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Direct Utilization of a Moderate Temperature Geothermal Resource in Agribusiness

Zeller, Thomas J.; Grams, William H.; Howard, Stanley M.

Key words
Direct Use; USA; South Dakota; Madison Formation; Space heating; Grain drying; Equipment selections; Operation; Pumps
Location
South Dakota
Conference
Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
Year
1980
Session
Direct use; Agricultural applications; Space heating/cooling
Language
English

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Abstract

A demonstration project of the direct utilization of geothermal energy in a South Dakota agribusiness was undertaken through a Department of Energy Project Opportunity Notice. "Off the shelf" hardware was used in demonstrating that the technology was available today to developed geothermal energy resources. An existing artesian well into the Madison Formation having an energy source for grain drying and space heating. The Diamond Ring Ranch structures and the wellhead are 2500 meters apart at the farthest point and the distribution of the highly corrosive, moderate temperature resource presented several unique problems. With the completion of the construction and the operation of the system through the first heating season, the direct utilization of geothermal resources is proving economically feasible and environmentally compatible with the ranch operations.

Copyright 1980, Geothermal Resources Council. Readers who download papers from this site should honour the copyright of the original authors, and may not copy or distribute the work further without the permission of the original publisher.

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