The Residual Flow Effect in a Geothermal Loop

摘要

The residual flow effect of a geothermal loop is the flow of fluid from a geothermal reservoir through production well, heat exchanger, and injection well after switching off the pumping equipment. Earlier, this phenomenon was mentioned in the literature for the possibility of reinjection of the cooled fluid without pressure, but with no detailed consideration. After observing this effect at the Khankala experimental geothermal plant, the authors have investigated the physics of the effect and the possibility of its use in energy production.