Geothermal sustainability, heat utilization, and the advanced binary technology solution

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:602742

Flynn, T ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV (United States)

Following the historical events of the oil embargoes of 1973 and 1974, geothermal energy, along with solar, wind and tidal energy, were frequently described as both alternative and renewable. They were alternatives to the widespread use of fossil and nuclear fuels and renewable because of the assumption that the energy was naturally recharged and replenished. Fossil and nuclear fuels, though presently abundant, are considered to be finite-that is, the human race is expected to outlast these sources at present rates consumption. With the dramatic and unpredicted steam pressure declines reported in 1986 at The Geysers Geothermal Field in northern California, questions were raised regarding the renewable status of geothermal energy. Recent reports, particularly from steam fields in Italy and El Salvador, illustrate that the problem is not site specific, but is technology specific. Development of geothermal energy using steam condensing flash turbines with little or no injection is non-sustainable. It is postulated that if the present generation of geothermal power plants now under construction utilize advanced binary technology, long-term sustainability, environmental benefits, and simplified operations will accrue with little to no change in the steam production cost.

• OSTI ID: 602742
• Report Number(s): CONF-971048--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
58 GEOSCIENCES
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES
POWER GENERATION
STEAM GENERATION
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT