Credit Structure: (3-0)3
Catalog Description:
Thermodynamic aspects of geothermal fluids. Geothermal fluid
collection and distribution. Well head equipment and piping. Geothermal
electric power plants. Geothermal district heating systems. Scaling,
corrosion and environmental pollution problems. Economics of geothermal
energy utilization.
Course Objectives:
Geothermal energy may be described as a renewable resource
with the highest energy density. Turkey has a significant geothermal
potential which has been traditionally used in the past for bathing
and curing purposes only, but at present geothermal energy is
also being utilized for residential heating, district heating
of towns, industrial process heat supply and for electric power
generation. The goals of this course are to discuss the fundamental
aspects of various geothermal energy utilization systems, associated
technical problems and their remedies, from mechanical engineering
point of view.
Prerequisites:
ME 204 and ME 312 are strongly recommended.
1. First law of thermodynamics
2. Thermodynamic analysis of steam power plants
3. Heat exchangers
4. General chemistry
Textbook(s):
M. Dickson and M. Fanelli, “Geothermal Energy”,
John Wiley, 1995.
References:
E.F. Wahl, “Geothermal Energy Utilization”, John
Wiley, 1977.
P. Kruger and C. Otte, “Geothermal Energy”, Stanford
University Press, 1973.
S.L. Milora and J.W. Tester, “Geothermal Energy as a Source
of Electric Power”, MIT Press, 1976.
Syllabus:
1. Thermodynamic state and properties of geothermal fields
and geothermal fluid (2 weeks)
2. Geothermal well head equipment: valves, separator, silencer,
safety devices, pumps, piping (2 weeks)
3. Power potential of geothermal fluids, power cycles, geothermal
power plant components (3 weeks)
4. Direct use of geothermal energy: hot water supply, residential
heating and cooling, district heating, industrial process heat
supply, surface mounted and downhole type heat exchangers for
geothermal applications (3 weeks)
5. Scaling, corrosion, environmental pollution problems of geothermal
systems and their remedies, reinjection (2 weeks)
6. By-products of geothermal resources: carbon dioxide, boric
acid economics of geothermal energy utilization (2 weeks)
Homeworks, Quizzes, Projects:
Each student prepares a term-paper to study one of the geothermal
energy utilization topics in more details.
Computer Usage:
None
Laboratory Work:
Some technical field trips are arranged for students to observe
the practical applications of geothermal energy, such as geothermal
power plant in Denizli and geothermal district heating system
in Kizilcahamam.
Category Content:
Mathematics and Basic Sciences: None
Engineering Design: 1 credit
Engineering Sciences: 2 credits
Humanities & Social Sciences: None
Departmental: None
Instructors:
Orhan Yesin