PRACTICAL WORKFLOW FOR TRAINING IN GEOTHERMAL RESERVOIR MODELLING

Abstract

Geothermal reservoir modelling is a complex and time-consuming task. While the theoretical background is generally reserved for professionals and academics, with the right training geothermal modelling is more generally accessible. Here we discuss practical
and advanced simulation exercises, including idealised case studies, that can be used to introduce geothermal modelling.
Based on a synthetic high temperature geothermal case study, typical of a volcanic area, a reservoir modelling workflow has been developed for teaching the sequential steps of geothermal simulation. The students are introduced to the key stages of reservoir
modelling using the geothermal simulator AUTOUGH2. An important part of the process is the use of a good visualization and postprocessing tool such as TIM, for enhancing their understanding of geothermal simulation. Standardized reports are produced with
compiled Python scripts to reduce the complexity of dealing with model outputs and allow the students to focus on model calibration. This allows the students to spend more time understanding how changing parameters like permeability and deep upflows affects the match between the model results and the observed data. The use of a synthetic geothermal field gives a practical example of what calibration, data analysis, production history simulation and future scenario simulation with make-up wells mean in a model with
some complexity, but which is simple enough to run in a short time. This teaching material provides a valuable resource for getting students familiar with geothermal modelling and improving their understanding of the concepts of geothermal reservoir behaviour.