Numerical modelling of the Botn low temperature geothermal field, N-Iceland

Abstract

A two-dimensional numerical model has been developed for the geothermal system at Botn, N-Iceland. This model simulates the measured data which includes water level, chemistry data and temperature during the last decade. The conceptual model in this report is based on geological investigation, geophysical surveys, borehole logging and well testing in this area. The reservoir performance in the model due to production is calculated and future predictions based on the calibration of the distributed parameter model are given. Temperature and water level predictions for different production rates are given for the next 20 years. Botn is a low temperature geothermal field in the central northern part of Iceland. It is one of four geothermal fields utilized for space heating by the town of Akureyri (population 14,000). Two production wells, HN-10 and BN-1, have been drilled in the field in addition to a few exploration wells. Approximately 18 bars well head pressure was observed in the field prior to production. During the period 1981-1991, the average production rate from wells HN-10 and BN-1 was 24.9 and 5.3 l/s, respectively. As a result ...