Investigating Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage in Texas-Louisiana Aquifers Using Numerical Simulations
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) utilizes subsurface formations to store and recover heat for applications such as electricity generation, space heating, and agricultural use. This dissertation evaluates the feasibility of ATES in low- to medium-temperature sedimentary formations of the U.S. Gulf Coast, using reservoir simulations calibrated with subsurface data from existing and published literature. The analysis focuses on two representative systems: the Carrizo Wilcox Aquifer in central Texas and the Rodessa Formation within the Red River Aquifer in northern Louisiana.
In the Carrizo Wilcox, ATES performance is strongly influenced by injection and production rates, well spacing, and operational cycling. Higher flow rates increase power output, while larger well spacing and scheduled rest periods improve thermal efficiency and prolong system viability. Multi-formation ATES configurations further enhance performance by distributing heat extraction across multiple aquifers, reducing localized thermal drawdown. Additionally, “dump flooding,” where water produced from one aquifer is injected into another, improves heat retention and offers an alternative to surface water sourcing, making it beneficial in regions with limited water availability.
In northern Louisiana, the Rodessa Formation shows favorable geothermal gradients and reservoir properties for ATES. Multi-layer configurations in this region yield higher power output and improved efficiency compared to single-layer systems, though optimal design must balance thermal sustainability with energy production rates.
Overall, this work demonstrates that ATES is technically viable in Gulf Coast sedimentary aquifers. Key performance controls include flow rate, well spacing, and cycle scheduling, with multi-layer and hybrid systems consistently outperforming single-layer configurations. Dump flooding provides additional operational resilience and sustained thermal output. The dissertation establishes a foundation for ATES deployment in the Gulf Coast and identifies future research needs in geochemical interactions, reservoir heterogeneity, optimization strategies, and pilot-scale field testing.
Date
11-3-2025
Recommended Citation
Budiman, Richard, "Investigating Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage in Texas-Louisiana Aquifers Using Numerical Simulations" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6953.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6953
Committee Chair
Gupta, Ipsita