Non-Linear Modelling of a Geothermal Pipe Network System - a Computer Approach to Network Analysis

Abstract

A computer model has been developed for simulating and analyzing the performance of a geothermal pipe network system. A non-linear numerical method is used for solving the mass and energy balance equation set of the model. A typical system includes: a number of production and reinjection wells, a steam turbine, separation plant, a reinjection pump station, booster reinjection pump where necessary, and all the pipelines and fittings which handle steam, water and two-phase mixtures. By utilizing the computer code developed, the performance of a network system, the pressure and mass flow rate in each pipeline, can be predicted for operational conditions. This paper provides a methodology for solving the effect of the interactions between the different production and reinjection wells and the reinjection pumps in a complex system of pipes. The computer code of this model is PC-based and the program can be used as a design tool or as a simulator.