Combating the tyranny of scales in simulation with reduced order modelling

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A collaborative research and development project is proposed between BitCan Geosciences & Engineering Inc. (BitCan) and Dr. Gracie of the University of Waterloo (UW). The goal of the project is to take the first meaningful steps towards the development of a commercial simulator for Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) suitable for use in the fast-paced iterative environment of engineering design. BitCan is the developer an advance Simulation Systems capable of capturing multi-physic phenomena including fluid flow, deformations, and heat transfer under both transient and dynamic conditions. However, the utility of these simulations, specifically in fast-pace and iterative engineering design environments, is greatly hampered by the Tyranny of Scales (ToS) - the difficulty of achieving computationally tractable simulations of complex processes like SAGD that inherently span multiple length and time scales. The ToS has not yet been overcome with High Performance Computing (HPC). A 3-year project to develop Reduce of Models (ROM) for multi-physics problems in geosciences and engineering is proposed, as a paradigm shifting and disruptive technology with the potential of addressing the ToS. ROMs are surrogate models which are highly efficient and derived from more complex and computationally expensive model using a range of Model Order Reduction (MOR) techniques. This project will evaluate existing MOR techniques for simulations of geomechanical phenomena and develop new MOR techniques for multi-physics problems. These objectives will be achieved in an equitable and diverse environment, supporting an inclusive team and superior outcomes. There's a large environmental, economic, and social impetus to see a significant reduction in the GHG emissions and water use associated with SAGD and Oil Sands development in Canada. Simulations can provide important insights and new knowledge into subsurface processes during SAGD leading to process innovations; however, the cost of such models is often prohibitive. Should the ToS be overcome, the environmental impact can be reduced and the competitiveness of Canada's industry can be increased.