Work out geothermal heat output instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Geothermal thermal power is mass flow times specific heat times the temperature drop between production and reinjection. Conversion efficiency is low because the resource temperature is low: a 150 C binary plant achieves 10-13% against a Carnot limit near 28%, so most of the heat is reinjected.
Thermal power
Q (kW) = mass flow (kg/s) x cp (kJ/kg.K) x (T_production - T_reinjection)
Carnot limit
Carnot efficiency = 1 - T_ambient / T_source, in kelvin
Geothermal development involves induced seismicity, subsidence and groundwater risks and requires regulatory assessment and monitoring.
To maintain reservoir pressure and to dispose of dissolved minerals and gases safely. Reinjection temperature is limited by silica scaling, which sets a floor on how much heat can be extracted.
An organic Rankine cycle using a low-boiling working fluid heated by the geothermal brine through a heat exchanger. It allows generation from resources too cool for direct steam flashing, from about 100 C upwards.