Cover image for Low-enthalpy geothermal resources for power generation
Title:
Low-enthalpy geothermal resources for power generation
Publication Information:
London, UK : Taylor & Francis, 2008
Physical Description:
xix, 149 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 25 cm.
ISBN:
9780415401685

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30000010210119 TK1055 L68 2008 Open Access Book Book
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Summary

Summary

In many developing countries the exponentially growing electricity demand can be covered by using locally available, sustainable low-enthalpy geothermal resources (80-150 °C). Such low-enthalpy sources can make electricity generation more independent from oil imports or from the over-dependence on hydropower. Until now this huge energy resource has only been used by some developed countries like the USA, Iceland and New Zealand.

The reason why low-enthalpy geothermal resources are not used for electricity generation is that there is still a misconception that low-enthalpy thermal fluids are fit only for direct application. The advancement of drilling technology, development of efficient heat exchangers and deployment of high sensitive binary fluids contribute to the useful application of this energy resource on a much wider scale.

This book focuses on all aspects of low enthalpy geothermal thermal fluids. It will be an important source book for all scientists working on geothermal energy development. Specifically those involved in research in developing countries rich in such thermal resources, and for agencies involved in bilateral and international cooperation.


Author Notes

Dornadula Chandraskharam (1948, India) is the Head of the Centre of Studies in Resources Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. He has been working in the fields of volcanology, groundwater pollution, and geothermics for the past 25 years. Prof. Chandrasekharam conducted research on low enthalpy geothermal resources in India and is currently the Chairman of M/s GeoSyndicate Power Private Ltd., the only geothermal company in India. He is one of the executive members of the International Society of Groundwater for Sustainable Development (ISGSD).

Jochen Bundschuh (1960, Germany) is working in geothermics, subsurface- and surface hydrology and integrated water resources management, and connected disciplines. In 2001 he was appointed to the Integrated Expert Program of CIM (GTZ/BA), Frankfurt, Germany and works within the framework of the German governmental cooperation as adviser in mission to Costa Rica at the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). In 2005, he was appointed as affiliate professor of the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. He is elected Vice-President of the International Society of Groundwater for Sustainable Development.


Table of Contents

1 Availability of low-enthalpy geothermal resources in the developing world
2 Environmental, social, and economic benefits and needs of low-enthalpy geothermal resources development in the developing world
3 Geophysical techniques for exploring low-enthalpy reservoirs
3.1 Heat Flow
3.2 Gravimetry
3.3 Seismic
3.4 Magnetotelluric
3.5 Electrical
4 Geochemical techniques of exploring low-enthalpy reservoirs
4.1 Major ions
4.2 Trace elements
4.3 Isotopes
4.4 Estimation of reservoir temperatures
5 Power generation techniques from low-enthalpy resources
5.1 Heat exchangers Binary plants using organic fluids heat exchangers
5.2 Binary technique using organic fluids
5.3 Binary technique using Kalina cycle
6 Plant installation and electricity generation costs from low-enthalpy resources
6.1 Impact of reservoir temperature on costs
6.2 Impact of drilling depth on costs
6.3 Impact of power plant size on costs
6.4 Cost comparison for high- and low-enthalphy systems and development trends of costs in future
7 Small low-enthalpy geothermal projects for rural electrification (
7.1 Definition of small geothermal projects?
7.2 Current applications of small geothermal plants
7.3 Usable geothermal resources
7.5 Rural Energy Needs at present and future developments
7.6 Technologies for rural systems
7.7 Costs of small geothermal plants
7.7 Market for small geothermal projects
8 Case-studies of geothermal plants using low-enthalpy resources
8.1 Plants using organic heat exchanging fluids
8.2 Plants using Kalina Cycle