Geothermal Power Plants: Principles, Applications, Case Studies and Environmental Impact

9780750686204

0750686200

Key Features Engineering principles are at the heart of the book, which presents complete coverage of the thermodynamic basis for the efficient design of geothermal power systems Practical applications are backed up by an extensive selection of case studies that show how geothermal energy conversion systems have been designed, applied and exploited in practice New material on environmental impact and abatement Geothermal Power Plants covers all aspects of the utilization of geothermal energy for power generation. Starting from fundamental scientific and engineering principles, it shows how to assess plant performance and guides readers on the optimal design of geothermal energy conversion systems. Its practical emphasis is enhanced by the use of case studies from real plants, which also provide a unique compilation of hard-to-obtain data and experience. This revised and expanded second edition contains an important new chapter dealing with environmental impact, including gaseous and solid emissions; water, noise and thermal pollutions; land usage; disturbance of natural hydrothermal manifestations, habitats and vegetation; minimization of CO2 emissions; and environmental impact assessment. The book also includes a definitive worldwide compilation of geothermal power plants, unit by unit, and is supported by a concise primer on the applicable thermodynamics of geothermal energy conversion. Ronald DiPippo, is a world-regarded geothermal expert. He is Chancellor Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he was former Associate Dean of Engineering.