Low Temperature Geothermal Electricity Production
UTC Power’s 280 kilowatt low temperature generating unit is generating quite a buzz in the Geothermal industry. Production of electricity from geothermal energy has traditionally required a strong resource of water or steam at 225 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This is founded upon the idea using the geothermal resource to supply a mostly-traditional steam power plant where the steam is pulled from the earth, and used to directly drive a steam turbine. Hot springs and resource areas where the temperature was “hot” but not “boiling” where generally not considered viable as resources to utilize for electricity.
UTC Power equipment collects heat from a lower temperature source and uses it to vaporize a fluid with a lower vaporization temperature than water. That vapor then drives a turbine. In Alaska, at Chena Hot Springs Resort UTC Power equipment now supplies all the electricity the resort needs and its heating as well. The system there works with water at 165 degrees Fahrenheit!
By being able to produce heat and power with water below 225 degrees, UTC Power’s technology opens up a much larger area for potential geothermal energy production. The next key step will be to see a commercially developed facility demonstrate sustainable production at an acceptable cost. (Chena Hot Springs was supported by various groups and is considered a demonstration project by many and not a commercial project.
Visit UTC power and read about Chena Springs.
UTC Power equipment collects heat from a lower temperature source and uses it to vaporize a fluid with a lower vaporization temperature than water. That vapor then drives a turbine. In Alaska, at Chena Hot Springs Resort UTC Power equipment now supplies all the electricity the resort needs and its heating as well. The system there works with water at 165 degrees Fahrenheit!
By being able to produce heat and power with water below 225 degrees, UTC Power’s technology opens up a much larger area for potential geothermal energy production. The next key step will be to see a commercially developed facility demonstrate sustainable production at an acceptable cost. (Chena Hot Springs was supported by various groups and is considered a demonstration project by many and not a commercial project.
Visit UTC power and read about Chena Springs.
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