Chandrasekharam D., Bundschuh J. Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Resources for Power Generation

Taylor & Francis, 2008. 172 p. ISBN-10:0415401682.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.World electricity demand and source mix forecasts
World overview
Regional electricity markets and forecasts until 2030
Regional electricity source mix and forecasts until 2030Worldwide potential of low-enthalpy geothermal resources
World geothermal resources
Types of geothermal systems
Available low- and high-enthalpy geothermal resources
Actual use and developments of low- and high-enthalpy geothermal resources for power generation
Overcoming barriers to geothermal energyLow-enthalpy resources as solution for power generation and global warming mitigation
Overview
Benefits through emission reduction
Benefits of domestic geothermal resources versus fossil fuel imports
Benefits of geothermal versus hydroelectric power generation
Rural geothermal electrification using low-enthalpy geothermal resourcesGeological, geochemical and geophysical characteristics of geothermal fields
Geological and tectonic characteristics
Geothermal systems associated with active volcanism and tectonics
Geothermal systems associated with continental collision zones
Geothermal systems within the continental rift systems associated with active volcanism
Geothermal systems associated with continental riftsGeochemical methods for geothermal exploration
Geochemical techniques
Classification of geothermal waters
Chemical constituents in geothermal waters
Dissolved constituents in geothermal watersGeophysical methods for geothermal resources exploration
Geophysical techniquesPower generation techniques
Overview
Criteria for the selection of working fluid
Heat exchangers
Kalina cycleEconomics of power plants using low-enthalpy resources
Drilling for low-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs
Drilling cost
Drilling costs versus depth
Well productivity versus reservoir temperature
Power production versus well head temperature and flow rate
High-enthalpy versus low-enthalpy power plantsSmall low-enthalpy geothermal projects for rural electrification
Definition of small geothermal power plants
Characterization of resources and cost reduction
Energy need for rural sector
Markets for small power plants
Advantages of small power plants
Cost of small power plants
Examples of small power plants