Three-dimensional geothermal reservoir simulation
The development of a three-dimensional, finite difference model for the simulation of geothermal reservoirs is presented. The model is designed to simulate geothermal reservoirs which contain water in any of its vapor or liquid states, and provisions are included for properly treating changes of state during a time step. This logic provides for a stable calculation of state change and eliminates pressure, heat balance, and material balance errors. Mass and energy balances are solved simultaneously using an IMPES formulation. An implicit treatment of production rates, capillary pressure, and transmissibilities is included as an option. Thus, entire field, cross-sectional, or individual well studies can be efficiently performed. Example problems are presented to demonstrate the utility of the model and to provide insight into the nature of geothermal production under various conditions. In particular, an example of a reservoir initially containing subcooled liquid is presented where fluid conditions near the production well go from subcooled liquid to saturated steam and then to superheated steam.
- OSTI ID:
- 7318079
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-761008-42
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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