Spatio-temporal Characterization of Geothermal Fields by Inverse Modeling

Spatio-temporal Characterization of Geothermal Fields by Inverse Modeling
Author: Elena C. Reinisch
Publisher:
Total Pages: 148
Release: 2019
Genre:
ISBN:

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) is a powerful geodetic technique capable of measuring deformation at fine resolution. Radar data's two-dimensional structure along with the pair-wise nature of interferometry allow InSAR to capture both the spatial and temporal extent of deformation. This dissertation focuses on improving spatio-temporal modeling techniques for InSAR data to better describe the observed subsidence at several geothermal fields in the Western U.S. The first chapter focuses on refining the spatial analysis of deformation observed at Brady Hot Springs, Nevada by introducing a parameterization which directly relates displacement at the Earth's surface to subsurface reservoir volume change. Geostatistical inversion in a Bayesian framework identifies thermal contraction of the rock matrix as the dominant driving mechanism of the observed subsidence. The second chapter extends this modeling to multiple interferometric pairs to explore the deformation's temporal nature. Joint time-series analysis of volume change rates estimated from InSAR and Global Positioning System (GPS) data determines the dependence of deformation on well operations. The third chapter measures transient deformation at Coso geothermal field, California using InSAR and GPS data acquired between 2004 and 2016 to quantify relationships between deformation, pumping, and seismicity. Changes in subsidence rate, reservoir contraction, and estimated sink depth after 2010 found from spatial and temporal deformation modeling are attributed to changes in injection protocol corresponding to sustainability efforts implemented in late 2009. The last chapter quantifies the spatio-temporal dependence of the subsiding region at San Emidio geothermal field, Nevada by modeling InSAR data from 1992 to 2010.

Development of Inverse Modeling Techniques for Geothermal Applications

Development of Inverse Modeling Techniques for Geothermal Applications
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 11
Release: 1997
Genre:
ISBN:

We have developed inverse modeling capabilities for the non-isothermal, multiphase, multicomponent numerical simulator TOUGH2 to facilitate automatic history matching and parameter estimation based on data obtained during testing and exploitation of geothermal fields. The TOUGH2 code allows one to estimate TOUGH2 input parameters based on any type of observation for which a corresponding simulation output can be calculated. In addition, a detailed residual and error analysis is performed, and the uncertainty of model predictions can be evaluated. One of the advantages of inverse modeling is that it overcomes the time and labor intensive tedium of trial- and error model calibration. Furthermore, the estimated parameters refer directly to the numerical model used for the subsequent predictions and optimization studies. This paper describes the methodology of inverse modeling and demonstrates an application of the method to data from a synthetic geothermal reservoir. We also illustrate its use for the optimization of fluid reinjection into a partly depleted reservoir.

Application of Inverse Modeling to Geothermal Reservoir Simulation

Application of Inverse Modeling to Geothermal Reservoir Simulation
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 11
Release: 1997
Genre:
ISBN:

The authors have developed inverse modeling capabilities for the non-isothermal, multiphase, multicomponent numerical simulator TOUGH2 to facilitate automatic history matching and parameter estimation based on data obtained during testing and exploitation of geothermal fields. The ITOUGH2 code allows one to estimate TOUGH2 input parameters based on any type of observation for which a corresponding simulation output can be calculated. Furthermore, a detailed residual and error analysis is performed, and the uncertainty of model predictions can be evaluated. Automatic history matching using ITOUGH2 is robust and efficient so that model parameters affecting geothermal field performance can reliably be estimated based on a variety of field measurements such as pressures, temperatures, flow rates, and enthalpies. The paper describes the methodology of inverse modeling and provides a detailed discussion of sample problems to demonstrate the application of the method to data from geothermal reservoirs.

Inverse Modeling and Forecasting for the Exploitation of the Pauzhetsky Geothermal Field, Kamchatka, Russia

Inverse Modeling and Forecasting for the Exploitation of the Pauzhetsky Geothermal Field, Kamchatka, Russia
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2008
Genre:
ISBN:

A three-dimensional numerical model of the Pauzhetsky geothermal field has been developed based on a conceptual hydrogeological model of the system. It extends over a 13.6-km2 area and includes three layers: (1) a base layer with inflow; (2) a geothermal reservoir; and (3) an upper layer with discharge and recharge/infiltration areas. Using the computer program iTOUGH2 (Finsterle, 2004), the model is calibrated to a total of 13,675 calibration points, combining natural-state and 1960-2006 exploitation data. The principal model parameters identified and estimated by inverse modeling include the fracture permeability and fracture porosity of the geothermal reservoir, the initial natural upflow rate, the base-layer porosity, and the permeabilities of the infiltration zones. Heat and mass balances derived from the calibrated model helped identify the sources of the geothermal reserves in the field. With the addition of five makeup wells, simulation forecasts for the 2007-2032 period predict a sustainable average steam production of 29 kg/s, which is sufficient to maintain the generation of 6.8 MWe at the Pauzhetsky power plant.

Journal

Journal
Author: Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Publisher:
Total Pages: 792
Release: 1990
Genre: Prospecting
ISBN:

Automatic History Matching of Geothermal Field Performance

Automatic History Matching of Geothermal Field Performance
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 1995
Genre:
ISBN:

We have developed inverse modeling capabilities for the multiphase multicomponent numerical simulator TOUGH2 to facilitate automatic history matching and parameter estimation based on data obtained during exploitation of geothermal fields. The ITOUGH2 code allows one to estimate TOUGH2 input parameters based on any type of observation for which a corresponding TOUGH2 output can be calculated. Furthermore, a detailed residual and error analysis is performed, and the uncertainty of model predictions can be evaluated. This paper focuses on the solution of the inverse problem, i.e. the determination of model-related parameters by automatically calibrating a conceptual model of the geothermal system against data obtained during field operation. We first describe the modeling approach used to simulate fluid and heat flow in fractured-porous media. The inverse problem is then formulated, followed by a brief discussion of the optimization algorithm. A sample problem is given to demonstrate the application of the method to geothermal reservoir data.

Multiphase Inverse Modeling

Multiphase Inverse Modeling
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 8
Release: 1998
Genre:
ISBN:

Inverse modeling is a technique to derive model-related parameters from a variety of observations made on hydrogeologic systems, from small-scale laboratory experiments to field tests to long-term geothermal reservoir responses. If properly chosen, these observations contain information about the system behavior that is relevant to the performance of a geothermal field. Estimating model-related parameters and reducing their uncertainty is an important step in model development, because errors in the parameters constitute a major source of prediction errors. This paper contains an overview of inverse modeling applications using the ITOUGH2 code, demonstrating the possibilities and limitations of a formalized approach to the parameter estimation problem.