Application of geothermal absorption air-conditioning system: A case study

• Published in: Applied thermal engineering 2013-01, Vol.50 (1), p.71-80
• Main Authors: Wang, Xiaolin, Bierwirth, Alex, Christ, Alexander, Whittaker, Peter, Regenauer-Lieb, Klaus, Chua, Hui Tong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption chiller; Air conditioning; Air conditioning. Ventilation; Applied sciences; Cooling; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Geothermal energy; Heat transfer; Heating, air conditioning and ventilation; Natural energy; Pumping; Sedimentary aquifer; Techniques, equipment. Control. Metering; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering
• ISSN: 1359-4311
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2012.05.011

Possible applications of geothermal energy are increasingly attracting worldwide interest as a low carbon source of energy. Sedimentary basins offer an accessible low grade geothermal heat source to launch energetically efficient air-conditioning systems. The natural temperature, porosity and permeability of these sedimentary basins may be sufficient to provide usable geothermal power for heat-driven sorption air-conditioning system. In the Perth metropolitan region, hot sedimentary aquifers with temperatures between 70 and 100 °C are generally available at around 3 km depth or shallower. This paper outlines the possible application of a large scale geothermal absorption air-conditioning system to provide baseload cooling to the main campus of the University of Western Australia (UWA). The conceptual design of this system is proposed. The design considerations and the performance outcomes are presented. The economic analysis based on the real-time cooling load profile at the UWA and the chiller operation scheme demonstrates the viablity of geothermal absorption air-conditioning system. This paper will help engineers appreciate the opportunities and barriers to geothermal applications, the latest developments and how this technology may help to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. ► We studied the economic viability of a geothermal absorption chiller system. ► We have considered three years of data and the most current costing information. ► Drilling costs have a paramount influence on the project viability. ► Emissions trading scenarios have a significant effect on the project economics. ► Geothermal campus cooling is a viable pilot demonstration project.