Status of Development of Power Generation System Using Hot Spring Fluid

Abstract

To apply smaller-scale geothermal generation such as hot spring field, we carried out a development project of a 50 kW class Kalina cycle geothermal power generation system from 2007. From 2010, on site generation project is progressing at Matsunoyama hot spring field in Niigata Prefecture at middle of Japan. This is first test using a 50kW class Kalina system that potential is estimated as 723MW using hot spring fluid in japan without drilling. Until now, we analyzed geochemistry of Takanoyu#3 test well and surrounding well to estimate stability of production and scaling risk to heat exchanger. From end of 2011, we will start power generation about one year. If this system will be completed, not only a business model of hot spring power generation will be realized in Japan, but also the geothermal power market will be widely expanded to Asia-Pacific regions including non-volcanic fields.