2D Domain Decomposition for Parallel Reservoir Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 2D domain decomposition methods in parallel reservoir simulation often result in disproportionate numbers of active cells across domains, leading to poor performance and inefficient parallel processing due to inadequate consideration of active cell distribution.

Innovation Solution

A method for balancing active cells during 2D domain decomposition by iteratively adjusting decomposition boundaries and using stair stepping to ensure even distribution, thereby optimizing the assignment of active cells across domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional 2D domain decomposition divides the reservoir model into equal parts between domains, then the decomposition is simple and straightforward, but the number of active simulation cells becomes disproportionate across domains causing poor reservoir simulation performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecomposition simplicityVSAvoidparallel simulation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform equal-partition decomposition to localized decomposition that adapts to the specific distribution of active cells in each domain. The decomposition method now considers local characteristics (active cell concentration) and creates domain boundaries that reflect these local variations, ensuring each domain receives an appropriate number of active cells rather than simply dividing the total model into equal geometric parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of time

If the number of processors is increased to reduce computation time, then parallel processing capability improves, but the complexity of domain decomposition and active cell balancing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputation timeVSAvoiddecomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing active cell counting and domain decomposition planning before the actual parallel simulation computation begins. The system pre-calculates the optimal distribution of active cells across domains and establishes the decomposition scheme in advance, so that when multiple processors are activated, the workload is already balanced and ready for efficient parallel execution without requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the counted active cells information to adjust and optimize the domain decomposition strategy. The system counts active cells in different regions, uses this feedback information to identify imbalances, and then modifies the decomposition boundaries accordingly to achieve better load distribution across processors, creating a closed-loop optimization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2652669B1Systems and methods for two-dimensional domain decomposition during parallel reservoir simulation
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORP
  • EP2652669B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2652669B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2652669B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Systems and methods for 2D domain decomposition during parallel reservoir simulation to balance the active cells in a reservoir model.