Regional Scale Geothermal Field Development Optimization under Geological Uncertainties

Kahrobaei, S., Fonseca, R.M., Willems, C.J.L. , Wilschut, F. and van Wees, J.D. (2019) Regional Scale Geothermal Field Development Optimization under Geological Uncertainties. European Geothermal Congress 2019, The Hague, The Netherlands, 11-14 Jun 2019.

Abstract

In the geothermal energy domain, it is common practice to drill a doublet (i.e. an injection and production well pair) system for heat production from the subsurface. Injector-producer spacing typically varies between 1 to 2 km. This well spacing distance is usually chosen through engineering judgement. The concept of drilling doublet systems is a result of exploiting geothermal systems locally within a larger geological system. Willems (2017), illustrated through engineering judgement the need for improved well placement strategies. There exists significantly greater scope to optimize well placement strategies on a regional (i.e. geological system) scale, in view of optimizing the net energy gained. Model based optimization of well location, trajectory and thereby spacing is common practice in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, due to the usually large uncertainty present in the subsurface it is essential to also account for geological uncertainties during optimization. In our framework, geological uncertainties are accounted for through an ensemble of equiprobable geological models. Thus, the goal is to find a single solution of well locations, which is optimal in terms of an expected objective function value over the ensemble of models. In this study we illustrate the added value of model based geothermal field development optimization at the regional scale in a positive trade-off with economic performance of single assets.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Willems, Dr Cees
• Authors: Kahrobaei, S., Fonseca, R.M., Willems, C.J.L., Wilschut, F., and van Wees, J.D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy

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