Future developments – in geothermal

Abstract

A number of other approaches are beingdeveloped to increase the efficiency o generationfrom lower temperature fluids, using eitherdifferent working fluids or new power cycles suchas the Kalina cycle. Thelatter uses as working fluidan ammonia-water mixture, the composition ofwich varies throughout the cycle. Capital costs areexpected to be significantly lower than for ORCand the net generating efficiency up to 40% higher;at an inlet temperature of 1300C the net efficiency isestimated at over 13%. The early demonstrationplant are still showing teeting problems, but theoperators remain optimistic.

Keywords

• heat pumps
• geothermal
• low-enthalpy