Modelling a Geothermal Steam Field to Evaluate Well Capacities and Assist Operational Decisions

Abstract

A productive geothermal reservoir usually feeds into a network of pipelines to gather and distribute the geothermal fluid to the various connected plant equipment. By careful analysis of the measurements collected throughout the system a deeper understanding of both the geothermal reservoir and the response of the installed plant can be assembled. Regular evaluation of measurements taken from the field makes it possible to forecast plant outputs, evaluate risks emerging to the energy supply and to explore, with known accuracy, opportunities to improve the overall system. To achieve good results, certain methods have been devised based on Process and Reservoir Engineering techniques and field operating experience. This paper presents an overview of the methods employed by the author when preparing capacity evaluations and forecasts and the lessons from developing three steam field models for different fields.