Dynamic mesh optimisation for geothermal reservoir modelling

Modelling geothermal reservoirs is challenging due to the large domain and wide range of length- time-scales interest. Attempting represent all scales using a fixed computational mesh can be very computationally expensive. Application dynamic optimisation in other fields fluid dynamics has revolutionised accuracy cost numerical simulations. Here we present new approach for modelling based on unstructured meshes with optimisation. The resolution varies during simulation, minimize an error metric solution interest such as temperature pressure. Efficient application complex subsurface requires geologic heterogeneity use parametric spline surfaces key geological features faults lithology boundaries. resulting 3D surface-based models are free; created only when required computations. Dynamic preserves hence heterogeneity. governing equations discretised double control volume finite element method that ensures heat mass conserved provides robust solutions distorted meshes. We apply series test cases model sedimentary reservoirs. demonstrate yields significant performance gains, reducing run times by up 8 whilst capturing flow transport same