Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing for Geothermal Applications

Geothermal energy projects vary significantly in the temperature and target depths of the thermal energy source. The industry seeks for cost-effective, continuous monitoring solutions to maximise operational efficiency and safety. Distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) solutions provide flexible, multi-parameter measurements for the exploration and exploitation of the full range of geothermal resources, from shallow borehole, ground source heat to hydrothermal geothermal projects and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Permanently installed integrated fibre optic sensing-based solution offers reliable, long-term geothermal reservoir monitoring and helps operators comply with legal requirements. The sensing element, a single fibre optic cable, either installed in shallow heat exchanger wells or cemented behind casing to the reservoir depth, can provide simultaneous and continuous measurements including temperature, seismic, microseismic, flow distribution, and strain. Here we present an overview of case studies of DFOS monitoring for a range of geothermal applications.