Torbett-Hutchings-Smith Memorial Hospital geothermal-system demonstration at Marlin, Texas. Final design report

Technical Report · Wed Sep 17 04:00:00 EDT 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6672931· OSTI ID:6672931

The final design and economics of the Torbett-Hutchings-Smith (THS) Memorial Hospital geothermal heating system at Marlin, Texas are outlined. A brief description of the existing heating system, an overview of the geothermal retrofit, and the results of an economic analysis are included. It is estimated that the geothermal heating system will displace approximately 84 percent of the hospital's average annual natural gas consumption. In summer conditions, approximately 45 gpm of geothermal fluid will be utilized at a wellhead temperature of 139/sup 0/F. In peak demand winter conditions, approximately 160 gpm will be utilized at a wellhead temperature of 148/sup 0/F. The geothermal fluid temperature drop across the system will range from about 5/sup 0/F in summer to over 45/sup 0/F during winter. Total capital costs for the system are estimated to be $673,000, including the production well, a geothermal equipment room, engineering and architectural costs, and all equipment. The average annual natural gas savings are expected to be $28,200 while average annual operating and maintenance costs are estimated to be $7750. A before tax life cycle economic analysis of the THS system shows the breakeven period (BEP) of 29 years falling slightly below the 30 year expected life. This BEP is significantly influenced by the developmental nature of this project and by its lack of tax incentives.

• Research Organization: Radian Corp., Austin, TX (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6672931
• Report Number(s): TENRAC/EDF-033; ON: DE83900692
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
151000* -- Geothermal Energy-- Direct Energy Utilization
BUILDINGS
CAPITALIZED COST
COST
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FEDERAL REGION VI
GEOTHERMAL HEATING
GEOTHERMAL HEATING SYSTEMS
GEOTHERMAL SPACE HEATING
Geothermal Legacy
HEATING
HEATING SYSTEMS
HOSPITALS
MEDICAL CENTERS
NORTH AMERICA
PAYBACK PERIOD
RESERVOIR TEMPERATURE
RETROFITTING
SPACE HEATING
TEXAS
USA
WELL TEMPERATURE