Solving iTOUGH2 simulation and optimization problems using the PEST protocol

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 2011 · Environmental Modelling and Software

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2011.02.008· OSTI ID:1015564

Finsterle, S A; Zhang, Y

The PEST protocol has been implemented into the iTOUGH2 code, allowing the user to link any simulation program (with ASCII-based inputs and outputs) to iTOUGH2's sensitivity analysis, inverse modeling, and uncertainty quantification capabilities. These application models can be pre- or post-processors of the TOUGH2 non-isothermal multiphase flow and transport simulator, or programs that are unrelated to the TOUGH suite of codes. PEST-style template and instruction files are used, respectively, to pass input parameters updated by the iTOUGH2 optimization routines to the model, and to retrieve the model-calculated values that correspond to observable variables. We summarize the iTOUGH2 capabilities and demonstrate the flexibility added by the PEST protocol for the solution of a variety of simulation-optimization problems. In particular, the combination of loosely coupled and tightly integrated simulation and optimization routines provides both the flexibility and control needed to solve challenging inversion problems for the analysis of multiphase subsurface flow and transport systems.

• Research Organization: Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: Earth Sciences Division
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-05CH11231
• OSTI ID: 1015564
• Report Number(s): LBNL-4410E
• Journal Information: Environmental Modelling and Software, Journal Name: Environmental Modelling and Software Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 26; ISSN 1364-8152
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
58 GEOSCIENCES
FLEXIBILITY
MULTIPHASE FLOW
OPTIMIZATION
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
SIMULATION
TRANSPORT