Optimization of Geothermal Well Control for a Sustainable Production Strategy using Stock Reservoir Modelling
Author: Arkaitz Manterola Donoso
Year: 2022
Supervisors: Dr. María Sigríður Guðjónsdóttir, Dr. Egill Júlíusson , Dr. Hlynur Stefánsson
Abstract:
Considering current global efforts to reduce negative anthropogenic impacts, many actions are being conducted around different sectors to mitigate the growing repercussions. As in many other areas, there also is potential to reduce the footprint of geothermal utilisation.
This ought to be achieved by optimizing the management of the geothermal resource with the goal of maximising the general output while also focusing on reducing the environmental impacts such as carbon emissions and reservoir pressure drawdown. Aimed to solve this problem, a methodology was developed whereby combining a reservoir stock model and a production strategy all parameters listed could be considered for an optimized well control. To prove said methods a case study using real data from the Bjarnarflag steam station in the North of Iceland, was performed.
The findings of this study suggest that the applied procedure will result in an optimized production strategy for the given specifications. The methodology proved to be useful to understand the extraction and its impact on the resource. It also provides additional evidence on how having a deep understanding of the system, its boreholes, and characteristics; can help optimizing the final production chosen strategy and reducing emissions.