Yushuo Zhang
Petroleum Engineer
Oil & Gas Technology Research Institute, PetroChina Changqing Oilfield Company
China
Yushuo (Samuel) Zhang is a Petroleum Engineer with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering from the University of Calgary, where he also completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees. Samuel has worked with major companies such as PetroChina and ExxonMobil Canada, specializing in reservoir simulation and enhanced oil recovery techniques. He is proficient in numerical reservoir simulation.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Fuels and Molecules
Fueling the Future: Innovations & Strategies for Tomorrow’s Electricity Supply
Forum 13 | Hall 10 - Technical Programme 3
12
October
16:00
17:30
UTC+3
This study explores the potential of repurposing long-shut gas wells in China’s Ordos Basin for enhanced geothermal electricity generation through cold water injection within an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS). The focus is on achieving sustainable high-temperature water production for electricity generation from ultra-low permeability reservoirs, with Lian5 and Lian6 abandoned directional gas wells used as case studies.
A dual-permeability model was developed using CMG STARS software to simulate various operational strategies. The model incorporated key factors such as natural microfractures, hydraulic fractures, and heat transfer within wellbores. The Lian5 well was vertically drilled and then side-drilled to form a horizontal section, which was connected to the Lian6 directional well for water production. The horizontal section of Lian5 was hydraulically fractured to create a high-permeability fracture network, enhancing heat exchange and facilitating cold water injection for efficient electricity generation.
Results indicated that closed-loop wells failed to sustain high-temperature production due to inadequate fracture networks. Directional wells met short-term production needs but showed rapid temperature decline. Horizontal wells, enhanced with high-conductivity fracture networks, proved optimal, maintaining stable production above 90°C for nearly ten years. For long-term cooling and electricity generation, lower injection volumes (1500m³/day to 2000m³/day) resulted in more stable and sustainable effects. Sensitivity analysis revealed that wider well spacing minimized thermal interference, thus improving system longevity and efficiency.
This research introduces a novel approach to sustainable geothermal electricity generation by optimizing horizontally stimulated wells in ultra-low permeability reservoirs, contributing valuable insights into the application of EGS technology in the Ordos Basin and offering a practical pathway for future geothermal electricity supply.
A dual-permeability model was developed using CMG STARS software to simulate various operational strategies. The model incorporated key factors such as natural microfractures, hydraulic fractures, and heat transfer within wellbores. The Lian5 well was vertically drilled and then side-drilled to form a horizontal section, which was connected to the Lian6 directional well for water production. The horizontal section of Lian5 was hydraulically fractured to create a high-permeability fracture network, enhancing heat exchange and facilitating cold water injection for efficient electricity generation.
Results indicated that closed-loop wells failed to sustain high-temperature production due to inadequate fracture networks. Directional wells met short-term production needs but showed rapid temperature decline. Horizontal wells, enhanced with high-conductivity fracture networks, proved optimal, maintaining stable production above 90°C for nearly ten years. For long-term cooling and electricity generation, lower injection volumes (1500m³/day to 2000m³/day) resulted in more stable and sustainable effects. Sensitivity analysis revealed that wider well spacing minimized thermal interference, thus improving system longevity and efficiency.
This research introduces a novel approach to sustainable geothermal electricity generation by optimizing horizontally stimulated wells in ultra-low permeability reservoirs, contributing valuable insights into the application of EGS technology in the Ordos Basin and offering a practical pathway for future geothermal electricity supply.
