Research Projects
Reflect
Project:
Redefining geothermal fluid properties at extreme conditions to optimize future geothermal energy extraction
Duration:
01.01.2020 - 31.12.2022
Website:
Project partners:
- Helmholtzzentrum Potsdam Deutsches Geoforschungszentrum GFZ
- Technische Universiteit Delft
- Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres
- Universite de Neuchatel
- Institutt for Energiteknikk
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor togepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
- United Kingdom Research and Innovation
- Islenskar Orkurannsoknir
- Miskolci Egyetem
- Izmir Institute of Technology
- Federation Europeenne des Geologues
- Hydroisotop GmbH
- Landsvirkjun Sameignarfelag
- Pfalzwerke geofuture GmbH
Abstract:
The efficiency of geothermal utilisation depends heavily upon the behaviour of the fluids that transfer heat between the geosphere and the engineered components of a power plant. Chemical or physical processes such as precipitation, corrosion, or degassing occur as pressure and temperature change with serious consequences for power plant operations and project economics. Currently, there are no standard solutions for operators to deal with these challenges. The aim of REFLECT is to avoid the problems related to fluid chemistry rather than treat them. This requires accurate predictions and thus a thorough knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the fluids throughout the geothermal loop. These properties are often only poorly defined, as in situ sampling as well as measurements at extreme conditions are hardly possible to date. As a consequence, large uncertainties in current model predictions prevail, which will be tackled in REFLECT by collecting new, high quality data in critical areas.
The proposed approach includes advanced fluid sampling techniques, the measurement of fluid properties at in situ conditions, and the exact determination of key parameters controlling precipitation and corrosion processes. The sampled
fluids and measured fluid properties cover a large range of salinity and temperature, including those from enhanced and super-hot geothermal systems. The data obtained will be implemented in a European geothermal fluid atlas and in predictive models that both ultimately allow to adjust operational conditions and power plant layout to prevent unwanted reactions before they occur. That way, recommendations can be derived on how to best operate geothermal systems for sustainable and reliable electricity generation, advancing from an experience-based to a knowledge-based approach.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 850626.
