A numerical model of the NW-Sabalan geothermal field was developed. The model covers a total area of 96 km2 and extends vertically from variable elevation of 2200-3600m a.s.l to 1,000m b.s.l. The model has 2,595 grid blocks in l4 horizontal layers. The boundary conditions and distributions of horizontal and vertical permeabilities were obtained by trial-and-error matching of the initial temperature and pressure distributions in the wells. Other hydraulic and thermal properties were obtained from exploration drilling and well testing. Observed and calculated temperature profiles and pressure were well-matched, confirming the validity of the conceptual model and providing the first stage of calibration of the numerical model. This effort yielded reliable estimates of the locations and rates of fluid recharge and discharge in the initial state.

Performance prediction was made for required steam for 20MWe for three different reinjection scenarios. Assumed that the productivity of new wells to be drilled lies between that observed in Wells NWS1 and NWS4. The results show that the reinjection is required and the area of reinjection is preferable to be located in injection area B than area C. The field can sustain a power generation of 20MWe with six production and four reinjection wells. One make-up well is needed to be drilled of 5 years after operation start in full reinjection scenarios. Two make-up wells for no-reinjection scenario in years 2 and 5 are needed to maintain the required steam for 20 MWe.

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