Feasibility study of a micro-plant with a geothermal source in Africa - Report N 2 Feasibility

For three sites located in Burundi, Madagascar and Rwanda which have been selected after a previous study, this document reports a feasibility study and the definition of the characteristics of micro geothermal plants which could be installed there. These plants convert thermodynamic energy into mechanical and electric energy, with a recoverable power of 15 kWe. After a description of the operation of such micro-plants (principle, hot water and cold water circuits, exchangers, engine, freon circuit, electric power production, regulation and automatism), and a description of the selected sites (location, physical and chemical characteristics), a pre-sizing is reported (fluid selection, needed water flow rates, components). The report discusses the use of the produced electric power, and reports an assessment of construction costs (site development, plant construction and installation), discusses the exploitation and installation of the plant. Results are globally discussed in terms of thermal and cold water flow rates, of possible electric power, and of chemistry of underground waters. If the operation appears to be technically feasible, the cost appears to be high due to the characteristics of the thermal water temperature