Zeitschrift für Grundlagen erneuerbarer Energien und Anwendungen
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Geothermal Energy Potentials and Technologies in Thailand

Nattaporn Chaiyat, Chatchawan Chaychana, Fongsaward S Singharajwarapan

This paper presents a concept for using the geothermal energy in Thailand. The geophysical properties and the suitable technologies are considered; moreover the prototypes of the suitable technology have been constructed and tested the system performances. The potential of 97 hot springs in Thailand are classified into three groups as high, moderate and low potential. Organic rankine cycle is selected for 12 high potential hot springs to generate electricity 3,909 kWe. Absorption chiller and 8 moderate potential hot springs could be produced the total cooling capacity 304 kW and the payback period is 22 months. Central drying room and 8 moderate potential hot springs could be used in the heating process at 406 kW and the payback period is 15 months. Drying room integrated with vapor compression heat pump is represented for boosting 26 low potential hot springs. The upgrading heat around 2,002 kW could be used for drying the agricultural products 200 Ton/d which the payback period is 29 months. It could be found that the geothermal energy potential in Thailand could be developed from 46 hot springs to be used for heat and power at around 6.6 MW.