Direct utilization of geothermal energy in western South Dakota agribusiness. Final report
This project involved the direct utilization of geothermal energy for (1) space heating of farm and ranch buildings, (2) drying grain, and (3) providing warm stock water during the winter. The site for this demonstration project was the Diamond Ring Ranch north of Midland, South Dakota. Geothermal water flowing from an existing well into the Madison Aquifer was used to heat four homes, a shop, a hospital barn for cattle, and air for a barn and grain dryer. This site is centrally located in the western region of South Dakota where geothermal water is available from the Madison Aquifer. The first year of the project involved the design of the heating systems and its construction while the following years were for operation, testing, demonstrating, and monitoring the system. Required modifications and improvements were made during this period. Operating modifications and improvements were made during this period. Operating experience showed that such application of geothermal resources is feasible and can result in substantial fuel savings. Economic analyses under a variety of assumptions generally gave payback periods of less than ten years. Numerous technical recommendations are made. The most significant being the necessity of passive protection from freezing of remote geothermal systems subject to winter shut downs caused by power or equipment failure. The primary institutional recommendation is to incorporate a use for the geothermal water such as irrigation or stock watering into agribusiness-related geothermal development.
- Research Organization:
- South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City (USA). Dept. of Metallurgical Engineering
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC07-76ET28419
- OSTI ID:
- 5389150
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ET/28419-7; ON: DE84005320
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Geothermal Direct Heat Applications Program Summary
Geothermal applications on the Madison (Pahasapa) aquifer system in South Dakota. Final report, October 1, 1976--September 30, 1977
Related Subjects
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
GEOTHERMAL SPACE HEATING
GEOTHERMAL WATER HEATING
AGRICULTURE
ANIMAL SHELTERS
CEREALS
CONSTRUCTION
DRYING
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
HOUSES
MODIFICATIONS
OPERATING COST
OPERATION
PAYBACK PERIOD
SOUTH DAKOTA
BUILDINGS
COST
ECONOMICS
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
HEATING
INDUSTRY
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SHELTERS
SPACE HEATING
USA
WATER HEATING
WELLS
Geothermal Legacy
151000* - Geothermal Energy- Direct Energy Utilization