Numerical modeling of liquid geothermal systems

A mathematical model describing the physical behavior of hot-water geothermal systems is presented. The model consists of a set of coupled partial differential equations for heat and mass transfer in porous media and an equation of state relating fluid density to temperature and pressure. The equations are solved numerically using an integrated finite difference method which can treat arbitrary nodal configurations in one, two, or three dimensions. The model is used to analyze cellular convection in permeable rock layers heated from below. Results for cases with constant fluid and rock properties are in good agreement with numerical and experimental results from other authors.