Sensitivity analysis of fluid flow in a confined aquifer using numerical simulation

Aquifers are underground porous domains containing groundwater. Confined aquifers are surrounded by the impermeable layers. They are saturated by pressurized water and are suitable for energy storage purposes. They have low thermal conductivity and large storage volume. In design of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) an applicable model is necessary to predict the aquifer behavior. In this research, by developing a three dimensional finite volume model via FLUENT software, the effects of operative parameters on pressure distribution are investigated. In the ATES, heat transfer is performed by both convection and conduction phenomena. The convective heat transfer in the ATES is occurred because of pressure gradient and hence, recognition of effects of operative parameters on pressure distribution is essential. These effective parameters are some geological parameters such as groundwater natural flow, porosity and permeability, injection and withdrawal rates from wells, number and arrangement (being linear, triangular or rectangular) of wells.