A numerical study on the sustainability and efficiency of deep coaxial borehole heat exchanger systems in the cold region of northeast China

Numerical simulations utilizing OpenGeoSys have been conducted on a deep coaxial borehole heat exchanger situated in the Songliao Basin. The findings reveal that the outlet temperature exhibits a downward trend as circulation flow increases, while it rises with an increase in inlet temperature. Additionally, the heat transfer power escalates with higher flow rates but diminishes as inlet temperature rises. Notably, the long-term operation results in a reduction of outlet temperature and heat transfer power. After 30 years, the decline of them is approximately 0.3 °C and 8 kW under current situation. Furthermore, long-term operation induces a decrease in formation temperature, predominantly around the vicinity of well, where the maximum temperature decline is nearly 30 °C. The reduction in formation temperature is directly proportional to the increase in flow rate and inversely proportional to inlet temperature. Within the depth range of well, the maximum influence radius expands in correlation with both the depth and duration of mining, while remaining relatively stable with variations in flow rate and inlet temperature. Following three decades of extraction, the influence radius is approximately 95m. The results provide vital scientific insights for the retrofitting of abandoned wells in Northeast China into geothermal heat exchange wells for building heating purposes. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd