A Small Turbomachinery Laboratory for Geothermal Energy

Abstract

Over the next few years, the Queensland Geothermal Energy Centre will be developing technology to assist with the exploitation of the hot-rock thermal reservoirs in western Queensland. It is hoped that, if the geothermal power systems can use carbon dioxide as the working fluid, we can obtain electric power at the same time as sequestering significant amounts of the carbon dioxide produced by traditional coal-fired power stations in other parts of the state. Within the new centre, we are establishing a small laboratory for the development of suitable turbomachinery.