| Title | Direct Utilization of a Moderate Temperature Geothermal Resource in Agribusiness |
|---|---|
| Authors | Zeller, Thomas J.; Grams, William H.; Howard, Stanley M. |
| Year | 1980 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Direct Use; USA; South Dakota; Madison Formation; Space heating; Grain drying; Equipment selections; Operation; Pumps |
| Abstract | A demonstration project of the direct utilization of geothermal energy in a South Dakota agribusiness was undertaken through a Department of Energy Project Opportunity Notice. "Off the shelf" hardware was used in demonstrating that the technology was available today to developed geothermal energy resources. An existing artesian well into the Madison Formation having an energy source for grain drying and space heating. The Diamond Ring Ranch structures and the wellhead are 2500 meters apart at the farthest point and the distribution of the highly corrosive, moderate temperature resource presented several unique problems. With the completion of the construction and the operation of the system through the first heating season, the direct utilization of geothermal resources is proving economically feasible and environmentally compatible with the ranch operations. |