Numerical Heat Transfer Simulation of Oil Shale Large-Size Downhole Heater

Abstract

Downhole heaters are critical for effectively achieving in situ oil shale cracking. In this study, we simulate the heat transfer performance of a large-scale helical baffle downhole heater under various operational conditions. The findings indicate that at 160 m3/h and 6 kW the outlet temperature can reach 280 °C. Controlling heating power or increasing the injected gas flow effectively mitigates heat accumulation on the heating rod’s surface. The outlet temperature curve exhibits two phases. Simultaneously, a balance in energy exchange between the injected gas and heating power occurs, mitigating high-temperature hotspots. Consequently, the outlet temperature cannot attain the theoretical maximum temperature, referred to as the actual maximum temperature. Employing h/∆p13 as the indicator to evaluate heat transfer performance, optimal performance occurs at 100 m3/h. Heat transfer performance at 200 m3/h is significantly impacted by heating power, with the former being approximately 6% superior to the latter. Additionally, heat transfer performance is most stable below 160 m3/h. The gas heating process is categorized into three stages based on temperature distribution characteristics within the heater: rapid warming, stable warming, and excessive heating. The simulation findings suggest that the large-size heater can inject a higher flow rate of heat-carrying gas into the subsurface, enabling efficient oil shale in situ cracking.