Applications of 3D Modelling in Geothermal Facility Design

Abstract

3D design techniques have always been available to assist with the design of plant and piping facilities. For a previous generation of plants this took the form of a 1:32 scale plastic model of the piping and structures. The use of computer aided design (CAD) has introduced virtual models, however limitations in hardware and software have limited the widespread use of these until around 2005. The last 10 years has seen a rapid increase in the use of 3D modelling. New software tools and increases in computing processing power and memory have made 3D techniques more accessible for everyday design. The non-orthogonal nature of a typical geothermal facility creates many challenges to designers. In particular many geothermal steamfields throughout Asia are characterised by rugged terrain which requires careful facility design. 3D models are now used effectively at all stages of geothermal steamfield design and give a significant advantage over previous techniques. This paper looks at several current 3D tools and their application to steamfield design. It also examines the cost and effectiveness of 3D techniques, particularly considering the appropriateness of the modelling as it relates to the stage of the project development. Applications described include 3D modelling for concept development and environmental consenting, a single source database tool for the design of cross country piping and use of 3D modelling in both greenfields and brownfields facilities design. Also described are some of the techniques used for data acquisition to create the models.