LOW ENTHALPY GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FROM MINE WATERSIN SLOVAKIA

Abstract

Mine waters of underground mines are characterized by steady
temperature, which is considerably higher then the annual air
temperature of respective locality. In addition, many of them
have relatively high yield, therefore they can represent interesting
low enthalpy geothermal resources. Presumed mine
water heat-energetic potential in in working coal mines or abandoned
ore mines in volcanic rocks occured in the territory of
Slovak republic ranges in single cases from 0,7 to 7 MWt (water
temperature 14-19?C), in rest of mines reaches some tenths
of MWt (to 13?C). These potential low enthalpy geothermal
resources aren•t used in present, but can have local meaning
although heat pumpes have to be used for heat extraction.
Water sources of higher temperature can be obtained by isolating
suitable outflows in workings. By this way the source of
thermal water (40Ül.s-1, 57?C) was caughtÜin the Kremnica mine
for thermal bath supply.