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COMSOL Modeling of a Submarine Geothermal Chimney

M. Suárez [1], and F. Samaniego [2]
[1]Faculty of Sciences, Michoacán University (UMSNH), Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
[2]Faculty of Engineering Postgrade Studies Division, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
Published in 2008

New geothermal energy sources hold promise for the future. Deep submarine geothermal energy related to hydrothermal vents is emerging in many places along the oceanic spreading centers. Shallow submarine geothermal systems are found near to continental platforms.

We present the initial development of mathematical models to simulate the energy transport in submarine systems. A model for the transient heat conduction in chimneys is presented and solved using COMSOL. The software provides approximate solutions for the temperature distribution when geothermal energy flows simultaneously in radial and vertical directions.

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