Barbosa Research Group
Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering, Louisiana State University
Thermodynamics and transport processes from the wellbore to the heat sink
The Barbosa Research Group works on the thermal-fluid physics of energy systems, from the subsurface to the surface facilities that serve it. We study coupled momentum, heat and mass transport through multi-material domains under thermodynamic and mechanical constraints, such as wells and storage formations, pipelines and processing plants, and the equipment that transfers heat and work.
We combine controlled experiments, high-fidelity and reduced-order modeling, and data-driven surrogates, and we build our own instrumentation and simulation tools. The group works with industry, national laboratories, and international academic partners.
Four research thrusts
01
Thermal Energy Conversion and Storage
Marginal wells as subsurface thermal assets, converted before they become orphans, can provide geothermal heat for industrial process heating, storage for electricity conversion, and heat-driven sorption cooling and dehumidification, with the end use selected by geology and local demand.
02
Multiphysics Wellbore and Flow Systems
Coupled thermal, structural and flow modeling of wells and flowlines: wellbore–formation heat transfer, casing, tubing and cement response, annular pressure changes in sealed annuli, formation creep, and multiphase flow assurance.
03
Thermodynamics and Transport of CO2 in Complex Multiphase Fluids
Solubility, diffusion, and phase behavior of CO2 in drilling and packer fluids under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions — concealed kicks, rheology and emulsion stability, and safe operating envelopes for CCUS well construction.
04
Technoeconomic Analysis of Emerging Energy Systems
Integrated, component-resolved models of complete energy chains, optimized against levelized cost and exergetic efficiency together — applied to CO2 conditioning and transport, thermal energy storage in repurposed wells, and produced water management.
How we work
Across all four thrusts we design and build experimental thermal-fluid facilities — PVT cells, high-pressure flow loops, instrumented test rigs — and develop first-principles simulation tools for physical insight and fundamental understanding, together with data-driven surrogates and optimization methods: neural networks, multi-objective genetic algorithms, and Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis.
We partner with industry, national laboratories, and academic groups on problems that need both measurement and modeling. Current interests include thermal energy storage in marginal wells, heat-driven cooling and dehumidification, CO2 interaction with drilling and packer fluids, wellbore integrity and flow assurance, and technoeconomic assessment of CO2 transport and produced water systems.
To discuss a collaboration or sponsored project, contact Prof. Barbosa at jbarbosa@lsu.edu.