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. This book focuses on all aspects of low enthalpy geothermal thermal fluids. It will be an importantsource book for all scientists working on geothermal energy development. Specificallythose involved in research indeveloping countries rich in such thermal resources, and foragencies involved in bilateral and international cooperation.

Preface by Angela Merkel foreword 1 Introduction 2 World electricity demand and source mix forecasts 2.1 World overview 2.2 Regional electricity markets and forecasts until 2030 2.3 Regional electricity source mix and forecasts until 2030 3 Worldwide potential of low-enthalpy geothermal resources 3.1 World geothermal resources 3.2 Types of geothermal systems 3.3 Available low- and high-enthalpy geothermal resources 3.4 Actual use and developments of low- and high-enthalpy geothermal resources for power generation 3.5 Overcoming barriers to geothermal Energy 4 Low-enthalpy resources as solution for power generation and global warming mitigation 4.1 Overview 4.2 Benefits through emission reduction 4.3 Benefits of domestic geothermal resources versus fossil fuel imports 4.4 Benefits of geothermal versus hydroelectric power generation 4.5 Rural geothermal electrification using low-enthalpy geothermal resources 5 Geological, geochemical and geophysical characteristics of geothermal fields 5.1 Geological and tectonic characteristics 5.2 Geothermal systems associated with active volcanism and tectonics 5.3 Geothermal systems associated with continental collision zones 5.4 Geothermal systems within the continental rift systems associated with active volcanism 5.5 Geothermal systems associated with continental rifts 6 Geochemical methods for geothermal exploration 6.1 Geochemical techniques 6.2 Classification of geothermal waters 6.3 Chemical constituents in geothermal waters 6.4 Dissolved constituents in thermal waters 7 Geophysical methods for geothermal resources exploration 7.1 Geophysical techniques 7.1 Heat flow measurements 7.2 Electrical resistivity methods 7.3 Magnetotelluric survey 7.4 Geophysical well logging 8 Power generation techniques 8.1 Overview 8.2 Criteria for the selection of working fluid 8.3 Heat exchangers 8.4 Kalina cycle 9 Economics of power plants using low-enthalpy resources 9.1 Drilling for low-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs 9.2 Drilling cost 9.3 Drilling costs versus depth 9.4 Well productivity versus reservoir temperature 9.5 Power production vs well head temperature and flow rate 9.6 High-enthalpy versus low-enthalpy power plants 10 Small low-enthalpy geothermal projects for rural electrification 10.1 Definition of small geothermal power plants 10.2 Characterization of resources and cost reduction 10.3 Energy need for rural sector 10.4 Markets for small power plants 10.5 Advantages of small power plants 10.6 Cost of small power plants 10.7 Examples of small power plants References