ATES systems in aquifers with high ambient groundwater flow velocity

This study uses analytical and numerical tools and a case study to analyze the relevant processes, and provides guidelines for well placement and an operation strategy for ATES wells in aquifers with considerable groundwater flow. The size of the thermal radius relative to ambient groundwater flow velocity is an important metric. With multiple wells to counteract groundwater flow, this ratio affects the pumping scheme of these wells. The optimal distance between them is around 0.4 times the distance traveled by the groundwater in one year. A larger distance negatively affects the efficiency during the first years of operation.