Underground Hot Water Storage Could Cut National Fuel Needs 10%

Kazmann, Raphael G.; ,

Underground Hot Water Storage Could Cut National Fuel Needs 10%

by Raphael G. Kazmann, (F.ASCE), Prof. of Civ. Engrg.; Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, Louisiana,

Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1978, Vol. 48, Issue 5, Pg. 57-60

Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

The possible conservation of waste heat by using it to heat water and then, subsequently, injecting the heated water into wells screened in aquifers containing saline water is described. A map showing areas underlain by saline ground water is included. A reduction in the national energy (fuel) requirements of as much as 10% (7 x 10�5 BTU) seems ultimately possible. This method of energy conservation is equivalent to establishing artificial geothermal sources throughout the country near points of use. The field tests needed to uncover engineering problems of this new, untried, technology are described under the headings well construction, hydraulic, miscible displacement, and geochemical. Conclusion: the potential benefit from developing this new technology is very great and members of the engineering profession, especially civil engineers, should participate in this frontier of technology.

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