Parametric study of the pressure distribution in a con ned aquifer employed for seasonal thermal energystorage

formations surrounded by two impermeable layers. These aquifers are suitable for seasonal thermal energy storage. The objective of this research is a parametric study of the pressure distribution in an aquifer to be employed for thermal energy storage for air-conditioning of a building complex. In design of an Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), a realistic model is needed to predict the aquiferʹs behavior. Here, the eects of operating parameters on pressure distribution are investigated through a three-dimensional nite dierence model. In an ATES, heat transfer occurs through both convection and conduction. The convective heat transfer in ATES occurs because of pressure gradient. Therefore, knowledge of the eects of various parameters on pressure distribution is necessary. These parameters are: groundwater natural ow, the porosity and permeability of the aquifer, injection and withdrawal rates from wells, the number and the arrangements (being linear, triangular or rectangular) of injection and withdrawal wells. It has been found that variation of the pressure drop inside an aquifer with increasing permeability is very considerable in comparison with other parameters. Moreover, a validation is performed by using uent software to verify the accuracy of the developed method.