We develop technologies that tackle the challenges with underground energy storage systems, geothermal systems and carbon usage and sequestration (CCS/CCUS) combining numerical simulation and experimental methods. Our research and development activities are performed by HOT Microfluidics at the Energy Research Center of Lower Saxony in collaboration with the Institute of Subsurface Energy Systems of the Clausthal University of Technology in Germany.
Simulating Underground Gas Storage Systems
We developed a multi-phase multi-component flow simulator coupling hydro with microbial effects for the future of underground hydrogen storage.
Gases such as hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide are typically in supercritical state when stored underground.
The flow behaviour of hydrogen, methane and mixtures will be gas-like while carbon dioxide will behave liquid-like due to its high in-situ density.
Still the gases are almost immiscible with brine so that underground storage becomes a complex multi-phase system.
The numerical simulation of gas storage operations requires considering, on top of reservoir rock characteristics, the mixing behaviour between gases with different compositions, mass transfer between the phases by dissolution and vaporisation and changes in gas composition by microbiological reactions.
We have developed a reservoir simulator
tailored for gas storage operations
considering all these aspects.
Site-specific flow and microbiological properties are measured in our laboratories based on fluid and rock samples and used as input for numerical modelling.
This way we generate calibrated and reliable reservoir models
for planning hydrogen and carbon dioxide underground storage facilities
and underground bio-methanation reactors.
Laboratory Investigations -
Characterizing Your Underground Storage System and Understanding Fluid-Fluid and Rock-Fluid Interactions
We have invested in a fully equipped laboratory that puts us in a position to perform laboratory experiments using gases such as hydrogen, carbondioxide and hydrogen mixtures at reservoir conditions in compliance to highest HSE regulations. Our laboratory equipment ranges from autoclaves to core-flooding rigs to microfluidics solutions.
We offer customised and complex laboratory services for various applications like hydrogen storage, geothermal projects or CCS/CCUS investigations in cooperation with our technology partners:
Chemistry
Enhanced Energy Storage Process Visualisation
using Microfluidics Technologies
“Rock-on-a-Chip” Microfluidics captures images from the behaviour of the injected gases during underground storage operations. This technology allows the dynamic investigation of energy storage processes in an enhanced, rapid and cost-effective manner:
growth
and stability
Laboratory Equipment & Software
We manufacture and deliver customised laboratory devices and systems for the investigation of underground energy storage processes:
Our R&D Projects
SOFTWARE
Developed a multi-phase multi-component flow simulator coupling hydro with microbial effects for the design and optimisation of underground hydrogen storage.
Modelling and calibrating (history matching) reservoirs selected for conversion to underground storage is essential for mitigating the investment risk.
SenEx is a unique and highly efficient well-level assisted history matching software: it usually takes only 10 to 20 simulation runs to arrive at a full field well-level match – irrespective of number of wells and production history.
Developed machine learning (ML) based advanced image analysis software for processing and analysing recorded data. Includes image processing, segmentation, computation and visualisation.
Developed process control, monitoring and data recording software to run laboratory experiments in an automated mode minimising human interaction.
LABORATORY
Developed customised equipment for laboratory experiments with hydrogen and CO2.
Allows visualising the effect of microbes/bacteria on hydrogen, CO2, natural gas and brine systems.
Developed test kit for fiber optical sensors. Applicable for liquid and gaseous environments, including CO2, hydrogen, methane and similar.
Developed and integrated optical pressure and temperature sensors in micromodels to expand the data stream from micromodel experiments.
The project received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Lower Saxony SER Programme.
Developed and integrated optical sensors in microfluidic systems to determine fluid composition.
This R&D project was performed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Society (Heinrich Hertz Institute, HHI) and was supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology [BMWi] based on a resolution of the German Parliament.
Designed and developed a HPHT microfluidic flooding platform for real time visualisation of flow and transport processes in porous systems (geological formations).
Facilitates programmable and automated experiments under reservoir conditions combined with effluents’ fluid analytical chemistry.