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• 1. [Image] Geothermal Heating System for the Children's Museum of Utah

  	The results of a study to determine the engineering and economic feasibility of using the Wasatch Hot Spring resource for space heating of the Children's Library building are presented. The Wasatch Hot ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Heating System for the Children's Museum of Utah Author: Karlsson, T. Year: 1984 The results of a study to determine the engineering and economic feasibility of using the Wasatch Hot Spring resource for space heating of the Children's Library building are presented. The Wasatch Hot Spring with a reported flow of about 63 gpm (240 l/min) at an average temperature of 104/sup 0/F is not capable of furnishing the needed heat for the Children's Museum building. The underground paths along which the thermal waters flow to their outlets at the Warm Springs Fault are not presently known. It is possible if the thermal water ascends from the deep layers of the earth along the Warm Springs Fault that increased geothermal flow at a higher temperature can be produced by drilling into the fault. Assuming that sufficient geothermal fluid quantity is produced by drilling in the area, an analysis is made of a geothermal heating system for the building based on different fluid temperatures. It is assumed that the present and planned heating systems be left intact with the gas fired boilers taking over during cold periods when the geothermal system fails to provide sufficient heat. Economic analysis shows that the geothermal system is very attractive, even for the lowest geothermal fluid temperature considered (110/sup 0/F) Title: Geothermal Heating System for the Children's Museum of Utah Author: Karlsson, T. Year: 1984 The results of a study to determine the engineering and economic feasibility of using the Wasatch Hot Spring resource for space heating of the Children's Library building are presented. The Wasatch Hot Spring with a reported flow of about 63 gpm (240 l/min) at an average temperature of 104/sup 0/F is not capable of furnishing the needed heat for the Children's Museum building. The underground paths along which the thermal waters flow to their outlets at the Warm Springs Fault are not presently known. It is possible if the thermal water ascends from the deep layers of the earth along the Warm Springs Fault that increased geothermal flow at a higher temperature can be produced by drilling into the fault. Assuming that sufficient geothermal fluid quantity is produced by drilling in the area, an analysis is made of a geothermal heating system for the building based on different fluid temperatures. It is assumed that the present and planned heating systems be left intact with the gas fired boilers taking over during cold periods when the geothermal system fails to provide sufficient heat. Economic analysis shows that the geothermal system is very attractive, even for the lowest geothermal fluid temperature considered (110/sup 0/F) Close

• 2. [Image] Advanced Design and Economic Considerations for Commercial Geothermal Power Plants at Heber and Niland, California. Final Report

  	Two separate studies, involving advanced design and economic considerations for commercial geothermal power plants using liquid-dominated hydrothermal resources, are presented. In the first study, the ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Advanced Design and Economic Considerations for Commercial Geothermal Power Plants at Heber and Niland, California. Final Report Author: Bechtel Corporation Year: 1977 Two separate studies, involving advanced design and economic considerations for commercial geothermal power plants using liquid-dominated hydrothermal resources, are presented. In the first study, the effects on design, capital cost, and bus bar electric energy production cost caused by an anticipated decline in available geothermal fluid temperature over the lifetime of power plants are described. A two-stage, flashed-steam energy conversion process was used for the conceptual design of the power plants, which operate from the moderate-temperature, low-salinity reservoir at Heber, California. Plants with net capacities of 50, 100, and 200 MWe (net) were investigated. The results show that it is important to include provision for geothermal fluid temperature decline in the design of power plants to prevent loss of electric energy production capability and to reduce bus bar electric energy costs. In the second study, the technical, economic, and environmental effects of adding regeneration to a 50 MWe (net) power plant employing the multistage-flash/binary process are described. Regeneration is potentially attractive because it recovers waste heat from the turbine exhaust and uses it in the power cycle. However, the pressure drop caused by the introduction of the regenerator decreases the turbine expansion and thus decreases system performance. An innovative approach was taken in the design of the regenerator, which minimized the expected performance degradation of the turbine. The result was that the performance, capital cost, and bus bar electric energy production cost are nearly the same for the processes with and without regeneration. On the other hand, the addition of regeneration has the environmental benefits of substantially reducing heat rejection to the atmosphere and cooling tower makeup and blowdown water requirements. It also increases the temperature of the brine returned to the field for reinjection Title: Advanced Design and Economic Considerations for Commercial Geothermal Power Plants at Heber and Niland, California. Final Report Author: Bechtel Corporation Year: 1977 Two separate studies, involving advanced design and economic considerations for commercial geothermal power plants using liquid-dominated hydrothermal resources, are presented. In the first study, the effects on design, capital cost, and bus bar electric energy production cost caused by an anticipated decline in available geothermal fluid temperature over the lifetime of power plants are described. A two-stage, flashed-steam energy conversion process was used for the conceptual design of the power plants, which operate from the moderate-temperature, low-salinity reservoir at Heber, California. Plants with net capacities of 50, 100, and 200 MWe (net) were investigated. The results show that it is important to include provision for geothermal fluid temperature decline in the design of power plants to prevent loss of electric energy production capability and to reduce bus bar electric energy costs. In the second study, the technical, economic, and environmental effects of adding regeneration to a 50 MWe (net) power plant employing the multistage-flash/binary process are described. Regeneration is potentially attractive because it recovers waste heat from the turbine exhaust and uses it in the power cycle. However, the pressure drop caused by the introduction of the regenerator decreases the turbine expansion and thus decreases system performance. An innovative approach was taken in the design of the regenerator, which minimized the expected performance degradation of the turbine. The result was that the performance, capital cost, and bus bar electric energy production cost are nearly the same for the processes with and without regeneration. On the other hand, the addition of regeneration has the environmental benefits of substantially reducing heat rejection to the atmosphere and cooling tower makeup and blowdown water requirements. It also increases the temperature of the brine returned to the field for reinjection Close

• 3. [Image] Market Feasibility Assessment of Four Development Projects

  	This report is the result of work by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), California State University, Chico, under contract with Fort Bidwell Indian Community Council (FBICC) to assess ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Market Feasibility Assessment of Four Development Projects Author: The Center for Business and Economic Research Year: 1980 This report is the result of work by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), California State University, Chico, under contract with Fort Bidwell Indian Community Council (FBICC) to assess the economic feasibility of four projects specified by FBICC: Freshwater Prawn Production; Hydroponic Rose Production; Christmas Tree Harvesting; and the Incentives and Impact of Attracting an Electronic Assembly Firm to Fort Bidwell Title: Market Feasibility Assessment of Four Development Projects Author: The Center for Business and Economic Research Year: 1980 This report is the result of work by the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), California State University, Chico, under contract with Fort Bidwell Indian Community Council (FBICC) to assess the economic feasibility of four projects specified by FBICC: Freshwater Prawn Production; Hydroponic Rose Production; Christmas Tree Harvesting; and the Incentives and Impact of Attracting an Electronic Assembly Firm to Fort Bidwell Close

• 4. [Image] Economic Assessment of Using Non-Metallic Materials in the Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy, Final Report

  	The cost effectiveness of nonmetallic materials in three direct-use geothermal applications was assessed. An extensive review of the available literature was conducted in order to ascertain those processes ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economic Assessment of Using Non-Metallic Materials in the Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy, Final Report Author: Cabibbo, S.V. Year: 1979 The cost effectiveness of nonmetallic materials in three direct-use geothermal applications was assessed. An extensive review of the available literature was conducted in order to ascertain those processes for which sufficient design and cost data had been published to permit this economic assessment to be made. Only three such processes could be found and they are discussed Title: Economic Assessment of Using Non-Metallic Materials in the Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy, Final Report Author: Cabibbo, S.V. Year: 1979 The cost effectiveness of nonmetallic materials in three direct-use geothermal applications was assessed. An extensive review of the available literature was conducted in order to ascertain those processes for which sufficient design and cost data had been published to permit this economic assessment to be made. Only three such processes could be found and they are discussed Close

• 5. [Image] Fluidized-Bed Potato Waste Drying Experiments at the Raft River Geothermal Test Site

  	A fluidized-bed dryer was built and operated at the Raft River Geothermal Test Site in south central Idaho to test the feasibility of using low-temperature (145/sup 0/C or lower) geothermal fluids as an ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fluidized-Bed Potato Waste Drying Experiments at the Raft River Geothermal Test Site Author: Cole, L.T. Year: 1980 A fluidized-bed dryer was built and operated at the Raft River Geothermal Test Site in south central Idaho to test the feasibility of using low-temperature (145/sup 0/C or lower) geothermal fluids as an energy source for drying operations. The dryer performed successfully on two potato industry waste products that had a solid content of 5 to 13%. The dried product was removed as a sand-like granular material or as fines with a flour-like texture. Test results, observations, and design recommendations are presented. Also presented is an economic evaluation for commercial-scale drying plants using either geothermal low-temperature water or oil as a heat source Title: Fluidized-Bed Potato Waste Drying Experiments at the Raft River Geothermal Test Site Author: Cole, L.T. Year: 1980 A fluidized-bed dryer was built and operated at the Raft River Geothermal Test Site in south central Idaho to test the feasibility of using low-temperature (145/sup 0/C or lower) geothermal fluids as an energy source for drying operations. The dryer performed successfully on two potato industry waste products that had a solid content of 5 to 13%. The dried product was removed as a sand-like granular material or as fines with a flour-like texture. Test results, observations, and design recommendations are presented. Also presented is an economic evaluation for commercial-scale drying plants using either geothermal low-temperature water or oil as a heat source Close

• 6. [Image] Electricity from Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy: Technical and Economic Issues

  	Extraction of energy from hot dry rock would make available a nearly unlimited energy source. Some of the technical problems and possible economic tradeoffs involved in a power generating system are examined ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Electricity from Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy: Technical and Economic Issues Author: Tester, J.W. Year: 1979 Extraction of energy from hot dry rock would make available a nearly unlimited energy source. Some of the technical problems and possible economic tradeoffs involved in a power generating system are examined and possible solutions proposed. An intertemporal optimization computer model of electricity production from a hot dry rock geothermal source has been constructed. The effects of reservoir degradation, variable fluid flow rate, and drilling operations are examined to determine optimal strategies for reservoir management and necessary conditions for economic feasibility Title: Electricity from Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy: Technical and Economic Issues Author: Tester, J.W. Year: 1979 Extraction of energy from hot dry rock would make available a nearly unlimited energy source. Some of the technical problems and possible economic tradeoffs involved in a power generating system are examined and possible solutions proposed. An intertemporal optimization computer model of electricity production from a hot dry rock geothermal source has been constructed. The effects of reservoir degradation, variable fluid flow rate, and drilling operations are examined to determine optimal strategies for reservoir management and necessary conditions for economic feasibility Close

• 7. [Image] Geothermal Potential in the Albuquerque Area, New Mexico

  	Access to the near-surface fresh water zone of this enormous unconfined ground-water aquifer is Albuquerque's greatest economic asset to accommodate growth. Utilizing the vast subsurface hot-water system ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Potential in the Albuquerque Area, New Mexico Author: Grant, P.R. Jr. Year: 1982 Access to the near-surface fresh water zone of this enormous unconfined ground-water aquifer is Albuquerque's greatest economic asset to accommodate growth. Utilizing the vast subsurface hot-water system underlying the normal temperature, near-surface regime has the potential to make much of New Mexico's largest community independent of natural gas for its space-heating requirements Title: Geothermal Potential in the Albuquerque Area, New Mexico Author: Grant, P.R. Jr. Year: 1982 Access to the near-surface fresh water zone of this enormous unconfined ground-water aquifer is Albuquerque's greatest economic asset to accommodate growth. Utilizing the vast subsurface hot-water system underlying the normal temperature, near-surface regime has the potential to make much of New Mexico's largest community independent of natural gas for its space-heating requirements Close

• 8. [Image] Geothermal Progress Monitor: Report No. 17, December 1995

  	DOE is particularly concerned with reducing the costs of geothermal power generation, especially with the abundant moderate to low-temperature resources in the US. This concern is reflected in DOE`s support ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor: Report No. 17, December 1995 Author: Assistant Secretary for Energy and Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Division Year: 1995 DOE is particularly concerned with reducing the costs of geothermal power generation, especially with the abundant moderate to low-temperature resources in the US. This concern is reflected in DOE`s support of a number of energy conversion projects. Projects which focus on the costs and performance of binary cycle technology include a commercial demonstration of supersaturated turbine expansions, which earlier Studies have indicated could increase the power produced per pound of fluid. Other binary cycle projects include evaluations of the performance of various working fluid mixtures and the development and testing of advanced heat rejection systems which are desperately needed in water-short geothermal areas. DOE is also investigating the applicability of flash steam technology to low-temperature resources, as an economic alternative to binary cycle systems. A low-cost, low-pressure steam turbine, selected for a grant, will be constructed to utilize fluid discharged from a flash steam plant in Nevada. Another project addresses the efficiency of high-temperature flash plants with a demonstration of the performance of the Biphase turbine which may increase the power output of such installations with no increase in fluid flow. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of this issue of the GPM, the 17th since its inception in 1980, is the high degree of industry participation in federally-sponsored geothermal research and development. This report describes geothermal development activities Title: Geothermal Progress Monitor: Report No. 17, December 1995 Author: Assistant Secretary for Energy and Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Division Year: 1995 DOE is particularly concerned with reducing the costs of geothermal power generation, especially with the abundant moderate to low-temperature resources in the US. This concern is reflected in DOE`s support of a number of energy conversion projects. Projects which focus on the costs and performance of binary cycle technology include a commercial demonstration of supersaturated turbine expansions, which earlier Studies have indicated could increase the power produced per pound of fluid. Other binary cycle projects include evaluations of the performance of various working fluid mixtures and the development and testing of advanced heat rejection systems which are desperately needed in water-short geothermal areas. DOE is also investigating the applicability of flash steam technology to low-temperature resources, as an economic alternative to binary cycle systems. A low-cost, low-pressure steam turbine, selected for a grant, will be constructed to utilize fluid discharged from a flash steam plant in Nevada. Another project addresses the efficiency of high-temperature flash plants with a demonstration of the performance of the Biphase turbine which may increase the power output of such installations with no increase in fluid flow. Perhaps the most noteworthy feature of this issue of the GPM, the 17th since its inception in 1980, is the high degree of industry participation in federally-sponsored geothermal research and development. This report describes geothermal development activities Close

• 9. [Image] Heat Pump Economics

  	In performing a life cycle cost analysis for direct use geothermal applications it has been said many times that keeping capital investment to a minimum improves the economics of the project. It has also ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Heat Pump Economics Author: Higbee, C.V. Year: 1983 In performing a life cycle cost analysis for direct use geothermal applications it has been said many times that keeping capital investment to a minimum improves the economics of the project. It has also been said repeatedly that extracting a maximum delta t improves the economics. With very low temperature (less than 100°F) geothermal fluids, it becomes necessary to install a heat pump for most space heating applications. Needless to say, the purchase of a heat pump drives capital costs up, annual operating costs up, and usually results in a very low delta t extraction from the resource. All these characteristics of heat pump applications tend to make such projects uneconomical. There are always exceptions. One of these exceptions occurs when electrical energy is the only energy alternative and the resource is warm enough to obtain a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.0 or better Title: Heat Pump Economics Author: Higbee, C.V. Year: 1983 In performing a life cycle cost analysis for direct use geothermal applications it has been said many times that keeping capital investment to a minimum improves the economics of the project. It has also been said repeatedly that extracting a maximum delta t improves the economics. With very low temperature (less than 100°F) geothermal fluids, it becomes necessary to install a heat pump for most space heating applications. Needless to say, the purchase of a heat pump drives capital costs up, annual operating costs up, and usually results in a very low delta t extraction from the resource. All these characteristics of heat pump applications tend to make such projects uneconomical. There are always exceptions. One of these exceptions occurs when electrical energy is the only energy alternative and the resource is warm enough to obtain a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.0 or better Close

• 10. [Image] Subsurface investigations at the Roosevelt KGRA, Utah. Final report

  	An investigation of the geothermal reservoir in the Roosevelt Hot Springs Known Geothermal Resource Area in Utah was carried out. The objective of this effort was to develop predictions for well production ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Subsurface investigations at the Roosevelt KGRA, Utah. Final report Author: Butz, J. Year: 1979 An investigation of the geothermal reservoir in the Roosevelt Hot Springs Known Geothermal Resource Area in Utah was carried out. The objective of this effort was to develop predictions for well production capacities, based on data taken during field tests and through use of a computer model. In turn, the production information could then be used in design optimization and economic analyses for development of the resource under study. Flow tests of a geothermal well, Utah State 14-2, were conducted. Data consisting of pressure and temperature logs as a function of depth were obtained. Maximum recorded temperature was 503/sup 0/F (262/sup 0/C) and maximum pressure, 954 psia (6.58MPa) as measured under flow conditions. Tests were run at rates up to 580,000 lb/hr (73.3 kg/sec) total flow. The information gathered during the testing was reduced and compared to results of a predictive computer model. Reservoir conditions in the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA are such that two-phase flow exists in the wellbore and, in some cases, also in the reservoir itself. The computer model employed in the analysis reflects current efforts to improve the state-of-the-art in the prediction of two-phase pressure drops in vertical systems. Predictions at flowrates of up to 300,000 lb/hr (38 kg/sec) matched quite well with test data, while modeling at higher flowrates (to maximum tested) showed progressively greater deviation from test data. Cause of the observed degradation is postulated to be the movement of the flash horizon into the reservoir, due to drawdown at high flowrates; DOE/ET/28389-1 Title: Subsurface investigations at the Roosevelt KGRA, Utah. Final report Author: Butz, J. Year: 1979 An investigation of the geothermal reservoir in the Roosevelt Hot Springs Known Geothermal Resource Area in Utah was carried out. The objective of this effort was to develop predictions for well production capacities, based on data taken during field tests and through use of a computer model. In turn, the production information could then be used in design optimization and economic analyses for development of the resource under study. Flow tests of a geothermal well, Utah State 14-2, were conducted. Data consisting of pressure and temperature logs as a function of depth were obtained. Maximum recorded temperature was 503/sup 0/F (262/sup 0/C) and maximum pressure, 954 psia (6.58MPa) as measured under flow conditions. Tests were run at rates up to 580,000 lb/hr (73.3 kg/sec) total flow. The information gathered during the testing was reduced and compared to results of a predictive computer model. Reservoir conditions in the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA are such that two-phase flow exists in the wellbore and, in some cases, also in the reservoir itself. The computer model employed in the analysis reflects current efforts to improve the state-of-the-art in the prediction of two-phase pressure drops in vertical systems. Predictions at flowrates of up to 300,000 lb/hr (38 kg/sec) matched quite well with test data, while modeling at higher flowrates (to maximum tested) showed progressively greater deviation from test data. Cause of the observed degradation is postulated to be the movement of the flash horizon into the reservoir, due to drawdown at high flowrates; DOE/ET/28389-1 Close