Production capacity estimation by reservoir numerical simulation of northwest (NW) Sabalan geothermal field, Iran

A three dimensional numerical model of the northwest (NW) Sabalan geothermal system was developed on the basis of the designed conceptual model from available field data. A numerical model of the reservoir was expressed with a grid system of a rectangular prism of 12 km × 8 km with 4.6 km height, giving a total area of 96 km2. The model has 14 horizontal layers ranging in thickness between 100 m to 1000 m extending from a maximum of 3600 to −1000 m a.s.l. Fifteen rock types were used in the model to assign different horizontal permeabilities from 5.0 × 10−18 to 4.0 × 10−13 m2 based on the conceptual model.Natural state modeling of the reservoir was performed, and the results indicated good agreements with measured temperature and pressure in wells. Numerical simulations were conducted for predicting reservoir performances by allocating production and reinjection wells at specified locations. Three different exploitation scenarios were examined for sustainability of reservoir for the next 30 years. Effects of reinjection location and required number of makeup wells to maintain the specified fluid production were evaluated. The results showed that reinjecting at Site B, immediate adjacent to production zone, is most effective for pressure maintenance of the system.On the base of existing data and assumptions the reservoir can sustain producing fluid equivalent to 50 MWe of electricity for more than 30 years. The reservoir can produce the maximum amount of fluids equivalent to 90–100 MWe for only 5 years, but the production capacity decreases to 50 MWe after 20 years of operation because of pressure and enthalpy drop. The reservoir can sustain 50 MWe over 100 years that can be defined as a sustainable production level of the field.

► A 3D numerical model and prediction simulations of the northwest (NW) Sabalan geothermal field was developed and three hypothetical scenarios were evaluated for production capacity assessment.
► The results of natural state simulation indicated good agreements in temperature and pressure profiles of three wells with measurement.
► Reinjection of the waste water is effective for moderating reservoir pressure drop and the immediate adjacent area in northern part is suggested for reinjection.
► Based on existing data and assumptions the reservoir can produce in maximum capacity of 90–100 MWe for short period of time.