Improved Power Production Efficiency of Hydrothermal Reservoirs Using Downhole Pumps

Abstract

This study investigates the potential gains in power production of high temperature geothermal fields through the use of electric submersible pumps (ESP) in reservoirs currently being exploited using two phase flashing systems. The use of downhole pumps is predicted to have two benefits, the first being an increase in mass flow per well which could potentially reduce drilling costs. The second benefit the pumps can provide is the prevention of exergy loss due to the flashing process, which occurs under conventional two phase wellbore flow. Also, it is predicted that the power consumed by the pump can be recovered at the power plant resulting in higher energy output for each wellbore drilled. In addition to increased power production the study investigates the economic benefits of increasing the mass flow from each well to determine if the pumps maintenance costs and power consumption could be offset to yield higher returns for plant owners. A brief summary of potential social and environmental benefits for a closed loop approach is also discussed as the authors predicts these may become of increasing importance in coming years.