MSc defence by Hugo Quinteros
Hugo Ernesto Quinteros Segovia from El Salvador, MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering at Reykjavík University will defend his MSc project on Tuesday 3rd June at 14:30 – 16:30 at RU in Room M104.
The title of the project is:
Experimental validation and design of subsonic ejector for single-phase steam flow in Chinameca geothermal field
Hugo's supervisors are:
María Sigríður Guðjónsdóttir, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Reykjavík University, Iceland
Guðrún Arnbjörg Sævarsdóttir, Ph. D., Professor, Reykjavík University, Iceland
Ximena Guardia Muguruza, PhD Student, Reykjavík University, Iceland
His external examiner is Kristín Steinunnardóttir, Geothermal Research Specialist, COWI
Abstract
Geothermal wells are critical yet capital-intensive components of power generation facilities, often experiencing productivity decline as reservoir pressure decreases over time. This study investigates the application of subsonic ejectors as a cost-effective solution to re-integrate low-pressure wells into existing steam gathering systems, thereby extending well productivity and minimizing the need for drilling additional wells. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted on subsonic ejectors with varying constant-area mixing section (CAMS) diameters to evaluate their performance in single-phase steam flow conditions. Results demonstrated that the CAMS with a 4.20 area ratio (AR) configuration achieved the highest performance, delivering maximum entrainment ratio (ER) of 0.136 and gained pressure (GP) of 0.58 bar with minimal energy losses of around 4% for exergy. The experimental outcomes were used to improve and validate an analytical model, incorporating experimental efficiency metrics. The analytical model was applied to the Chinameca geothermal field in El Salvador, identifying a viable ejector configuration capable of increasing the thermal energy by approximately 510 kWₜₕ through the combination of low-pressure well CHI3-A and high pressure well CHI3-B. The findings affirm the technical feasibility and potential economic benefits of using optimized ejector systems in geothermal resource management. Additionally, an exergy analysis of the selected configuration revealed an overall exergy efficiency of approximately 94%, with the highest irreversibility occurring at the secondary inlet and CAMS. These results provide a strong foundation for the continued development of advanced ejector systems tailored for connecting geothermal wells.