Down-Hole Heat Exchangers: Modelling of a Low-Enthalpy Geothermal System for District Heating. (22nd October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carlini, M.; Castellucci, S.; Allegrini, E.; Tucci, A.
• Other Names: Chen Sheng-yong Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Mathematical problems in engineering. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-10-22
• Subjects: Engineering mathematics -- Periodicals; 510.2462
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/845192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1024-123X

Abstract

Abstract : In order to face the growing energy demands, renewable energy sources can provide an alternative to fossil fuels. Thus, low-enthalpy geothermal plants may play a fundamental role in those areas—such as the Province of Viterbo—where shallow groundwater basins occur and conventional geothermal plants cannot be developed. This may lead to being fuelled by locally available sources. The aim of the present paper is to exploit the heat coming from a low-enthalpy geothermal system. The experimental plant consists in a down-hole heat exchanger for civil purposes and can supply thermal needs by district heating. An implementation in MATLAB environment is provided in order to develop a mathematical model. As a consequence, the amount of withdrawable heat can be successfully calculated.