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U.S. Department of Energy
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Closed loop versus an open loop geothermal district system: A techno-economical assessment

Conference ·
OSTI ID:494339

Fundamental techno-economical parameters governing an open loop and a closed loop geothermal district energy system are briefly discussed. The maximum allowable closed loop distance between the geothermal plant and the district entry point is directly related to the thermal capacity of the system. A case study is presented, which indicates that a closed loop distance covering 31 kilometers between the well head and the district entry point is feasible for a 89.1 MW(t) district capacity for the City of Denizli in Tuerkiye. The same study reveals that the common base unit capital cost of 240 $/kW(t)-peak for a closed loop system favorably compares with 480 $/kW(t)-peak for an open loop system for the same district capacity for the existing geothermal well output.

OSTI ID:
494339
Report Number(s):
CONF-960913--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English