Preliminary estimates of electrical generating capacity of slim holes--a theoretical approach

Conference · Thu Jan 26 00:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:889300

Pritchett, John W

The feasibility of using small geothermal generators (< 1 MWe) for off-grid electrical power in remote areas or for rural electrification in developing nations would be enhanced if drilling costs could be reduced. This paper examines the electrical generating capacity of fluids which can be produced from typical slim holes (six-inch diameter or less), both by binary techniques (with downhole pumps) and, for hotter reservoir fluids, by conventional spontaneous-discharge flash-steam methods. Depending mainly on reservoir temperature, electrical capacities from a few hundred kilowatts to over one megawatt per slim hole appear to be possible.

• Research Organization: S-Cubed, La Jolla, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 889300
• Report Number(s): SGP-TR-150-7; TRN: US200619%%840
• Resource Relation: Conference: Proceedings, Twentieth Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, January 24-25, 1995
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
CAPACITY
DRILLING
REMOTE AREAS
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
RESERVOIR FLUIDS
RESERVOIR TEMPERATURE
Geothemal Legacy