A Systematic Review of the Design and Heat Transfer Performance of Enhanced Closed-Loop Geothermal Systems

Geothermal energy is one of the primary sources of clean electricity generation as the world transitions away from fossil fuels. In comparison to enhanced geothermal methods based on artificial fracturing, closed-loop geothermal systems (CLGSs) avoid seismicity-induced risk, are independent of reservoir permeability, and do not require the direct interaction between the fluid and the geothermal reservoir. In recent years, the development of CLGS technologies that offer high energy efficiencies has been explored. Research on coaxial closed-loop geothermal systems (CCLGS) and U-shaped closed-loop geothermal system (UCLGS) systems were reviewed in this paper. These studies were categorized based on their design, modeling methods, and heat transfer performance. It was found that UCLGSs had superior heat transfer performances compared to CCLGS. In addition, UCLGSs that utilized CO2 as a working fluid were found to be promising technologies that could help in addressing the future challenges associated with zero-emission compliance and green energy demand. Further research to improve the heat transfer performance of CLGS, especially with regards to improvements in wellbore layout, equipment sizing, and its integration with CO2 capture technologies is critical to ensuring the feasibility of this technology in the future.