Distributed thermal response test to analyze thermal properties in heterogeneous lithology

A fiber optic distributed thermal response test (DTRT) conducted in well-documented heterogeneous geology is combined with laboratory thermophysical measurements of cores and novel data analysis techniques to provide a detailed description of variability in subsurface heat transfer. The results of this study show that appreciable variation in subsurface heat flow exists and can be quantified in a lithological context, which may aid in the optimization of future geothermal borefield design. District-scale borefields that are expected to contend with imbalanced loads and potential overheating may find additional value from knowledge of which geologic units to utilize and which to avoid.