Impact of reservoir permeability on the choice of subsurface geothermal heat exchange fluid: CO 2 versus water and native brine

Jimmy B Randolph, Martin O. Saar

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Geothermal systems utilizing carbon dioxide (CO 2) as the subsurface heat exchange fluid in naturally porous, permeable geologic formations have been shown to provide improved geothermal heat energy extraction, even at low resource temperatures. Such systems, termed CO 2 Plume Geothermal (CPG) systems, have the potential to permit expansion of geothermal energy utilization while supporting rapid implementation through the use of existing technologies. Here, we explore CPG heat extraction as a function of reservoir permeability and in comparison to water and brine geothermal heat extraction. We show that for reservoir permeabilities below 2×10 -14 to 2×10 -13 m 2, depending on formation temperature and pressure, CPG provides better electric power production efficiency than both water- and brine-based systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGeothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting 2011, Geothermal 2011
Pages521-526
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2011
EventGeothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting 2011, Geothermal 2011 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Oct 23 2011Oct 26 2011

Publication series

NameTransactions - Geothermal Resources Council
Volume35 1
ISSN (Print)0193-5933

Other

OtherGeothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting 2011, Geothermal 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period10/23/1110/26/11

Keywords

  • CPG
  • Carbon dioxide sequestration
  • EGS
  • Geothermal
  • Heat transfer
  • Numerical simulation

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