| Title | Methods and Recommendations for Investment Substantiation of Geothermal Power Plant Developments |
|---|---|
| Authors | Emil I. Boguslavsky, Alexey I. Mikheyev |
| Year | 2010 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Methodological principles, technological and economic parameters, influence of natural conditions, heating capacity, fuel saving, power consumption, express methods. |
| Abstract | The utilization of low temperature geothermal energy sources is one of the key solutions to the problem of heat supply in many regions of Russia in the 21st century. This tendency can be explained by Russia’s lack of domestic conventional power resources, the high cost of transporting them from other regions, certain advantages of geothermal sources, the scientific basis of their development, word-wide industrial experience, and the country’s specific heat supply systems. Russia’s great variety of geologic and geothermal conditions determines the conditions of construction of a geothermal heat supply systems (GHSS). The user requirements result from a wide range of demands for heating, operating temperatures, and the distance heat must be transferred. A total of about 150 factors influence the design variables and technological parameters of GHSS. Therefore, an adequate assessment of the expediency of the development of geothermal resources is only possible if the evaluation of the parameters involved has been carried out accurately. This problem can be solved using economic and mathematical models for the construction and operation of GHSS. The first economic and mathematical model (EMM) was conceived in 1971 with the aim of GHSS optimization. A group of models has since been developed to simulate the operation of stations utilizing various technologies of heat extraction and the various uses of that heat. The EMM-based ratio test of the major natural conditions that exert influence on design variables (technological, energy and economic parameters and GHSS operating factors) has made it possible to develop these models and recommend the use of a new express method aimed at their analysis in different regions of Russia. The EMM methods and express analysis created can form the basis of GHSS design and, in particular, the provision of investment substantiation and formulation of business plans. Examples of regions in Russia with geothermal source potential are also provided. |