Understanding hydrothermal behavior of the Maneadero geothermal system, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aguilar-Ojeda, José Alonso; Campos-Gaytán, José Rubén; Villela, Almendra; Herrera-Oliva, Claudia Soledad; Ramírez-Hernández, Jorge; Kretzschmar, Thomas Gunter
• Is Part Of: Geothermics. Volume 89(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Maneadero -- Conceptual hydrogeological model -- Geothermics -- Geothermal system -- COMSOL multiphysics; Hydrogeology -- Periodicals; Geothermal resources -- Periodicals; Énergie géothermique -- Périodiques; GEOTHERMAL ENGINEERING; GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION; Geothermal resources; Hydrogeology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geothermics.2020.101985
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0375-6505

Abstract

Highlights: A conceptual model has been developed that describes the geothermal system of Maneadero, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The model was validated with 2D steady state simulation of water flow and heat transfer from a model profile. The results of the simulation show a reservoir temperature of 164 °C and an affluent temperature of 105 °C. Abstract: A hydrogeological conceptual model has been developed that describes the geothermal system located at the Maneadero region in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. In addition, a two-dimensional steady state simulation of water flow and heat transfer of a model profile using COMSOL Multiphysics software is also presented. The proposed hydrogeological conceptual model considers that the old local anoxic subsurface seawater feeds the system, and a remnant magmatic intrusion in the surface from past volcanism at 2 km of depth works as heat source. The intersection between the south Agua Blanca Fault and the L3 alignment promote the fluids ascent to the submarine hydrothermal vent. The results of the simulation show a reservoir temperature of 164 °C and an affluent temperature of 105 °C, varying between 1 °C and 3 °C, respectively, with previous studies. Moreover, a geothermal potential of 0.48 MW was estimated for the simulated profile. The current policy of exploitation of geothermal resources in Mexico makes the development of these models particularly relevant, serving as a tool for their evaluation and management.