Decentralized Power Supply by Small Geothermal Plants

Abstract

The paper states a conception of small geothermal power plants application for autonomous power supplying of small loads distributed on the vast territory under condition that the area has geothermal water resources.
West Siberia has 70% of total geothermal water resources of Russia. And these resources are distributed on the huge territory of the region. Therefore it is very promising area for implementation of projects targeted on decentralized power supplying.
The main requirements for small geothermal power plants are: power capacity under 100kW; temperature of the intraformational water 80-100oC; module structure of the plant allowing easy transportation with automobile transport.
The turbines provided for power units' realization in the project are two types: hydro-steam turbines of the Segner's wheel type, and turbines using "coming to a boil (poppling)" water. It is shown by calculation that 1kW of geothermal plant installation can be estimated at $500 - $600.
Building of the pilot geothermal power plant with power rate of 30kW and water consumption of 20 m3/h is intended in Trubatchevo Village, Tomsk Region, Russia. There is a temporarily abandoned well there. Average temperature of the intraformational water in the well is 105oC.
It is expected in the future that several small geothermal plants will be erected in the area for decentralized power supplying with total capacity up to 12MW.