Hybdrid Geothermal and Solar Setup for Low Enthalpy Geothermal Reservoirs: A Case Study from Gujarat India

Abstract

The usage of non renewable energies has made our environment unsustainable. In order to minimize this threat we must use renewable energies which are self replenished & less environmentally damaging. Geothermal energy is continuous renewable energy which is advantageous over other high enthalpy but intermittent sources of energy such as solar, wind, tide etc. The thermal efficiency of a geothermal electric plant is around 10-23%. By hybridizing it, the average temperature of the working fluid and the efficiency and electric output can be significantly increased (according to Carnot principle). Such hybridization can also decelerate the depletion of heat content of the geothermal reservoir and hence extend its lifespan. This paper focuses on designing a hybrid Geothermal and Solar power plant by utilizing shortcomings of one as the advantages of other. Enthalpy improvement calculations are performed both using software (Aspenhysis+) and hand calculations. This study also attempted to perform thermal efficiency calculations of the system. This is attempted by simulating the enthalpy values of refrigerant in software (miniRefprop) and performing hand calculations for power generation.