This exercise reproduces the general features of ex-gwe-ates from the MODFLOW 6 examples. It is described in mf6examples.pdf distributed with MODFLOW6 as "66 Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage." Users may wish to read that description for a fuller explanation of the model. The model presented here is not an exact reproduction of the model distributed with MODFLOW 6. Among other changes, the model is based on a quad-tree refined grid rather than a triangular grid. ModelMuse can import existing GWE models, so users could import the model distributed with MODFLOW 6 and compare the it with the version of the model presented here.
The model description in mf6examples.pdf states that it is a three layer model. However, it is implemented in a single layer divided into three sections rather than a model with multiple layers. Each section represents a separate unit. This is only possible because the all the cells in the model are confined. The aquifer properties vary between two zones (Zone 1 and Zone 2).
Illustration of Model grid showing the zones
The model has a well along the left edge of the grid. All the cells in the middle unit will be refined and the cells near the well will be refined even more.
A completed version of this model is distributed with ModelMuse. It is named ATES.gpt.
In the model, water is alternately removed from the aquifer and then injected again on an annual cycle. The water in the aquifer is initially at a temperature of 50 C. The temperature of injected water is 20 C. The purpose of the system is to use the extracted water for heating in colder months. Cold water can be injected elsewhere in the system for later use to support air conditioning during warmer months.
