A computer program, GeoSteamNet, for the numerical simulation of steam transport in geothermal pipeline networks is written in Visual Studio .NET. The program considers (a) internally consistent thermodynamic properties of water, and (b) a numerical algorithm based on the principles of conservation of mass, linear momentum (Newton’s second law), and energy (the first and second laws of thermody...

Although the Stirling engine was invented in 1816, this heat engine still continues to be investigated due to the variety of energy sources that can be used to power it (e.g., solar energy, fossil fuels, biomass, and geothermal energy). To study the performance of these machines, it is necessary to develop and simulate models under different operating conditions. In this paper, we present a one...

The implementation of renewable energy sources, and geothermal energy in particular, is becoming increasingly important in Germany. However, geothermal power generation is a high risk, capital intensive technology and its future use will depend on how successfully it can be integrated within the German power grid infrastructure. For this to happen, its inherent operational risks must be reduced...

This paper presents a post-audit of a 1978 examination of economic impacts of geothermal energy development in the Imperial Valley Region of California. It is intended to demonstrate the usefulness of this approach in evaluating the validity of renewable resource development in general. The 1978 examination based its estimates on a projection of 4500 MW of electricity generation capacity develo...

It is well corroborated that the earth is relentlessly bubbling inside since its birth and traversing continuously through a geological change. The source of this dynamism is the heat stored inside i.e. the geothermal energy, which is believed to be the product of mainly the decay of natural radio-isotopes in the crust and mantle, and in the core of earth. This heat exerts pressure towards the ...

Silica scaling is probably the principal factor limiting the extraction of energy from high temperature geothermal systems. Silica exists in a number of polymorphs from quartz through to opal A (or amorphous silica). The thermodynamics of the solubility of quartz and amorphous silica with variations in temperature, salt content, pH and pressure are discussed. However, in silica saturated geothe...

A concept of "Fractal Fracture Mechanics" for HDR .(Hot Dry Rock) geothermal reservoir design has been developed as an extension of conventional rock fracture mechanics. It is suggested that this concept is successfully applicable to characterize and model subsurface fracture network in HDR geothermal reservoir. Furthermore, this modeling procedure makes it possible to evaluate the thermal ener...

This paper analyzes utilization of renewable energy systems and efficient building envelopes in the semi-arid climate. The proposed model evaluates renewable energy systems solutions as well as economic- and energy-efficient construction materials for the net zero-energy buildings (NZEB) in semi-arid climates. The objective of this paper is to optimize total energy cost and environmental impact...