Abstract
An efficient numerical method based on the double porosity model is proposed in order to analyze heat and fluid flows in fractured rock formations. The specific problem to which the present numerical method is applied assumes a single vertical or horizontal fracture that drains heat from neighboring blocks of homogeneous and isotropic impermeable rock. The outlet temperature history is monitored to evaluate the amount of heat extraction from the rock. The numerical results are favorably compared with the available analytical data. The present method is proven to be ten times more efficient than a conventional algorithm that requires a fine grid network along the fracture. The method can be extended to three-dimensional space or complex fracture networks.
