Case study of using the geothermal potential of mine water for central district heating - The Rozna deposit, Czech Republic

Abstract

This paper analyzes the possibility of using the thermal energy of discharged environmentally friendly mine water for the heat supply of a selected locality. There are few cases of industrial use of geothermal water in the Czech Republic, but mine water has never been the source. Based on this fact, an analysis of the usability of mine water at the Rozna I Mine was carried out. The analysis showed that the energy output of this pumped water was sufficient for the selected location of the municipality of Dolni Rozinka, where long-term annual average consumptions are at a level of 4350 GJ. The theoretical maximum output of this source is calculated as 837.4 kW; therefore, it exceeds the output required to satisfy the energy needs of this location several times over. Based on this input information, a technical and economic model of the heating system installation project was developed with three options. The case study aimed to find and propose an optimal alternative solution to replace the current unsatisfactory state of heat supply in the village of Dolni Rozinka. In the final part of this paper, the most optimal option is identified by a comparative method, which replaces the existing central district heating based on the production of heat energy from natural gas, i.e., fossil fuels. This study was motivated by a strategy to replace fossil energy sources with renewable energy sources wherever conditions are suitable.