Biomass and Geo-thermal

Energy
Unit-6
Geo-thermal Energy
 Geothermal Energy: Introduction
• What is geothermal energy?
• Geothermal energy- energy that comes from
the ground; power extracted from heat stored
in the earth
– Geo: earth
– Thermal: heat
 Geothermal Energy Generation
Direct Electrical
• Small scale uses • Dry steam
• Heating homes • Flash steam
• Hot springs • Binary cycle
• Greenhouse heating
• Food dehydration
plants
• Agriculture
– Crop drying
– Milk pasteurization
 How Geothermal Works
• Earth’s core heat
• Water → steam → drive electrical generators
• Turbines
• Area specific
– Geothermal energy is localized
Dry Steam/Flash Steam/Binary Cycles

• Each uses the heat from underground in some

manner to generate energy
• Different combinations of water temperatures
create different effects
• How Geothermal Energy Works
Geothermal Energy: History
• Used for bathing in Paleolithic times
• Ancient Romans used it as a central
heating system for bathing and
heating homes and floors
• 1892: America’s first district heating
system was put into place
0 Energy statistics/Germany

Renewable energy production in Germany

Primary energy mix for Germany

Users of energy in Germany

0 Energy statistics/geothermal power capacity in the world

http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/
reports_and_publications/statistical_energy_review_2008/
STAGING/local_assets/2010_downloads/renewables_section_2010.pdf
 Geothermal Energy and Geothermics

• Geothermal energy is that part of the total heat energy stored

within the Earth’s interior that is available for human use. That
means practically that it is related to the heat energy stored in the
upper layers (crust) of the earth.

• Although the earth’s stored heat is theoretically finite, its large

amount (12.6 x 1024 MJ) makes geothermal energy practically a
renewable energy that can theoretically sustain the energy needs
of mankind many times.

• Geothermics is the science that deals with the theoretical studdy

of the thermal regime of the earth as well as the engineering
aspects to use the earth’s heat for heating / cooling and electric
power generations.
 1 Origins of geothermal energy

– 1. Left-over heat from the

time of the accretion of the
earth (4.6 By BC) (30%)

– 2. heat generated by the

decay of the long-lived
radioactive isotopes of
uranium (U238, U235),
thorium (Th232) and
potassium (K40) (70%).
1 Origins of geothermal energy
Temperature distribution in the earth

Temperatures in the earth Geothermal gradient in the upper 150km

dT/dz ~ 30 oC/km
1 Origins of geothermal energy
Mechanisms of heat transport in the earth

1) Heat transport by conduction

Fourier’s law

Thermal conductivity of rocks

 1 Origins of geothermal energy
Mechanisms of heat transport in the earth

(2) Heat transport by

convection

Mantle convection driving

the plates

Numerical simulation of
Mantle convection
1 Origins of geothermal energy
Heat flow at the earth’s surface

• Average heat flow

= 60mW/m2

• Compare with
Solar Constant
S= 1360 W/m2

• Note the large

lateral variations
across the surface
of the earth

Explanation by
Theory of
Plate Tectonics
1 Origins of geothermal energy
The earth’s thermal regime and relation with plate tectonics
1 Origins of geothermal energy
The earth’s thermal regime and relation with plate tectonics

Plates, plate boundaries and distribution of volcanoes across the earth

1 Origins of geothermal energy
Plate tectonics and geothermal fields

World pattern of plates, oceanic ridges, oceanic trenches, subduction zones, and geothermal fields.
http://www.geothermal-energy.org/105,interactive_map.html
2. Classification of geothermal systems/reservoirs

The “ideal geothermal reservoir”

= high temperatures + water
= steam!!!
2. Classification of geothermal systems/reservoirs

Thermal processes in an “ideal geothermal reservoir” resulting in the

formation of hot steam
2 Classification of geothermal systems

Temperature distribution with depth at different locations and classification of

geothermal systems in relation of their depths
2. Classification of geothermal systems

Use of geothermal energy from surficial, hydrothermal and deep petrothermal reservoirs
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs

Classification of geothermal reservoirs in relation to the temperature oC

2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs
2.1.1 High enthalpy reservoirs

 Characterization of high enthalpy-systems

 Mostly in regions with vulkanic activity
 Use for generation of electricity (flash-method)
and of process heat
 Temperature range: 90 – 300°C
 Depending on pressure reservoirs have more
steam or water
 Steam is reinjected
 no negativ environmental impact
 higher productivity
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs
2.1.1 High enthalpy reservoirs
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs
2.1.1 High enthalpy reservoirs / World map

http://www.geothermal-energy.org/105,interactive_map.html
http://www.geothermie.de/aktuelles/geothermie-in-zahlen/weltweit.html
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs
2.1.1 High enthalpy reservoirs/ Examples

Laradello
geothermal
power plant

The Geysers
geothermal field,
California

http://geothermal.marin.org/GEOpresentation/sld036.htm
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs
2.1.2 Low enthalpy reservoirs
2.1.2.1 Hydrothermal systems

Thermal power extraction

Ptherm= ρ cp Qflow ΔT

ρ = density of water
cp = specific heat
Qflow = flow rate
ΔT = Thot-Tcold

http://www.unendlich-viel-
energie.de/uploads/media/
Hydrothermale_Geothermi
e.pdf
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs
2.1.2 Low enthalpy reservoirs
2.1.2.1 Hydrothermal systems/Germany
2. Classification of geothermal systems Soulz sous la Foret
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs
2.1.2 Low enthalpy reservoirs
2.1.2.2 Petrothermal systems /HDR/EGS

HDR= Hot Dry Rock Technology

EGS = Enhanced Geothermal System

http://www.soultz.net/version
-en.htm

http://www.uni-
kassel.de/fb14/geohydraulik/
Lehre/Geophysik_Geothermi
e/Vortraege_2008/Kobs_Hali
m_Hot_Dry_Rock.ppt
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.1 Deep geothermal energy reservoirs
2.1.2 Low enthalpy reservoirs
2.1.2.3 Deep earth tubes/Super C Aachen

Drilling for the Super C Aachen project.

Stopped for economic reasons after a depth
of 2500 m was reached.
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.2 Surficial geothermal energy use with heat pumps

Open dublett system horizontal ground loops vertical U-tube loop

(most common)

In 2009 in Germany 330.000 ground source heat pumps (GSHP) installed

with 51.000 new installations in 2010
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.2 Surficial geothermal energy use with heat pumps/Principle

Heat Pump:

Coefficient of Performance

COP= Qth / Wel ~ 4-5

with
Qth = output heat rate
=Qin + Wel

Wel = electric power input

2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.3 Geothermal energy use from tunnels/Switzerland

http://www.geothermie.ch/index.php?p=examp_tunnels

http://www.uni-kassel.de/fb14/geohydraulik/Lehre/Geophysik_Geothermie/Vortraege_2010/Pfaffel.ppt
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.4 Geothermal energy use from old mining shafts

Doublett-system of pumping and injection

Extraction of warm water from mining shaft
wells for water from a mining shaft

http://www.uni-kassel.de/fb14/geohydraulik/Lehre/Geophysik_Geothermie/Vortraege_2010/Gemmeke.ppt
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.4 Geothermal energy use from old mining shafts/Project Heerlen

http://www.uni-
kassel.de/fb14/geohydraulik/Lehre/Geophysik_Geothermie/Vortraege_2008/Kallert_Remining_Low_Ex.ppt
2. Classification of geothermal systems
2.5 Geothermal energy use for seasonal storage
3. Use of geothermal energy

Lindal-Diagram

Geothermal use depend

on the temperature of the
geothermal reservoir
3. Use of geothermal energy
3.1 Direct use

http://geothermal.marin.org/
GEOpresentation/sld072.htm
3. Use of geothermal energy
3.2 Heating and cooling

http://geothermal.marin.org/
GEOpresentation/sld089.htm
3. Use of geothermal energy
3.3 Electric power generation

Carnot thermodynamic efficiency

η = W/Qtherm= 1 - Tcold/Thot

http://geothermal.marin.org/GEOpresentation/sld036.htm
 4. Economic and regulatory aspects for the use of
geothermal energy in Germany

http://www.uni-
kassel.de/fb14/geohydraulik/Lehre/Geophysik_Geothermie/Vortraege_2007/
Angebotspotential_Schmidmeier.ppt
5 Ecological aspects of geothermal energy

5.1 Energy potential of a geothermal reservoir

(meaning it is basically a regenerative energy source)

5.2 Regeneration of a geothermal reservoir (sustainability)

5.2.1 Regeneration in a fissured rock system with convective heat

transport

5.2.2 Pure heat conduction in a solid rock system

(requires complicated numerical modeling of the flow and heat

transport in a reservoir)
6 Risks of the use of geothermal energy Basel

6.1 Risks of seismic events

http://www.uni-kassel.de/fb14/geohydraulik/Lehre/
Geophysik_Geothermie/Vortraege_2009/
Boos_Basel_Projekt.ppt

6.2 Risks at buildings due to vertical deformations Staufen

of the earth’s surface or from drilling
http://www.uni-kassel.de/fb14/geohydraulik/Lehre/
Geophysik_Geothermie/Vortraege_2009/
Seeliger_Staufen_Projekt.ppt

6.3 Economic risks Aachen

http://www.uni-
kassel.de/fb14/geohydraulik/Lehre/Geophysik_Geothermie/
Vortraege_2007/Angebotspotential_Schmidmeier.ppt
7. Potential of geothermal energy for Germany

Geothermal temperatures underneath Germany at depths of 1000m and

2000m
7. Potential of geothermal energy for Germany

Present-day geothermal locations in Regions with highest geothermal potential

Germany with different uses with values of hydraulic conductivity for
the Molasse region in the south
7. Potential of geothermal energy for Germany /Projection

Geothermal heat production Geothermal electrical power production

Example of a Power Plant in Larderello Today
 Geothermal Energy: History

• 1926: a deep geothermal well was used to

heat greenhouses.
Geothermal Energy: History
• 1960: Pacific Gas and Electric has
first successful geothermal electric
power plant in US at The Geysers
– Turbine lasted more than 30 years
United States and Geothermal
 United States and Geothermal
• The US is now the world’s largest geothermal
producer
• Current bills are being processed to give
research towards geothermal projects $500
million
• Pushing large scale production
Can Geothermal Energy run out?
• 100% renewable
• Earth’s core is always going to be heated
• As long as there is a way to extract the energy from the
heat, the energy will always be available
 Environmental Effects/ Benefits
• Remarkable difference
of environmental
effects compared to
fossil fuels
– Leaves almost no
footprints
• Most hardware used
to extract geothermal (http://www.geothermal.nau.edu/about/envirome
nt.shtmlNorthern Arizona University. 2009 Oct
energy is underground 27)

– Minimal use of surface

 Environmental Effects/Benefits

Power Source Land Requirement • Easy to operate

(ac/mW)
• Open up economy
Geothermal 1-8
Nuclear 5-10
• Much more efficient
Coal 19
use of land

(http://www.geothermal.nau.edu/about/enviro
ment.shtml> Northern Arizona University.
2009 Oct 27)
Environmental Effects/ Disadvantages
• Fluids drawn from the deep (http://www.geothermal.nau.edu/about/enviroment.s
html> Northern Arizona University. 2009 Oct 27)
earth carry a mixture of
gases Operation Noise Level (dBa)

• Pollutants contribute to
Air drilling 85–120
global warming and acid rain
• Construction of Plants can Mud drilling 80
adversely affect land stability Discharging wells after drilling (to Up to 120
• Sources may hold trace remove drilling debris)
amounts of toxic Well testing 70–110
chemicals/mineral deposits
Diesel engines (to operate 45–55
• Loud Noises compressors and provide electricity)
• Initial start up cost
Heavy machinery (e.g., for earth Up to 90
(expensive) moving during construction)
What social/political problems are posed?

Social Problems Political Problems

• Aesthetics • Another funding avenue for
government
– Initial start up cost is costly
• Regulation
• Dispersion
 Do any laws or regulations prevent the
deployment of geothermal energy?
• Depends on state and specific community:
not any federal laws
• Factors to consider
– Noise
– Aesthetics
– Proximity to houses
– Waste regulation (some use coolants)
 Can production be enhanced in those
areas already developed?
• Yes the output is growing by 3:1 every year
– Plants are already improving their capacity factors
– Normally, plants are built on edges of techtonic
plates → allows geothermal energy extraction to
be easier
– The development of the binary cycle power plants
and improvements in drilling and extraction
technology allows geothermal systems to develop
in a wider range
 Can production be developed in areas where
geothermal is minimally developed?
• Areas with high
Geothermal energy
potential
• Many “hot spots” have not even
been hit yet
• Ring of Fire: good hydrothermal
resources
• But with continuing research and
deeper drilling abilities, these
“hot spots” won’t even matter
– Drills will be able to reach farther
down to draw energy from any
source, whether or not is
developed or a “hot spot”

(http://www.geothermal.nau.edu/about/enviroment.shtmlNorther
n Arizona University. 2009 Oct 27)
What evidence supports geothermal?

• New facilities produce electricity for

$.045/kW hour
• Price is declining compared to price of fossil
fuels, which is increasing
• The US can produce and 950,000 megawatts
of power but are currently only producing
2,800 megawatts of power
– This number is going to constantly increase with
new technologies and research
 Opposition to Geothermal Energy
• Not everyone agrees that geothermal energy is a
solution to our energy crisis
• Too costly
• Noise
• Use of fresh water
• Land surveying
• The technology is not quite there
• Some people just believe that our fossil fuels will
“never” run out
– Don’t believe that fossil fuels are finite
 Conclusion
• Overall, geothermal appears to be a sound
solution to energy needs
• Geothermal energy has the ability to expand
• Few environmental effects
• Very cost efficient
• Geothermal is RENEWABLE
8. References
http://geothermal.marin.org/GEOpresentation/index.htm

http://www.ceramin.eu/IE/Veranstaltungen/Geothermie/Schellschmidt.pdf

http://www.geothermal-energy.org/314,what_is_geothermal_energy.html

http://www.economist.com/node/16909897?story_id=16909897&fsrc=rss

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_energy

http://www.geotis.de/vgs/templates/listing.php