Research scope
The research on basic rock mechanics (e.g., fracture mechanics), on stochastic fracture network (DFN) modeling, and on Decision Aids for Tunneling was extended to include applications for Engineered Geothermal Systems. Examples include experimental investigation and modeling of hydraulic fracturing of granite; enhancement of the DFN GEOFRAC to include flow and heat transport; and application of DAT to represent the construction of a deep geothermal well subject to all relevant uncertainties.
Related publications
Yost, K., Valentin, A., and Einstein, H.H. (2015). Estimating cost and time of wellbore drilling for Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS) – Considering uncertainties. Geothermics, 53, 11-19. doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2014.04.005
Oglesby, K., Woskov, P., Einstein, H.H., and Livesay, B. (2014). Deep Geothermal Drilling Using Millimeter Wave Technology. Final technical research report, 30 September 2011 – 30 September 2014, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prepared for USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Technologies Office under Contract no. EE0005504, December 2014. doi:10.2172/1169951
Li, W., and Einstein, H.H. (2014). Numerical and Analytical Modeling of Heat Transfer between Fluid and Fractured Rocks. Final report (121 pages), Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prepared for USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Technologies Office under Contract no. EE0002743, Recovery Act – Decision Aids for Geothermal Systems, May 2014. doi:10.2172/1236455
Einstein, H.H., and Vecchiarelli, A. (2014). Further Development and Application of GEOFRAC-FLOW to a Geothermal Reservoir. Final report, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (131 pages). Prepared for USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Technologies Office under Contract no. EE0002743, Recovery Act – Decision Aids for Geothermal Systems, May 2014. doi:10.2172/1236455
Einstein, H.H., and C. Fairhurst (2013). Engineering issues in sedimentary basin – Geothermal energy. In: Tracking an Energy Elephant – Science and Engineering Challenges for Unlocking the Geothermal Potential of Sedimentary Basins, NSF-SEES Workshop Report, 6-9 November 2011, Salt Lake City, Utah, pp. 20-23. Retrieved from http://geothermal.tcu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Geothermal-13-single1.pdf
Sousa, R., Ivanova, V.M., Murrihy, B., and Einstein, H.H. (2012). Decision Aids for Engineered Geothermal Systems: Fracture Pattern Modeling. Research Report, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA. Prepared for USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Technologies Office under Contract no. EE0002743, Recovery Act – Decision Aids for Geothermal Systems, 2012.
Einstein, H.H., Yost, K., and Valentin, A. (2012). Decision Aids for Tunneling Applied to Wellbore Cost and Time Estimation. Final report, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prepared for USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Technologies Office under Contract no. EE0002743, Recovery Act – Decision Aids for Geothermal Systems, 2012.
Einstein, H.H., Miller, J., and Silva, B. (2009). Experimental and Analytical Research on Fracture Processes in Rock. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering. Final report no. DOE/GO/16061-1, February 2009. Prepared for USDOE Office of Geothermal Technologies under Contract no. FG36-06GO16061. doi:10.2172/948451