Status of Non-Electric Use of Geothermal Energy in the Southern Negros Geothermal Field in the Philippines

Abstract

A 1 MWth multi-crop drying facility using low enthalpy waste geothermal heat is being installed within the vicinity of the Southern Negros Geothermal Project. The plant is envisioned to demonstrate the direct use of geothermal resources for agro-industrial purposes and at the same time provide major benefits by raising the quality of the agro-industrial products to meet higher standards. The development and design of the heat exchangers that will supply the heat and the dryer to be used the facility presented. The process flow and the drying parameters to be initially considered in the drying of coconut meat and other crops have been determined. The initial design of the dryers will target the dehydration of coconut meat and other crops using boxes and trays.