Parametric study of the pressure distribution in a confined aquifer employed for seasonal thermal energy storage

Aquifers are underground porous formations containing water. confinedaquifers are formations surrounded by two impermeable layers. these aquifers are suitablefor seasonal thermal energy storage. the objective of this research is a parametric studyof the pressure distribution in an aquifer to be employed for thermal energy storage forair-conditioning of a building complex. in design of an aquifer thermal energy storage(ates), a realistic model is needed to predict the aquifer's behavior. here, the effects ofoperating parameters on pressure distribution are investigated through a three-dimensionalfinite difference model. in an ates, heat transfer occurs through both convection andconduction. the convective heat transfer in ates occurs because of pressure gradient.therefore, knowledge of the effects of various parameters on pressure distribution isnecessary. these parameters are: groundwater natural flow, the porosity and permeabilityof the aquifer, injection and withdrawal rates from wells, the number and the arrangements(being linear, triangular or rectangular) of injection and withdrawal wells. it has been foundthat variation of the pressure drop inside an aquifer with increasing permeability is veryconsiderable in comparison with other parameters. moreover, a validation is performed byusing uent software to verify the accuracy of the developed method.