Smart Combined Heat and Power System, Using Geothermal Low Enthalpy Resources

Abstract

Romania is among the European countries that have rich geothermal water resources. Unfortunately, these resources are of medium and low enthalpy, which makes their uses only direct, for space heating, spa treatments, greenhouse heating and other applications in agriculture and fish farming. However, recent regulations regarding the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption have led to increased research into the possibility of using these low-enthalpy resources for electricity production using ORC technology. The authors present a case study regarding the generation of electricity through ORC technology, using geothermal water with a temperature of 75°C from a geothermal reservoir located in the north of Bucharest, in the perimeter of Moara Vlăsiei locality. The performance of the installation is studied in relation to the working agents that may be used and the cooling medium available. The optimal operating conditions, for which the maximum electrical power is obtained, are also determined. The study is timely, considering the metropolitan projects to realize in the area a heating system using geothermal water and which can have high energy efficiency through its smart combination with electricity production.