Fluid Temperature and Power Estimation of Geothermal Power Plants by a Simplified Numerical Model

Abstract

This paper presents an estimation of power generated in a given geothermal heat pipe system. Such power generation is basically controlled by the ultimate temperature of fluid flowing through the u-shape pipes and could also be affected by power consumption of pumps. The ultimate fluid temperature can be simulated by a simple numerical model for studying thermal behavior of soil-fluid material. Model results illustrated that the critical net power of geothermal power plants is restrained by the flow rate of the fluid which is limited by the current pump behavior. Comparison between geothermal heat pipe systems with different physical properties demonstrated the u-shape pipe with a larger design depth and a higher design velocity could produce larger amount of power.