Numerical simulation study of the Northwest Geysers geothermal field, a case study of the Coldwater Creek steamfield

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Geothermics (International Journal of Geothermal Research and its Applications); (United Kingdom)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0375-6505(94)90034-5· OSTI ID:7085342

Antunez, E U; Bodvarsson, G S ^[1]; Walters, M A ^[2]

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1. Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (United States)
2. Russian River Energy Co., Santa Rosa, CA (United States)

Commercial exploitation of the Northwest Geysers began in early 1988. To date, little has been published about the connectivity of this area to the rest of the geothermal field, the interaction between the so-called ''typical'' reservoir and the underlying high-temperature zone, or the combined potential of both producing horizons. To investigate these issues, a dual-porosity numerical model of The Geysers geothermal system with special emphasis to the NW Geysers was developed. The model was calibrated using production data from 1957 to early 1991. Simulation results and the measured data suggest that: the typical reservoir in NW Geysers is connected to the rest of the field; significant migration of fluids from this part of the reservoir to the rest of The Geysers has occurred; and there still are some undeveloped areas in the NW Geysers with production potential. The production/injection scenarios analyzed with the model suggest that the existing wells are not sufficient to sustain a 60 MWe operations for 30 years starting in 1991. However, the addition of new wells within the licensed boundaries of the Coldwater Creek steamfield, drilled over a period of years, could sustain the steam production required to generate 60 MWe for 30 years. A 130 MWe development is not feasible within the mid-1993 licensed boundaries.

• OSTI ID: 7085342
• Journal Information: Geothermics (International Journal of Geothermal Research and its Applications); (United Kingdom), Journal Name: Geothermics (International Journal of Geothermal Research and its Applications); (United Kingdom) Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 23:2; ISSN GTMCAT; ISSN 0375-6505
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150200* -- Geology & Hydrology of Geothermal Systems
150904 -- Geothermal Engineering-- Geothermal Reservoir & Well Performance
ANALOG SYSTEMS
CALIFORNIA
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GEYSERS GEOTHERMAL FIELD
MATHEMATICS
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
RESOURCE POTENTIAL
SIMULATORS
USA