Lumped Parameter Model of the Miravalles Geothermal Field, Costa Rica

Abstract

Full-scale exploitation started in the Miravalles Geothermal Field when the first 55 MWe unit was commissioned in 1994. Several numerical models mostly using TOUGH2 and other similar codes have been developed since commercial exploitation and these numerical models have aided the decision-making process in the management of the field.
A lumped parameter model of the Miravalles reservoir was developed to provide another tool for reservoir management. This model was made based on the long-term pressure monitoring data of well PGM-09 and the total and net mass extraction rates in the whole field. Lumped parameter modeling using the other monitoring wells located around the field with shorter pressure monitoring data is also conducted. Good pressure matches were obtained, and some production scenarios were simulated for forecasting the future pressure response of the reservoir.