Application of a lumped parameter model to the Cerro Prieto geothermal field

Conference · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981 · Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6760957

Westwood, J D; Castanier, L M

A lumped parameter mathematical model for hot water geothermal reservoirs is developed and applied to the Cerro Prieto geothermal field in Mexico. The production and pressure histories of Cerro Prieto were assembled from field data. A computer program was then used to perform sensitivity studies on reservoir size, porosity, aquifer, recharge, and temperature of recharge fluid. Two types of depletion schemes were investigated; in the first, the reservoir remains essentially one-phase liquid, and in the second, the reservoir becomes two-phase at a point early in its history. A satisfactory match of the history of the field has been obtained. The usefulness of a lumped parameter model in clarifying the basic behavior of a hot water geothermal system and in giving focus to more complex two- and three-dimensional modeling efforts is shown. The results obtained specifically for the Cerro Prieto field will also be of value to the scientists and engineers studying this reservoir.

• Research Organization: Stanford Univ., CA
• DOE Contract Number: AT03-80SF11459
• OSTI ID: 6760957
• Report Number(s): CONF-811015-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150202* -- Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems-- Non-USA-- (-1989)
150801 -- Geothermal Power Plants-- Design & Operation
AQUIFERS
CERRO PRIETO GEOTHERMAL FIELD
FLUID FLOW
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
POROSITY
RECHARGE
TWO-PHASE FLOW