Sample interview questions: Describe the behavior of geothermal reservoirs and their relation to thermodynamics.
Sample answer:
Behavior of Geothermal Reservoirs and Thermodynamics
Geothermal reservoirs are subsurface formations that contain hot water or steam. Their behavior is governed by thermodynamics, the branch of physics that deals with heat transfer and energy conversion.
Thermodynamic Processes
Geothermal reservoirs undergo various thermodynamic processes, including:
- Heat transfer: Heat flows from the Earth’s core to the reservoir through conduction and convection.
- Phase change: Water in the reservoir may undergo phase changes from liquid to vapor (boiling) or vapor to liquid (condensation).
- Work extraction: Hot water or steam is extracted from the reservoir and converted into mechanical or electrical energy.
Reservoir Characteristics
The behavior of geothermal reservoirs depends on their physical and thermodynamic characteristics, such as:
- Temperature: The temperature of the reservoir determines the enthalpy and other thermodynamic properties of the fluids.
- Pressure: Pressure affects the phase behavior and fluid flow within the reservoir.
- Permeability: The porosity and permeability of the reservoir rock control fluid flow and heat transfer.
- Fluid content: The composition and volume of water and steam in the reservoir determine its energy potential.
Thermodynamic Analysis
Thermodynamic analysis plays a crucial role in understanding geothermal reservoir behavior. … Read full answer