INTRODUCING THE VOLSUNG GEOTHERMAL SIMULATOR: FEATURES AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

In this paper we describe features and applications of the Volsung Geothermal Reservoir Simulator software package. Volsung includes a reservoir simulator, a wellbore model, a surface network simulator and a 3D graphical user interface (GUI) for building models, running simulations and visualizing model outputs. It is designed to make it easier to use numerical models in the decision process for managing geothermal fields. Volsung reduces model development times, simplifies the modelling process and enables sophisticated simulations designed to meet the modern day needs of geothermal operators. This paper describes features of Volsung that underlie these improvements, including: grid generation, conceptual model implementation, coupled wellbore and surface network simulations, data visualization, calibration to microgravity, modelling tracers (including salt and non-condensible gas), automatic steady-state detection, modelling faults and remote simulation with GPUs. These features and planned future developments are discussed in the context of how to get better value from geothermal reservoir modelling efforts.