Modeling Studies of the Nesjavellir Geothermal Field, Iceland

Abstract

This paper describes a series of numerical modeling activities aimed at the evaluation of the Nesjavellir geothermal field in Iceland for space heating and electrical power production. The first model of the field was developed in 1986, and since then the model was updated both in 1992 and 1998. The results of these modeling activities show that the model has generally predicted well the performance of the field. The initial model underestimated the global average permeability of the field, due to the short calibration history, and was therefore conservative in the initial estimation of the generating potential of the field. The subsequent models have predicted reliably the flow rates, enthalpies and pressure declines of all wells in the Nesjavellir field. These models have only required minor modifications in reservoir parameters in order to refine the matches with the well data between updates.