Geothermal Supermodels: the Next Generation of Integrated Geophysical, Chemical and Flow Simulation Modelling Tools

Abstract

Existing geothermal modelling tools were designed over 25 years ago and are increasingly unable to cope with modern demands, both in computational practicality and in resolving scientific and resource specific questions. Today, numerical models are used for financial project planning and geothermal field management, and are required to be considerably more detailed than previous generations of models. This paper presents a four-year, New Zealand-based, research programme that seeks to develop next generation integrated geothermal modelling tools, including a new flow simulator, geophysical and geochemical codes, and the linkages between them. This ambitious advancement will add capability through the integration of information from different disciplines, and overcome some of the limitations of current modelling software. There are two major foci of the programme: the development of a new reservoir flow simulator; and integration of models from different disciplines. A modular approach will see the first stage developing a next-generation geothermal simulator using state-of-the-art numerical techniques. The key priority is to develop core functionality and provide frameworks to allow more complex descriptions of different reservoir processes to be incorporated later. The second stage involves developing improved numerical methods and modules to couple key processes, including reservoir flow, geophysical, geo-mechanical, geological, groundwater and geochemical models. This research will provide improved models of geothermal processes (e.g. fluid flow), structures (e.g. faults) and conditions (e.g. supercritical temperature), enhancing the ability of developers and users to model the wide range of conditions seen in geothermal reservoirs.