Thermo-hydraulic coupling effects of natural convection, forced convection, and fractures on heat extraction in closed-loop geothermal systems

Key Points

• Heat extraction is strongly influenced by thermo-hydraulic coupling during natural and forced convection.
• The findings emphasize variations in heat extraction due to fractures and convection methods.
• Assessment using thermo-hydraulic models shows different efficiency levels for natural versus forced convection.
• This has implications for optimizing geothermal systems and enhancing energy transfer efficiencies.