Geothermal energy potential in the Hinton–Edson area of west-central Alberta

1985 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.-L. Lam ◽  
F. W. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Geothermal Gradient ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Bottom Hole ◽  
Geothermal Potential ◽  
Water Analyses

The Hinton–Edson area, located about 200 km west of Edmonton in Alberta, coincides with a geothermal anomaly of relatively high average geothermal gradient (~36 °C/km). The anomaly was discovered by Lam et al. during a study of a large number of bottom-hole temperatures. The high gradient and the thick sedimentary section in the area (4–6 km) provide a possible low-grade geothermal energy source for the growing population centres and industry. A survey of petroleum exploration data in the area has been made to determine if aquifers exist from which hot water may be recovered with reasonable flow rates and salinities for low-grade geothermal use. The results show that aquifers with prospective geothermal potential exist in the porous carbonate rocks of the Mississippian and Upper Devonian. Also, water movement is inferred from formation-water analyses, and this supports the suggestion that the geothermal anomaly is caused by the movement along fault planes of water that has been heated at depth.

An investigation of the potential for geothermal energy recovery in the Calgary area in southern Alberta, Canada, using petroleum exploration data

Geophysics ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 1661-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. L. Lam ◽  
F. W. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Recovery ◽  
Geothermal Gradient ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Successful Recovery ◽  
Southern Alberta ◽  
The City

The geothermal gradient in the Calgary area of southern Alberta is about 24 °C/km. Although this is only an average geothermal gradient, the city lies on the flank of a deep portion of the western Canadian basin with sediment thickness of over 4 km so that a wide temperature range exists in the sediments. This factor, and the substantial population of the city and surrounding area, satisfy two prerequisites for successful recovery and use of low‐grade geothermal energy. The Calgary area is, therefore, a suitable candidate for an investigation of its geothermal energy potential. The results of a study of petroleum exploration data show that good aquifers exist in the carbonate rocks of the Elkton formation of the Mississippian and the Wabamun formation of the Upper Devonian. The water temperatures range from 60 °C to 90 °C with salinities of 70 000 to 100 000 mg/l, which is two to three times that of average sea water. High water flow rates up to [Formula: see text] from the Elkton formation at moderate depths may be obtained in areas northwest and south of the city. Although the flow rates for the Wabamun formation are lower, the Wabamun and the deeper Leduc formations could supplement the Elkton as the main target for geothermal purposes. The availability of hot water of reasonable quality and at reasonable depth, together with the large population, means that Calgary presents an attractive location for geothermal energy recovery and use.

scholarly journals Deep Geothermal Heating Potential for the Communities of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 706
Author(s):  
Jacek Majorowicz ◽  
Stephen E. Grasby
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Northwest Territories ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Sedimentary Basin ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Foreland Basin ◽  
Geothermal Gradient ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Western Canada Sedimentary Basin ◽  
Geothermal Heating

We summarize the feasibility of using geothermal energy from the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) to support communities with populations >3000 people, including those in northeastern British Columbia, southwestern part of Northwest Territories (NWT), southern Saskatchewan, and southeastern Manitoba, along with previously studied communities in Alberta. The geothermal energy potential of the WCSB is largely determined by the basin’s geometry; the sediments start at 0 m thickness adjacent to the Canadian shield in the east and thicken to >6 km to the west, and over 3 km in the Williston sub-basin to the south. Direct heat use is most promising in the western and southern parts of the WCSB where sediment thickness exceeds 2–3 km. Geothermal potential is also dependent on the local geothermal gradient. Aquifers suitable for heating systems occur in western-northwestern Alberta, northeastern British Columbia, and southwestern Saskatchewan. Electrical power production is limited to the deepest parts of the WCSB, where aquifers >120 °C and fluid production rates >80 kg/s occur (southwestern Northwest Territories, northwestern Alberta, northeastern British Columbia, and southeastern Saskatchewan. For the western regions with the thickest sediments, the foreland basin east of the Rocky Mountains, estimates indicate that geothermal power up to 2 MWel. (electrical), and up to 10 times higher for heating in MWth. (thermal), are possible.

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Simulation of a Geothermal Energy Generation System at the Machin Volcano in Colombia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hernando Enrique Rodriguez Pantano ◽  
Valentina Betancourt ◽  
Juan S. Solís-Chaves ◽  
C. M. Rocha-Osorio
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Generation System ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Geothermal Potential ◽  
Economic Simulation ◽  
Private Investors

Colombian geothermal potential for power generation is interesting due to the presence of the three Andean mountain ranges and the existence of active volcanoes in junction with springs and underground reservoirs with the consequent closeness of available hydrothermal water-wells. The Machin volcano is a small mountain placed in the middle of the country, that has a considerable geothermal potential with wells in a temperature range of 160 to 260C. For that reason, a techno-economic simulation for a Geothermal Energy Generation System is proposed in this paper, using for that the System Advisor Model software. The purpose of this research is to present a more encouraging picture for public and private investors interested in exploiting this energy potential in Colombia. Simulation results include technical and economic aspects as annual and monthly energy production, geothermal resource monthly average temperature, and the Time Of Delivery Factors are also considered. Some tables with system configuration, plant and pump costs, Capacity Factor, and real and nominal Levelized Cost of Energy are also shown.

Temperature distributions at the Paleozoic and Precambrian surfaces and their implications for geothermal energy recovery in Alberta

1985 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 1774-1780 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. W. Jones ◽  
H.-L. Lam ◽  
J. A. Majorowicz
Keyword(s):  
Upper Mantle ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Recovery ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
The North ◽  
Bottom Hole ◽  
Crystalline Crust ◽  
Higher Temperature ◽  
Temperature Maps ◽  
Western Half

A large number of bottom-hole temperature (BHT) data from Alberta (55 246 BHT from 28 260 wells) have been used to construct Paleozoic and Precambrian surface-temperature maps. A northward increase of average heat flow in Alberta results in higher subsurface temperatures at the Precambrian basement and at the top of the Paleozoic toward the north and northeast than at the same depths in the south and southeast. However, the temperature distribution at these surfaces is more depth dependent than gradient dependent, and so higher temperature values occur in the western part of the basin. As a result, good geothermal energy potential exists throughout the western half of the province, especially for regions west of the Calgary – Swan Hills – Grande Prairie – Rainbow Lake line. Through the central part of the basin, zones occur where the isotherms and the isopach lines of the Phanerozoic are parallel. These zones probably represent regions where little disturbance to heat transport by vertical water motion occurs. It is suggested that zones in the central part of the basin where such parallelism does not occur may represent areas where conductive transport of heat is perturbed by local, nonlateral fluid flow or zones with nonuniform heat contribution from the crystalline crust or upper mantle. The effect of hydrodynamics in the deeper sediments of the Paleozoic that lie below the BHT observations may also contribute to such zones.

scholarly journals Study of geothermal energy potential as a green source of energy with a look at energy consumption in Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Dashti ◽  
Maziar Gholami Korzani
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Average Energy ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Sustainable Resources ◽  
Geological Characteristics ◽  
Geothermal Potential ◽  
High Energy Consumption

AbstractRegarding disadvantages of fossil fuels, renewables like geothermals can be an eco-friendly source of energy. In Iran, the availability of fossil fuels and poor policies surrounding subsidies (ranked as the first in giving subsidies) caused high energy consumption (1.75 times higher than the global average). Energy is mainly provided by fossil fuels that leads to high CO2 emission. This study evaluates the energy consumption trend and potentials of more sustainable resources like geothermals in Iran. The formation of geothermals is tightly linked with geological prerequisites that are partly present within Iran. Adjacency of the metamorphic with volcanic zones, existence of numerous faults and seismic activity of Iran are notable geological characteristics confirming the geothermal potential. In Iran, 18 regions are being explored as the most promising geothermal prospects. To test the potentials of one of these regions, a geothermal power plant with a capacity of 5 MWe is installed in the Sabalan Field. Northwest (where Sabalan Field is located), central (like Mahalat Region) and southeast of Iran (Makran Zone) can be regarded as promising zones for hosting geothermal prospects.

Tunisian geothermal data from oil wells

Geophysics ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 53 (11) ◽  
pp. 1479-1487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Ben Dhia
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Statistical Method ◽  
Empirical Relation ◽  
Geothermal Gradient ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Formation Temperature ◽  
Geothermal Gradients ◽  
Drill Stem ◽  
Bottom Hole ◽  
Direct Measurements

Since direct measurements of steady‐state temperatures are not readily available in Tunisia, a geothermal investigation has been made using 1319 values of bottom‐hole temperatures (BHTs) obtained from 217 petroleum exploration wells. An empirical relation based on the differences between BHT and DST (drill stem tests) was used to correct BHTs and estimate geothermal gradients. The estimated geothermal gradient of the country varies between 21 and 52 °C/km. A few regions with similar gradients have been identified, and similarities between gradient contours and the main structural directions are noted. Furthermore, for 25 points from 12 wells, it was possible to apply the Horner‐plot method to determine the equilibrium formation temperature (Tf). Comparison of Tf values with those calculated by the estimated gradients reveals a good correlation (r = 97 percent) between the two estimates. This agreement permits greater confidence in the statistical method used and consequently in the estimated gradients for the whole country.

scholarly journals Geothermal Salt Factory (GSF) Design in Parangwedang Geothermal, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-124
Author(s):  
Alfian Gilang ◽  
Mohammad H. Jauhari ◽  
Maria T. Kristiati
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Hot Spring ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
The Other ◽  
Reservoir Rock ◽  
Fluid Temperature ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Salt Industry ◽  
Special Region

Indonesia has the largest geothermal energy potential in the world with potential value ±28 GWe, but the potential of geothermal low enthalpy is still not utilized properly. On the other hand, improvement in the salt industry needs to be done because the salt industry in Indonesia has not been able to meet domestic salt demand. Domestic salt supply deficit is caused by the salt industry in Indonesia just relies on salt traditional farmers who are very dependent on the sunlight and the absence of a modern and sustainable salt-making industry. Therefore, the authors made a salt factory design using low enthalpy geothermal by utilizing Parangwedang geothermal as a heat source energy. Parangwedang geothermal is located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta with existence manifestation as a hot spring. Based on previous research, the potential of Parangwedang geothermal was 10 MWe. The reservoir rock may have a temperature range 115 °C and the hot spring fluid temperature 43 °C. The hot spring distance from the seashore is 403 meters with elevation reach 8 meters. The method used in this study is literature study and data collection in the field. Literature data is obtained from various sources and then compiled and grouped for the design of the salt factory that utilizes low enthalpy geothermal energy. This factory system will involve two pumps, one of which will drain the hot water from the Parangwedang hot spring and the other will drain the water from the ocean to the salt production pan. A boiling tank and condenser are used to boil the sea. Hot water from the boiling tank is used for drying the salt brine and brine is dried in the salt pan. In the result, the authors calculated factory production capacity, the GSF production capacity is ±14 tons salt each year.

scholarly journals Indonesian Geothermal Energy Potential as Source of Alternative Energy Power Plant

KnE Energy ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puji Suharmanto ◽  
Annisa Nor Fitria ◽  
Sitti Ghaliyah
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Geothermal Power Plant ◽  
Total Potential ◽  
Geothermal Potential ◽  
Volcanic Formation ◽  
Geothermal Power

<p>Indonesia is known as the Ring of Fire, nearly about 40% world's geothermal potential located in Indonesia. About 252 geothermal sites in Indonesia spread following the path of volcanic formation which stretches from Sumatra, Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, to Maluku. It has total potential of about 27 GWe. Geothermal energy as a renewable energy and environmentally friendly, this large potential needs to be upgraded the contribution to fulfill domestic energy need which is able to reduce Indonesia's dependence on fossil energy sources which are depleting. Potential for geothermal energy is expected to fulfill the target of developing geothermal energy to generate electricity through the Geothermal Power Plant of 6000 MWe in 2020.</p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> Geothermal Energy, Electrical Energy, Geothermal Power Plant <br /><br /></p>

Analytical solution for estimating the influence of a pre-existing ground water flow on a geothermal heat production-injection well system

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
I. David ◽  
M. Visescu
Keyword(s):  
Ground Water ◽  
Water Flow ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Flow Direction ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Injection Well ◽  
Production Well ◽  
Ground Water Flow ◽  
The Earth

Abstract Geothermal energy source is the heat from the Earth, which ranges from the shallow ground (the upper 100 m of the Earth) to the hot water and hot rock which is a few thousand meters beneath the Earth's surface. In both cases the so-called open systems for geothermal energy resource exploitation consist of a groundwater production well to supply heat energy and an injection well to return the cooled water, from the heat pump after the thermal energy transfer, in the underground. In the paper an analytical method for a rapid estimation of the ground water flow direction effect on the coupled production well and injection well system will be proposed. The method will be illustrated with solutions and images for representative flow directions respect to the axis of the production/injection well system.

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