CHARACTERIZATION FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A RENEWABLE POWER-RECOVERY GROUNDWATER WELL IN THE DEEP, FRACTURED SANDSTONE AQUIFER OF FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA

Energy generation around the state of Arizona is currently based on an outdated, non-renewable system. Northern Arizona has been in a drought since the mid-1990s, creating the need for water to be flowing with the utmost efficiency within urban and suburban areas throughout the region, such as Flagstaff, Arizona. Implementation of a power-recovery well, can provide solutions to both water and energy supplies in a renewable manner. In the Southwest, a common water management strategy to recharge the aquifer is by directing water back down a well. By using this water flow driven by gravity to power a turbine over the depth of these existing wells, electricity could be generated and be redistributed throughout the grid for the city of Flagstaff. Flagstaff offers a unique place to implement such a well with depths of the regional groundwater averaging around 427 meters. This extended depth would allow for an overall more productive mechanical system within the power-recovery well.

The potential for installing power-recovery wells will be determined using geotechnical engineering, geophysical, and geological calculations/characterizations of existing Flagstaff well sites and exploration data. Calculations will be made in association to existing geotechnical engineering power-recovery systems and theoretical changes possible for the Flagstaff site. Characterization of Flagstaff well sites will be completed through analysis of existing geophysical well data managed by the City of Flagstaff. This study further assists the City of Flagstaff in meeting goals in complying with its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (2018) through the generation of renewable energy. The calculation and characterization approach used within this project will serve as a standard for future power-recovery wells to be installed within the country and abroad.