Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Resources for Power Generation

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.

Foreword

1 Introduction

2 World electricity demand and source mix forecasts

3 Worldwide potential of low-enthalpy geothermal resources

4 Low-enthalpy resources as solution for power generation and global warming mitigation

5 Geological, geochemical and geophysical characteristics of geothermal fields

6 Geochemical methods for geothermal exploration

7 Geophysical methods for geothermal resources exploration

8 Power generation techniques

9 Economics of power plants using low-enthalpy resources

10 Small low-enthalpy geothermal projects for rural electrification

References

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.