CO2 Geothermal Physics Model Validation

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Validates code and provides physics reasoning for the 0-D CO2 lumped-parameter model in geothermal reservoirs. Use for modifying ODE solvers, validating emissions calculations, and debugging simulation behavior.

Sby Skills Guide Bot
DevelopmentIntermediate
206/2/2026
Claude CodeCursorWindsurf
#co2-lumped-parameter-model#geothermal-reservoirs#physics-validation#ode-solvers

Recommended for

Our review

This skill validates code and provides physics reasoning for the 0-D CO2 lumped-parameter model in geothermal reservoirs.

Strengths

  • Ensures dimensional consistency and mass balance
  • Detects violations of physical sanity checks
  • Guides modification of evolution equations and emission partitioning

Limitations

  • Relies on the existence of specific documentation files (EQUATIONS.md, etc.)
  • Covers only the specific 0-D CO2 LPM, not other models
  • Does not perform syntax or compilation checks
When to use it

When modifying or debugging physics code for the CO2 lumped-parameter model in geothermal reservoirs.

When not to use it

For non-physics code changes or for other models not following this structure.

Security analysis

Safe
Quality score92/100

The skill is a physics knowledge document for a CO2 model. It references read-only tools and Bash for running simulations; no destructive or exfiltrating commands are present. The Bash tool is used legitimately for scientific computation.

No concerns found

Examples

Validate ODE coefficient changes
I am modifying the alpha and beta coefficients in the concentration ODE for the CO2 LPM. Please validate that the new coefficients are dimensionally consistent and check mass balance.
Debug concentration spike
The simulation shows an unexpected spike in reservoir CO2 concentration after pressure reversal. Explain the physics behind this and check if any sanity conditions are violated.
Add new emission source term
I need to add a new emissions source term for leakage. Show how it integrates into the existing ODE system and verify that mass balance is preserved.

name: co2lpm description: Validates code and provides physics reasoning for the 0-D CO2 lumped-parameter model for geothermal reservoirs. Use when modifying ODE solvers, parameter classes, emissions calculations, or concentration dynamics. Also use when debugging simulation behavior, explaining physics concepts, or planning changes to physics-related code. allowed-tools: Read, Grep, Glob, Bash

CO2 Lumped Parameter Model Physics Knowledge

This skill provides physics knowledge for the 0-D CO2 lumped-parameter model implemented in the co2lpm package.

When This Skill Applies

  • Modifying code that implements concentration evolution equations
  • Changing ODE solver logic or state variable handling
  • Implementing or modifying emissions partitioning (field, plant, degassing)
  • Debugging unexpected simulation behavior
  • Planning changes to physics-related code
  • Explaining why the model behaves a certain way
  • Working with pressure reversal scenarios

Core Physics Reference

The model tracks reservoir CO2 concentration over time during geothermal extraction. Key state variables:

| Variable | Symbol | Meaning | Units | |----------|--------|---------|-------| | Pressure | P(t) | Reservoir pressure (relative to hydrostatic) | Pa | | Concentration | C(t) | CO2 mass fraction in reservoir fluid | kg/kg | | Upflow rate | q_up | Mass rate into reservoir from depth | kg/s | | Outflow rate | q_out | Mass rate leaving reservoir to surface | kg/s |

For detailed equations, see EQUATIONS.md. For symbol definitions and units, see SYMBOLS.md. For derivation logic, see DERIVATIONS.md. For edge cases and sanity checks, see SANITY_CHECKS.md.


Workflow A: Physics Validation

Use this workflow when reviewing or planning code changes.

Step 1: Identify affected equations

Determine which equations from EQUATIONS.md are affected by the change:

  • Pressure evolution: E1 (exponential pressure decline)
  • Concentration ODE: E2-E4 (with and without delay)
  • Emissions: E5-E8 (degassing, field, plant, total)
  • Solubility: E9-E10

Step 2: Check dimensional consistency

Using SYMBOLS.md, verify that:

  • All terms in an equation have matching units
  • ODE coefficients (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) have correct units
  • Source terms have correct rate units (kg/s for mass)

Step 3: Verify mass balance

Changes must preserve:

  • CO2 mass conservation in the reservoir
  • Correct partitioning between dissolved, degassed, and emitted CO2

Step 4: Check sanity conditions

Verify the change doesn't violate sanity checks S1-S5 in SANITY_CHECKS.md.

Step 5: Report findings

Summarize:

  • Which equations are affected
  • Any dimensional inconsistencies found
  • Any mass balance violations
  • Any sanity check concerns
  • Recommendations for correction

Workflow B: Physics Reasoning

Use this workflow when explaining behavior, debugging, or proposing solutions.

For explaining physics concepts:

  1. Identify the relevant equations and parameters
  2. State the physical interpretation
  3. Explain cause-and-effect relationships between variables
  4. Use the derivation steps from DERIVATIONS.md to show how equations connect

For debugging simulation issues:

  1. Identify which state variables are behaving unexpectedly
  2. Check if the issue relates to:
    • Pressure reversal (q_eff > q_0c)
    • Delay effects (tau > 0)
    • Solubility limiting (degas=True)
    • ODE coefficient calculation
  3. Trace through the analytical solution (gamma_exact or Cf_dde)
  4. Check edge cases against SANITY_CHECKS.md

For proposing physics-consistent changes:

  1. Identify which equations are affected
  2. Show how new terms integrate into the ODE system
  3. Demonstrate that mass balance remains satisfied
  4. Identify any new sanity checks needed

Quick Reference: Module Structure

| Module | Purpose | Key Functions/Classes | |--------|---------|----------------------| | model.py | Core LPM class | LumpedParameterModel, StateArrays | | parameters.py | Dataclasses for inputs | ReservoirParams, OperationParams, ChemistryParams | | solvers.py | ODE/DDE solvers | pressure_exp, integrate_ode, dde_solve | | postproc.py | Emissions calculation | emissions() | | utils.py | CO2 solubility | solubility_linear, solubility_slope_vs_T | | scenarios.py | Preset configurations | high_gas(), low_gas(), delay_demo() |


Key Physical Constraints

These must always hold:

  1. Concentration non-negative: C(t) >= 0
  2. Solubility limit: C(t) <= C_s(P) when degas=True
  3. Pressure reversal: Occurs when q_eff > q_0c (extraction exceeds critical rate)
  4. Steady state exists: C_inf = alpha/beta (no delay) or alpha/(beta-gamma) (with delay)
  5. Delay stability: For tau > 0, the characteristic root lambda_1 must have negative real part

Scenario Classification

| Scenario | Key Parameters | Behavior | |----------|---------------|----------| | High-gas (Ohaaki-like) | degas=True, high C0 | Solubility-limited, significant degassing | | Low-gas (Wairakei-like) | degas=False, low C0 | No degassing, concentration dilutes | | Concentrating | fC < critical | CO2 accumulates in reservoir | | Diluting | fC > critical | CO2 decreases in reservoir | | Reversal | fq*q0 > q0c | Outflow reverses direction | | Delay | tau > 0 | Breakthrough lag, DDE dynamics |

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