Abstract
For efficient management of aquifer thermal energy storage [ATES], a fundamental knowledge of coupled heat and moisture transfer in saturated-unsaturated soil zone is required. The heat and moisture transfer experiments have been conducted using an insulated soil column with simulated ground water at the bottom. Experimental data were simulated by using the one-dimensional model of coupled flow considering the heat loss, based on the theory proposed by Milly (1982, 1984). The influences of hydraulic conductivities on the simulation were also investigated, using two estimated hydraulic conductivity functions.
As a result, using the model in this paper, the simulated data approximately coincided with the measured data by estimating parameters adequately. However, in order to simulate better, it is necessary to measure the hydraulic conductivities and water retention curves precisely and to select these model functions carefully. Mechanisms of coupled heat and water transfer by temperature gradients were also clarified by the changes of simulated heat and water fluxes.
