Advanced Transient Geothermal Wellbore Simulation

Geothermal wells play a key role in the development, understanding and utilization of geothermal resources. Understanding the thermodynamic processes that occur within geothermal wells assists with their design, the interpretation of downhole measurements, and the optimization of reservoir management. However, the behavior of geothermal wells can be difficult or impossible to measure directly. Numerical simulation provides low-cost insight into the transient behavior of geothermal wells.

In this seminar, we will discuss the development of a transient geothermal wellbore simulator that can model complex flows of multi-phase fluid. We present example simulations that demonstrate rapid transient processes (e.g., opening and closing geothermal wells), interzonal flow, counter-flow processes, discharge stimulation methods such as air compression and gas lifts, and wells with water levels below the wellhead. Recent investigations of methods for coupling this wellbore simulator with a geothermal reservoir simulator will also be discussed.

Speaker: Ryan Tonkin, University of Auckland