EVALUATION OF THE GEOTHERMAL POTENTIAL OF GROUNDWATER WITH THERMAL-ENERGY STORAGE

Groundwater constitutes a natural energy resource that can provide for building heating and cooling when adequately exploited. Moreover, the geothermal pumping systems can be coupled with an aquifer thermal sto rage to improve the energy recovery. A review of the various possible storage configurations and the conditions for their utilization are pr esented as well as the thermal potential of typical aquifers of the pr ovince of Quebec. Mathematical modelling describing the physical proce sses can be used to simulate and optimize different hydrogeothermal sc enarios. Two typical aquifers of the province of Quebec are studied th rough a three-dimensional finite difference model (HST3D). The recover y ratios (60 and 25%) obtained with two geothermal pumping systems dem onstrate the practical potential of aquifer thermal storage. The syste m using a hot well - cold well doublet, that can Only be used when no significant regional flow exists, leads to the best recovery ratio and the easiest system optimization. The initial investment related to th is system can be paid off within 8 years.