A demonstration geothermal project in Beijing : multiple utilization of geothermal energy

Abstract

This report describes a demonstration project for direct use of geothermal energy in Beijing. The object of the project is to find a suitable way to optimise utilization of geothermal energy in Beijing with a water temperature range of 45-88°C. Geothermal water, 71°C warm and with a flow rate of 140 m3/h, comes from the so-called Share-6 well, and is used for district heating and a swimming pool. Several different terminal systems are discussed in this paper. A heat pump is used as a reserve for peak load during the heating period. It is also used for cooling in summer with shallow groundwater as a cold resource. Cascaded uses and automatic control systems contribute to lower energy consumption which, in turn, enable more extensive use of the geothermal energy. The use of a heat pump further extends the field and capacity of geothermal utilization. The environmental advantageous effects of geothermal energy are significant.