A Geothermal Plant from a Time-Scale Perspective

Jacquelin E. Cobos, Christen Knudby and Erik G. Søgaard
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Jacquelin E. Cobos: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, 6400 Sønderborg, Denmark
Christen Knudby: Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark, 6400 Sønderborg, Denmark
Erik G. Søgaard: Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 19, 1-16

Abstract: In recent years, geothermal energy use from low-temperature sandstone reservoirs has sharply increased. Nonetheless, the injection of heat-depleted geothermal fluids has not been an easy task because of well/formation damage and operational/economic issues. Sønderborg geothermal plant is a case example of heat-mining from a low-temperature reservoir. It is in the northeast of Sønderborg towards Augustenborg Fjord. The present work takes into consideration the regional and local geology of the Sønderborg area, construction of the wells, field experience and water chemistry. The main issues of the geothermal plant appear to be related to the construction of the wells and reinjection of the heat-depleted brine. Our water chemistry analysis and PHREEQC simulations indicate that geothermal brine was saturated with respect to carbonate and barite minerals. The excess of Ca 2+ and SO 4 2− ions could have led to the formation and precipitation of carbonate and sulfate scales. Moreover, the increment of iron concentration over time could suggest the ingress of oxygen and pitting corrosion due to the presence of halide ions.

Keywords: Sønderborg geothermal plant; time scale; heat production; water chemistry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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