Fractures Thermal Energy Storage (FTES)

This project aims at designing a laboratory-scale experiment to investigate the thermal performance of Fractures Thermal Energy Storage (FTES) systems. While previous field tests have focused on creating horizontal planar fractures at shallow depths, none have explored the circulation of hot fluid through fractures to assess the thermal efficiency of such systems. Similarly, no comprehensive investigation of the heat transfer mechanisms within FTES systems has been conducted at laboratory scale. This work proposes a combined modeling and experimental framework to design a laboratory-scale FTES experiment. The first part of the study introduces analytical and numerical tools to investigate the heat transfer mechanisms occurring at the well and at the fracture. A numerical model is then developed to simulate the entire FTES experiment. In the second part, an initial experimental setup, along with an identification of key operational challenges, are presented. The results obtained from the numerical model and the initial experimental tests highlight the need for improvements in the current experimental setup. Finally, recommendations are provided to address the identified challenges and ensure the successful operation of the FTES experiment.