressure due to well stimulation in the EGS system have been used as a source term, to evaluate the electric currents generating the potential anomalies, using COMSOL Multiphysics® simulations.