The natural source of heat that can be used for a number of things is geothermal energy. Swimming pool heating, aquaculture ponds, and greenhouses are a few examples. Additionally, it can be used for food processing, air conditioning industrial spaces, and dehydrating fish.
The steam and hot water extracted from the earth are used in geothermal power plants. That heat is then converted into electricity at the power plant. Geothermal power plants can be divided into binary cycle and flash steam types.
Electricity is produced by binary-cycle geothermal plants using a combination of steam and heated water. They can be anywhere between one MW and a few hundred MW. These plants require the lowest fluid flow and the highest temperatures. On the other hand, flash steam plants use a hot water reservoir to drive a turbine and produce electricity.
Deep geothermal systems also exist. These systems are found in Alberta, Canada, and their potential to generate electricity is being researched. Deep closed-loop geothermal systems tap into hot geological formations using a non-contact drilling technique.
Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that can never run out. It is used to produce electricity in many nations. Approximately 100,000 people are employed in the geothermal sector at the moment. Despite this, geothermal energy is still largely untapped.
The first industrial geothermal power plant in the United States debuted in Geysers, California, in 1960. More than 60 new plants have been constructed since then.
More than 500,000 megawatts of electric power can be generated in the US. However, the US's total geothermal resource is thought to be five times larger. Utilizing these resources could increase the lifespan of oil fields while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Leading the way in the development of geothermal energy are a number of nations. For instance, Iceland uses it to power its grid. Among the other top countries are Turkey, the Netherlands, and Hungary.
Geothermal energy is also employed in the production of chemicals, as well as for heating, cooking, and drying produce. It is also used by a number of other industries. The pre-feasibility phase of a geothermal power plant is essential for determining the project's viability.
The developer must gather all the data needed at this stage to assess the project's technical, social, and financial viability. The outcomes of the pre-feasibility stage can be used to determine the energy customer's interest and obtain financing. The project can be succinctly described in a report, along with its main goals and the developers' next steps.
Several working fluids and their performance in a binary geothermal power plant were assessed using an ORC thermodynamic analysis. The analysis aimed to optimize the system's cost and energy efficiency.
A number of variables, including the maximum net electrical power output, the most effective heat input, and the most cost-effective working fluid, were examined to determine the viability of a binary power plant. To obtain actual annual operating performance, an off-design analysis was also carried out.
Three working fluids—n-pentane, R134a, and R245fa—were put to the test. Given that it is more cost-effective than n-pentane, the latter was picked. Additionally, due to their lower energy return on investment, geothermal wells may initially be pre-feasible.
In New Zealand, geothermal resources are still being underutilized. However, low- to medium-temperature geothermal reservoirs have the potential. There are currently no established commercial technology solutions for these reservoirs.
Finding an underground reservoir is the first step in the development of this energy resource. Deep exploratory wells are drilled in order to accomplish this. It is crucial to take into account the regional geological conditions as well as the current heat consumers.
A geothermal power plant can be planned and built if a reservoir is situated in an appropriate area. However, maintaining such a plant over the long term necessitates sizable capital expenditures. Because of this, the economic return should be determined using current economic standards.
The outcomes of a pre-feasibility study can offer important knowledge for upcoming engineering investigations. The document offers a framework for the creation of such studies as a result.