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• 1. [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

• 2. [Image] Conceptual Design of Commercial 50 MWe(Net) Geothermal Power Plants at Heber and Niland, California. Final Report

  	The scope of work of this study includes conceptual designs, corresponding capital cost estimates and engineering and construction schedules for two 50 MWe (net) commercial-scale geothermal power plants. ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conceptual Design of Commercial 50 MWe(Net) Geothermal Power Plants at Heber and Niland, California. Final Report Author: Bechtel Corporation Year: 1976 The scope of work of this study includes conceptual designs, corresponding capital cost estimates and engineering and construction schedules for two 50 MWe (net) commercial-scale geothermal power plants. In order to develop and illustrate the concepts involved, the reservoir and site conditions of the geothermal field near Heber, California, which has moderate-temperature low-salinity brine, were used for one of the power plants. The conditions of the field near Niland, California (or the Salton Sea Geothermal Field), which has high-temperature high-salinity brine, were used for the other plant. Both fields are located in the Imperial Valley in Southern California. The two plants give perspective on plant design and capital costs for the range of hydrothermal resources that are of economic interest for electric power generation Title: Conceptual Design of Commercial 50 MWe(Net) Geothermal Power Plants at Heber and Niland, California. Final Report Author: Bechtel Corporation Year: 1976 The scope of work of this study includes conceptual designs, corresponding capital cost estimates and engineering and construction schedules for two 50 MWe (net) commercial-scale geothermal power plants. In order to develop and illustrate the concepts involved, the reservoir and site conditions of the geothermal field near Heber, California, which has moderate-temperature low-salinity brine, were used for one of the power plants. The conditions of the field near Niland, California (or the Salton Sea Geothermal Field), which has high-temperature high-salinity brine, were used for the other plant. Both fields are located in the Imperial Valley in Southern California. The two plants give perspective on plant design and capital costs for the range of hydrothermal resources that are of economic interest for electric power generation Close

• 3. [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

• 4. [Image] Conceptual Study for Total Utilization of an Intermediate Temperature Geothermal Resource

  	A multi-use, integrated project plan has been developed for the combined electrical and direct utilization of an intermediate temperature geothermal resource. This concept addresses an integrated project ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conceptual Study for Total Utilization of an Intermediate Temperature Geothermal Resource Author: Swink, D.G. Year: 1976 A multi-use, integrated project plan has been developed for the combined electrical and direct utilization of an intermediate temperature geothermal resource. This concept addresses an integrated project plan with industrial participation, which could make a significant contribution to the national plan for energy independence, by creating new and realistic energy choices for the immediate future Title: Conceptual Study for Total Utilization of an Intermediate Temperature Geothermal Resource Author: Swink, D.G. Year: 1976 A multi-use, integrated project plan has been developed for the combined electrical and direct utilization of an intermediate temperature geothermal resource. This concept addresses an integrated project plan with industrial participation, which could make a significant contribution to the national plan for energy independence, by creating new and realistic energy choices for the immediate future Close

• 5. [Image] Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1980

  	Investigation and flow testing of the enlarged Phase I heat-extraction system at Fenton Hill continued throughout FY80. Temperature drawdown observed at that time indicated an effective fracture of approximately ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1980 Author: Cremer, G.M. (comp.) Year: 1981 Investigation and flow testing of the enlarged Phase I heat-extraction system at Fenton Hill continued throughout FY80. Temperature drawdown observed at that time indicated an effective fracture of approximately 40,000 to 60,000 m/sup 2/. In May 1980, hot dry rock (HDR) technology was used to produce electricity in an interface demonstration experiment at Fenton Hill. A 60-kVA binary-cycle electrical generator was installed in the Phase I surface system and heat from about 3 kg/s of geothermal fluid at 132/sup 0/C was used to boil Freon R-114, whose vapor drove a turboalternator. A Phase II system was designed and is now being constructed at Fenton Hill that should approach commercial requirements. Borehole EE-2, the injection well, was completed on May 12, 1980. It was drilled to a vertical depth of about 4500 m, where the rock temperature is approximately 320/sup 0/C. The production well, EE-3 had been drilled to a depth of 3044 m and drilling was continuing. Environmental monitoring of Fenton Hill site continued. Development of equipment, instruments, and materials for technical support at Fenton Hill continued during FY80. Several kinds of models were also developed to understand the behavior of the Phase I system and to develop a predictive capability for future systems. Data from extensive resource investigations were collected, analyzed, and assembled into a geothermal gradient map of the US, and studies were completed on five specific areas as possible locations for HDR Experimental Site 2 Title: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development Program, Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1980 Author: Cremer, G.M. (comp.) Year: 1981 Investigation and flow testing of the enlarged Phase I heat-extraction system at Fenton Hill continued throughout FY80. Temperature drawdown observed at that time indicated an effective fracture of approximately 40,000 to 60,000 m/sup 2/. In May 1980, hot dry rock (HDR) technology was used to produce electricity in an interface demonstration experiment at Fenton Hill. A 60-kVA binary-cycle electrical generator was installed in the Phase I surface system and heat from about 3 kg/s of geothermal fluid at 132/sup 0/C was used to boil Freon R-114, whose vapor drove a turboalternator. A Phase II system was designed and is now being constructed at Fenton Hill that should approach commercial requirements. Borehole EE-2, the injection well, was completed on May 12, 1980. It was drilled to a vertical depth of about 4500 m, where the rock temperature is approximately 320/sup 0/C. The production well, EE-3 had been drilled to a depth of 3044 m and drilling was continuing. Environmental monitoring of Fenton Hill site continued. Development of equipment, instruments, and materials for technical support at Fenton Hill continued during FY80. Several kinds of models were also developed to understand the behavior of the Phase I system and to develop a predictive capability for future systems. Data from extensive resource investigations were collected, analyzed, and assembled into a geothermal gradient map of the US, and studies were completed on five specific areas as possible locations for HDR Experimental Site 2 Close

• 6. [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

• 7. [Image] Innovation Versus Monopoly: Geothermal Energy in the West. Final Report

  	The following subjects are covered: geothermal energy and its use, electric utilities and the climate for geothermal development, the raw fuels industry and geothermal energy, and government and energy. ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Innovation Versus Monopoly: Geothermal Energy in the West. Final Report Author: Bierman, S.L. Year: 1977 The following subjects are covered: geothermal energy and its use, electric utilities and the climate for geothermal development, the raw fuels industry and geothermal energy, and government and energy. The role of large petroleum companies and large public utilities is emphasized. (MHR) Title: Innovation Versus Monopoly: Geothermal Energy in the West. Final Report Author: Bierman, S.L. Year: 1977 The following subjects are covered: geothermal energy and its use, electric utilities and the climate for geothermal development, the raw fuels industry and geothermal energy, and government and energy. The role of large petroleum companies and large public utilities is emphasized. (MHR) Close

• 8. [Image] Site-Specific Analysis of Hybrid Geothermal / Fossil Power Plants Volume One: Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA

  	The economics of a particular hybrid plant must be evaluated with respect to a specific site. This volume focuses on the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. The temperature, pressure, and flow rate data given ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Site-Specific Analysis of Hybrid Geothermal / Fossil Power Plants Volume One: Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA Author: Burbank City Public Service Dept., CA (USA) Year: 1977 The economics of a particular hybrid plant must be evaluated with respect to a specific site. This volume focuses on the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. The temperature, pressure, and flow rate data given suggests the site deserves serious consideration for a hybrid plant. Key siting considerations which must be addressed before an economic judgment can be attempted are presented as follows: the availability, quality, and cost of coal; the availability of water; and the availability of transmission. Seismological and climate factors are presented Title: Site-Specific Analysis of Hybrid Geothermal / Fossil Power Plants Volume One: Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA Author: Burbank City Public Service Dept., CA (USA) Year: 1977 The economics of a particular hybrid plant must be evaluated with respect to a specific site. This volume focuses on the Roosevelt Hot Springs KGRA. The temperature, pressure, and flow rate data given suggests the site deserves serious consideration for a hybrid plant. Key siting considerations which must be addressed before an economic judgment can be attempted are presented as follows: the availability, quality, and cost of coal; the availability of water; and the availability of transmission. Seismological and climate factors are presented Close

• 9. [Image] Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility. Quarterly Report, October--December 1978

  	Since the Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility (GLEF) start-up in May, 1976, a substantial amount of information has been obtained on the operation of the plant, components, brine and steam composition, ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility. Quarterly Report, October--December 1978 Author: Anastas, G. Year: 1979 Since the Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility (GLEF) start-up in May, 1976, a substantial amount of information has been obtained on the operation of the plant, components, brine and steam composition, production and injection wells, and the potential of the Niland Reservoir. The GLEF was modified in April, 1978, from a four stage flash/binary process to a two stage cycle for the extraction of energy from a high temperature, high salinity, liquid dominated resource. This quarterly summarizes the general operations and accomplishments of the GLEF during the period from October 1, 1978 through December 31, 1978 Title: Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility. Quarterly Report, October--December 1978 Author: Anastas, G. Year: 1979 Since the Geothermal Loop Experimental Facility (GLEF) start-up in May, 1976, a substantial amount of information has been obtained on the operation of the plant, components, brine and steam composition, production and injection wells, and the potential of the Niland Reservoir. The GLEF was modified in April, 1978, from a four stage flash/binary process to a two stage cycle for the extraction of energy from a high temperature, high salinity, liquid dominated resource. This quarterly summarizes the general operations and accomplishments of the GLEF during the period from October 1, 1978 through December 31, 1978 Close

• 10. [Image] Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Simulated Geothermal Brines by Reaction with Oxygen. Final Report, October 6, 1975-February 4, 1977

  	A process for controlling hydrogen sulfide emissions and corrosivity in geothermal systems has been evaluated on a small laboratory pilot plant scale and shown to be technically feasible. The hydrogen ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Simulated Geothermal Brines by Reaction with Oxygen. Final Report, October 6, 1975-February 4, 1977 Author: Wilson, J.S. Year: 1977 A process for controlling hydrogen sulfide emissions and corrosivity in geothermal systems has been evaluated on a small laboratory pilot plant scale and shown to be technically feasible. The hydrogen sulfide was oxidized by oxygen injected directly into a 11.4-liter-(3-gallon)-per-minute flowing stream of simulated geothermal brine. The oxidation of the sulfide was complete at oxygen:sulfide mole ratios of 1.25:1 to 1.5:1, depending on temperature and total dissolved solids in the brine. The reaction products were free sulfur, sulfite and sulfate. The ratio of these was dependent upon the oxygen:sulfide mole ratios; but, generally, more than 80% of the sulfide was converted to sulfate, approximately 10% to free sulfur and less than 10% to sulfite Title: Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Simulated Geothermal Brines by Reaction with Oxygen. Final Report, October 6, 1975-February 4, 1977 Author: Wilson, J.S. Year: 1977 A process for controlling hydrogen sulfide emissions and corrosivity in geothermal systems has been evaluated on a small laboratory pilot plant scale and shown to be technically feasible. The hydrogen sulfide was oxidized by oxygen injected directly into a 11.4-liter-(3-gallon)-per-minute flowing stream of simulated geothermal brine. The oxidation of the sulfide was complete at oxygen:sulfide mole ratios of 1.25:1 to 1.5:1, depending on temperature and total dissolved solids in the brine. The reaction products were free sulfur, sulfite and sulfate. The ratio of these was dependent upon the oxygen:sulfide mole ratios; but, generally, more than 80% of the sulfide was converted to sulfate, approximately 10% to free sulfur and less than 10% to sulfite Close