This research draws conclusions from existing biomass and geothermal electricity generation systems and combines these to a hybrid plant concept which is subsequently evaluated thermodynamically, economically and in concerns of risk management.
Using a hybrid power plant concept based on geothermal and biomass energy input, low enthalpy geothermal reservoirs can be utilised more efficiently for electricity generation then it was up to now possible with ordinary binary cycles. By passing the geothermal fluid through a heat exchanger to preheat the biomass boiler feedwater a classical Rankine-Cycle generates electricity with an ideal efficiency of 34%. Due to the geothermal contribution biomass is saved by the amount of 6%.
This thermodynamically desirable process, however, raises economic problems as all components of conventional biomass plants as well as the source-side components of geothermal power plants become necessary. Costs for these parts accumulating at the development’s beginning only are compensated by reduced fuel costs and higher efficiencies.
For geothermal exploration failure and the underachievement of the geothermal reservoir the proposed hybrid technology opens up an additional alternative. Having to have to abandon projects with inadequate qualities in former times, it is now possible to produce electricity efficiently and sustainably by the new hybrid power plant. Moreover, the dependence on the fluctuation in terms of biomass quality and prices decrease as the contribution of biomass itself is reduced.
Although delivering first findings concerning these hybrid plants, this paper highlights the future research demand and suggests a list of worthwhile research topics.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Geothermal Energy
- Chapter 3: Biomass Energy
- Chapter 4: Hybrid Power Plant Technology
- Chapter 5: Economic Analysis
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of hybrid power plants combining geothermal and biomass energy sources for electricity generation. The study explores the technological aspects, economic considerations, and overall sustainability of this approach, focusing on potential advantages over solely geothermal or biomass-based systems.
- Technological feasibility of combining geothermal and biomass energy sources.
- Economic viability of hybrid power plants compared to conventional systems.
- Efficiency improvements achieved through hybrid technology.
- Sustainability aspects of the hybrid approach.
- Mitigation of risks associated with single-source energy generation.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the thesis, outlining the motivations behind exploring hybrid geothermal and biomass power plants. It highlights the limitations of relying solely on either geothermal or biomass energy and introduces the potential benefits of combining these sources. The chapter establishes the research question and methodology, providing a roadmap for the subsequent analysis. A key theme established here is the need for more sustainable and reliable energy generation methods.
Chapter 2: Geothermal Energy: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of geothermal energy, including its geological origins, resource assessment, and various exploitation methods. It discusses the thermodynamics involved in geothermal power generation, emphasizing the potential and limitations of different approaches. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the geothermal component of the hybrid system, specifically highlighting its role in providing a baseload for the power plant. Specific examples of geothermal projects and their success or challenges may be included to provide practical context.
Chapter 3: Biomass Energy: This chapter explores the utilization of biomass as a renewable energy source, covering various feedstock options, conversion technologies, and associated environmental impacts. It analyzes the efficiency and sustainability of biomass power generation, highlighting the potential for synergies with geothermal energy. Discussions on the sustainable sourcing and environmental impact of biomass are central to the chapter, potentially including comparisons of different biomass types and their implications for carbon neutrality.
Chapter 4: Hybrid Power Plant Technology: This chapter delves into the technical aspects of integrating geothermal and biomass energy into a single power plant. It details the design and operation of such a hybrid system, including the heat exchangers, turbines, and other critical components. The chapter also presents a thermodynamic analysis of the system, modeling its performance under various operating conditions. Key discussions center around the efficiency gains achieved through hybridization, and strategies for optimizing the combined system’s performance are explored. This could involve comparing different integration strategies or optimizing the ratio of geothermal to biomass energy used.
Chapter 5: Economic Analysis: This chapter presents a detailed economic analysis of the hybrid power plant concept, comparing its capital and operational costs with those of conventional geothermal and biomass plants. It examines the payback periods, return on investment, and overall economic feasibility of the hybrid approach. Sensitivity analyses examining fluctuating fuel prices and operational parameters are included, showcasing the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid systems under varying conditions. This chapter is pivotal in assessing the real-world applicability of the hybrid power plant concept, emphasizing the financial aspects of implementing such technology.
Keywords
Hybrid power plants, geothermal energy, biomass energy, renewable energy, sustainable energy, electricity generation, efficiency, economic analysis, thermodynamic modeling, risk mitigation.
FAQ: Comprehensive Language Preview of Hybrid Power Plants
What is the main topic of this document?
This document is a comprehensive preview of a thesis investigating the feasibility and efficiency of hybrid power plants combining geothermal and biomass energy sources for electricity generation. It covers the project's objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
The key themes revolve around the technological feasibility, economic viability, efficiency improvements, sustainability aspects, and risk mitigation associated with hybrid geothermal and biomass power plants compared to single-source systems.
What are the chapters included in the thesis?
The thesis includes five chapters: an introduction, chapters dedicated to geothermal and biomass energy individually, a chapter detailing the technology of hybrid power plants, and a concluding chapter focusing on economic analysis.
What is the objective of the thesis?
The thesis aims to investigate the feasibility and efficiency of hybrid power plants, exploring technological aspects, economic considerations, and sustainability, with a focus on advantages over solely geothermal or biomass-based systems.
What does Chapter 1 (Introduction) cover?
Chapter 1 sets the stage, outlining motivations, highlighting limitations of single-source energy, introducing potential benefits of combining sources, establishing the research question and methodology, and emphasizing the need for sustainable and reliable energy generation.
What does Chapter 2 (Geothermal Energy) cover?
Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive overview of geothermal energy, including its origins, resource assessment, exploitation methods, thermodynamics of power generation, and potential and limitations of different approaches. It focuses on geothermal's role in providing a baseload for the hybrid system.
What does Chapter 3 (Biomass Energy) cover?
Chapter 3 explores biomass as a renewable energy source, covering feedstock options, conversion technologies, environmental impacts, efficiency and sustainability of biomass power generation, and potential synergies with geothermal energy. Sustainable sourcing and environmental impact are key discussion points.
What does Chapter 4 (Hybrid Power Plant Technology) cover?
Chapter 4 delves into the technical aspects of integrating geothermal and biomass energy, detailing the design and operation of the hybrid system, including its components and a thermodynamic analysis. It focuses on efficiency gains and strategies for optimizing the combined system's performance.
What does Chapter 5 (Economic Analysis) cover?
Chapter 5 presents a detailed economic analysis comparing the costs of the hybrid power plant with conventional systems. It examines payback periods, return on investment, and overall economic feasibility, including sensitivity analyses considering fluctuating fuel prices and operational parameters.
What are the keywords associated with this thesis?
The keywords are: Hybrid power plants, geothermal energy, biomass energy, renewable energy, sustainable energy, electricity generation, efficiency, economic analysis, thermodynamic modeling, risk mitigation.
- Quote paper
- Bastian Görke (Author), 2006, Hybrid Power Plants. A Combined Geothermal and Biomass Electricity Generation Approach, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1030670
