Geothermal Power Plants : Principles, Applications and Case Studies

Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications and Case Studies is the latest book from Ron DiPippo, Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. It is a single resource on all aspects of the utilization of geothermal energy for electric power generation. Written in one voice by a respected authority in the field with twenty-five years of experience in geothermal research, teaching, and consulting, it is intended for those involved in any aspect of the geothermal industry. Grounded in fundamental scientific and engineering principles, its practical emphasis is enhanced by the use of actual case studies from historic and present-day plants. The thermodynamic basis for the design of geothermal power plants is at the heart of the book. The Second Law is used extensively to assess the performance and guide the design of various types of geothermal energy conversion systems. The case studies included in the third part of the book are chosen from plants around the world, and increase the reader's understanding of the elements involved in gaining access to, and making use of, this important renewable energy resource. The book is illustrated with over 240 photographs and drawings, many in full color. Nine chapters include practice problems, with answers, for the reader to test his/her understanding of the material. A comprehensive and definitive worldwide compilation of every geothermal power plant that has ever operated, unit by unit, is given in detailed tables as an appendix. In another appendix, DiPippo offers a concise digest of applicable thermodynamics. * Unique and thoroughly up to date * Comprehensive and international in scope * Author of international repute Geothermal energy is the residual thermal energy in the Earth left over from the planet's origins, usually occurring in deep reservoirs of hot fluids within the Earth's crust. It is the challenge of geothermal scientists and engineers to locate these reservoirs of hot fluids, design means to bring the fluids to the surface, process them in a suitable power plant to generate electricity, and then dispose of the spent fluids in an acceptable manner. The system needs to perform satisfactorily for 25 - 30 years to be deemed economically viable.This seemingly simple statement belies a host of complications and difficulties arising from the many facets of the processes and materials involved: the variable nature of the reservoirs and fluids; the depth, location, orientation, number and type of wells; the type and size of power plant; the method of disposal of the spent geothermal fluid; the management of the reservoir, and the need to conform with local environmental regulations.'Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications and Case Studies' is a single resource on all aspects of the utilization of geothermal energy for electric power generation. Written by a respected authority in the field with decades of experience, it is written for those involved in any aspect of this growing industry. Grounded in basic scientific and engineering principles, its practical bias is enhanced by the use of actual case studies from historic and present-day plants, helping to increase understanding of the various elements involved in gaining access to, and making use of, this important energy resource. "'Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications and Case Studies' is a single resource on all aspects of the utilization of geothermal energy for electric power generation. Written by a respected authority in the field with decades of experience, it is written for those involved in any aspect of this growing industry. Grounded in basic scientific and engineering principles, its practical bias is enhanced by the use of actual case studies from historic and present-day plants, helping to increase understanding of the various elements involved in gaining access to, and making use of, this important energy resource."--Jacket Front Cover; Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications and Case Studies; Copyright Page; Contents; Preface; Acknowledgements; PART ONE: RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT; Chapter 1. Geology of Geothermal Regions; Chapter 2. Exploration Strategies and Techniques; Chapter 3. Geothermal Well Drilling; Chapter 4. Reservoir Engineering; PART TWO: GEOTHERMAL POWER GENERATING SYSTEMS; Chapter 5. Single-Flash Steam Power Plants; Chapter 6. Double-Flash Steam Power Plants; Chapter 7. Dry-Steam Power Plants; Chapter 8. Binary Cycle Power Plants