Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Application and Benefits for Geothermal Production at Marlin, Texas
- Key words
- Direct Use; Production; USA; Texas; Marlin; Pumps; Submersible; Heat Exchangers; Downhole Pumps; Economics
- Location
- Marlin, Texas
- Conference
- Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
- Year
- 1981
- Session
- Direct use; Downhole pumps; Economics
- Language
- English
Abstract
A direct utilization hydrothermal project is under construction at Torbett-Hutchings-Smith (THS) Memorial Hospital in Marlin, Texas. A variable frequency drive (VFD) will modulate the speed and output of the submersible production pump in response to variations of space and domestic hot water heating. The VFD provides benefits such as reduced pumping energy cost, improved pump and motor life, good line to shaft operating efficient and improved environmental consideration. The liabilities are increased capital cost and the need for factory trained technician service. Economic analysis of this non profit hospital application predicts a simple payback for the VFD (through electrical energy savings) in 11 years. Profit making applications could achieve a simple payback in about six years.
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