The use og geothermal energy in a low-temperature field with a case study from Shargaljuut, Mongolia

Abstract

The report describes a demonstration project for the direct use of geothermal energy from a low-temperature geothermal field in Shargaljuut, Mongolia. The objective of the project is to point out suitable ways to develop the geothermal energy from the geothermal field, investigate reasonable applications for the usage of the geothermal energy and possible cascading of various applications. Equivalent peak-load time for the space heating system in the Shargaljuut area is calculated as 4300 hours a year and the heating load duration is relatively stable. Hence, a single distribution geothermal space heating system without a peak load station can be used. According to chemical analysis, the thermal water is suitable for direct-use applications, and no problems related to scaling or corrosion are expected if care is taken in designing of storage tanks and systems for collecting water. Heating requirements of the various applications at design conditions are 1220 kW for the space heating system, 370 kW for the domestic hot tap water, 295 kW for the hot spa, 45 kW for the snow melting, 5.4 kW for the Ger, 410 W/m2 for the greenhouses, and 50 W/m2 for soil warming. Maximum production from the geothermal reservoir is expected to be at 50 kg/s as peak load.