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 Geothermal monitoring as a way to predict volcanic eruptions and estimate geothermal energy resources

Georesursy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 413-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Muravyev
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Water Injection ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Geothermal Field ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
The North ◽  
Elbrus Volcano ◽  
Thermodynamic Conditions ◽  
Temperature And Pressure ◽  
Fiber Optic System

Geothermal monitoring is an effective tool for predicting volcanic eruptions, as well as for assessing the geothermal energy potential of geothermal areas. Increased magmatic activity, an indicator of which is the penetration of hot volcanic gases through faults, has been observed in recent years on the Elbrus volcano. Since Elbrus is a year-round resort of world importance, in order to control volcanic and seismic activity, forecast and reduce the risks of eruption and earthquakes, it is recommended to drill a observation well on the slope of Elbrus with the installation of an underground fiber-optic system for temperature and pressure monitoring. In combination with microseismic, gravimetric and inclinometric observations, satellite IR imaging and geochemical gas testing, the continuously obtained information on the thermodynamic conditions of the subsoil will provide a reliable complex for the operational forecast of natural geophysical disasters. Utilization of the geothermal energy of the magma chamber in the artificial circulation systems of small GeoPPs, water injection from the surface and obtaining superheated water and steam from producing wells will reduce the risks of eruption and at the same time provide the resort with environmentally friendly thermal and electric power. Technological justification for the construction of a GeoPP will also require exploratory drilling to the area of ​​hot rocks, therefore information on the distribution of temperature and pressure along the wellbore is doubly valuable. In geothermal fields that are under development, to assess the spatial heterogeneity of the filtration characteristics can be a useful method of “thermal interference testing” – as a complement or alternative to hydrodynamic interference testing. It is recommended to conduct such an experiment at the North Mutnovsky geothermal field.

Combined energy production in the North Great Plain Region

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-67
Author(s):  
B. Kulcsár
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Great Plain ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
The North ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Plain Region ◽  
Energy Provider ◽  
Favourable Situation

Abstract As a part of a broad-scale study, this paper examines the current use and utilization potentials of renewable energies in the North Great Plain Region. Due to its structural properties, geographical situation, climate and morphology, the Region sees a most favourable situation in the field of geothermal energy, biomass and solar energy. The analyses having been performed so far support the assumption that agricultural combined energy production has significant potentials in rural development. With the combined exploitation of the renewable energy potential, agriculture in the North Great Plain Region may provide fir the energy demands of its own activities and the local surroundings. Agriculture as the local energy provider may create a new source of incomes in the sector seeing a shortage of financial resources, as well as an opportunity of breakthrough for rural communities.

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.

scholarly journals Sustainable Modularity Approach to Facilities Development Based on Geothermal Energy Potential

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2691
Author(s):  
Nataša Ćuković Ignjatović ◽  
Ana Vranješ ◽  
Dušan Ignjatović ◽  
Dejan Milenić ◽  
Olivera Krunić
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Pannonian Basin ◽  
Thermal Power ◽  
Chemical Compositions ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Southeastern Part ◽  
Geothermal Resources ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Different Temperatures

The study presented in this paper assessed the multidisciplinary approach of geothermal potential in the area of the most southeastern part of the Pannonian basin, focused on resources utilization. This study aims to present a method for the cascade use of geothermal energy as a source of thermal energy for space heating and cooling and as a resource for balneological purposes. Two particular sites were selected—one in a natural environment; the other within a small settlement. Geothermal resources come from different types of reservoirs having different temperatures and chemical compositions. At the first site, a geothermal spring with a temperature of 20.5 °C is considered for heat pump utilization, while at the second site, a geothermal well with a temperature of 54 °C is suitable for direct use. The calculated thermal power, which can be obtained from geothermal energy is in the range of 300 to 950 kW. The development concept was proposed with an architectural design to enable sustainable energy efficient development of wellness and spa/medical facilities that can be supported by local authorities. The resulting energy heating needs for different scenarios were 16–105 kW, which can be met in full by the use of geothermal energy.

scholarly journals Energy Recovery Potential in Industrial and Municipal Wastewater Networks Using Micro-Hydropower in Spain

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 691
Author(s):  
Aida Mérida García ◽  
Juan Antonio Rodríguez Díaz ◽  
Jorge García Morillo ◽  
Aonghus McNabola
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Total Energy ◽  
Energy Recovery ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Municipal Wastewater ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Total Energy Consumption ◽  
Recovery Potential

The use of micro-hydropower (MHP) for energy recovery in water distribution networks is becoming increasingly widespread. The incorporation of this technology, which offers low-cost solutions, allows for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions linked to energy consumption. In this work, the MHP energy recovery potential in Spain from all available wastewater discharges, both municipal and private industrial, was assessed, based on discharge licenses. From a total of 16,778 licenses, less than 1% of the sites presented an MHP potential higher than 2 kW, with a total power potential between 3.31 and 3.54 MW. This total was distributed between industry, fish farms and municipal wastewater treatment plants following the proportion 51–54%, 14–13% and 35–33%, respectively. The total energy production estimated reached 29 GWh∙year−1, from which 80% corresponded to sites with power potential over 15 kW. Energy-related industries, not included in previous investigations, amounted to 45% of the total energy potential for Spain, a finding which could greatly influence MHP potential estimates across the world. The estimated energy production represented a potential CO2 emission savings of around 11 thousand tonnes, with a corresponding reduction between M€ 2.11 and M€ 4.24 in the total energy consumption in the country.

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