Recovery of the geothermal energy stored in abandoned mines

Ramos, E. P. and Falcone, G. (2013) Recovery of the geothermal energy stored in abandoned mines. In: Hou, M., Xie, H. and Were, P. (eds.) Clean Energy Systems in the Subsurface: Production, Storage and Conversion. Series: Springer series in geomechanics and geoengineering. Springer: Berlin, pp. 143-155. ISBN 9783642378485 (doi: 10.1007/978-3-642-37849-2_12)

Abstract

Abandoned mines are already being used for various purposes, ranging from ultimate waste disposal to energy storage and the heating and cooling of spaces. Some examples of the energy storage systems in use include hydroelectric pumping storage, wind, and compressed air. These sites represent independent and sustainable sources of energy that can be exploited to added value to local communities after the cessation of mining activity. After abandonment, mines usually flood due to the natural rise of the water table, or they can be artificially flooded. The relatively stable temperature of this flood water could be harnessed as a geothermal resource usingheat pumps. For example, during winter, heat could be extracted from mine flood water and used for space heating, while in the summer the process could be reversed to provide space cooling. The geothermal potential of mine flood water can be extracted via open or closed circulation systems, either through the shafts of the mine, or if still accessible, the galleries. Although not widespread, the use of low enthalpy geothermal energy stored in abandoned mines for heating and cooling of buildings and industrial processes has already been implemented in Canada, Germany, USA and UK, with ongoing assessment projects in some communities in Europe. The Harz region of Germany was an important mining zone fromthe Bronze Age until the 20th century, producing silver, lead, copper, and zinc. As most of the mines have been abandoned for at least 80 years, they could, in principle, be regarded as geothermal energy sources for the heating and cooling of community spaces. However, the quality of the mine water, the heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the rock, the total available length for water circulation, and the structural stability of the abandoned mines will have a significant impact on the technical feasibility of this concept. This paper critically reviews implementation of this low enthalpy geothermal energy recovery strategy from the abandoned mines of the Harz region.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Additional Information: Online ISBN: 9783642378492.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Falcone, Professor Gioia
• Authors: Ramos, E. P., and Falcone, G.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 1866-8755
• ISBN: 9783642378485