Conceptual Study of Overall System Design of Geothermal Energy Systems for Achieving Universal Use in Japanese Social Condition

Abstract

This paper will describe object and conceptual structure of overall system design (OSD) for universal use of geothermal energy in Japan. Social acceptance is now serious problem while Japanese geothermal potential has again obtained public attention after the Great East Japan Earthquake. OSD has a function to evaluate and to optimize for different type of geothermal energy development, and helps stakeholders’ judgment under various valuation standards. OSD mainly consists of two parts; one is a system design problem, and the other is a detailed design problem. Each detailed design produces values for couples of valuation standards, and then distribution of feasible solution of system design is shown. One can choice system design located on the line of greatest value solution in the distribution that is called Pareto optimal solutions. Final selection from greatest value solutions should be conducted with close discussion among stakeholders. It would be a proper way for them to reflect mind of region and to realize practical universal use of Japanese geothermal potential for future.