In the quest to mitigate climate change, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are gaining traction, and a recent study published in the *International Journal of Green and Sustainable Technology* sheds light on the intricate processes involved in geological CO2 storage. Led by Nanlin Zhang from the School of Civil Engineering and Geomatics at Southwest Petroleum University and the Research Center of Coastal and Urban Geotechnical Engineering at Zhejiang University, the research delves into the complex interactions of thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes that significantly impact the integrity and efficiency of CO2 storage.
The study systematically reviews recent advances in mathematical modeling and numerical solutions for THMC coupling in CO2 geological storage. “Accurately simulating these coupled phenomena is crucial for predicting the long-term behavior of CO2 in geological formations,” Zhang explains. The research focuses on the derivation and structure of governing and constitutive equations, as well as the comparative performance of different solution methods, including fully coupled, iteratively coupled, and explicitly coupled approaches.
One of the key aspects of the study is the modeling of dynamic changes in porosity, permeability, and fracture evolution induced by multi-field interactions. These changes can significantly affect the storage capacity and safety of geological formations. The research also evaluates the capabilities, application scenarios, and limitations of major simulation platforms, such as TOUGH, CMG-GEM, and COMSOL.
The findings of this study have significant implications for the energy sector. As the world transitions towards a carbon-resilient future, accurate modeling and prediction of CO2 behavior in geological formations are essential for the safe and efficient implementation of CCUS technologies. “By establishing a comparative framework integrating model formulations and solver strategies, we aim to contribute to the development of robust, scalable, and mechanism-oriented numerical models,” Zhang states.
The research highlights the strengths and gaps of current approaches, paving the way for future developments in the field. As the energy sector continues to explore and invest in CCUS technologies, the insights provided by this study will be invaluable in shaping the future of CO2 geological storage and utilization. The study not only advances our understanding of THMC coupling processes but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of climate change.