(117h) Geothermal-Solar Hybrid for Continuous Steam Generation in Cerro Prieto, Mx

Of all current renewable energy technologies, geothermal energy is a widely available and promising source of base load. Solar thermal energy is not constant, but is good for peaking during the day and summer. With their individual attributes, these two energy sources could work together to increase the generation of electricity in geothermal fields. The option of using solar energy collectors to increase the generation of steam in geothermal cycles is relatively new and has not been used for the generation of electricity. The goal of this study was to determine if a hybrid solar-thermal/geothermal power plant could be designed that could generate more power than separate solar thermal and geothermal power plants. Different options were modeled to determine their thermal characteristics and efficiencies which will serve to corroborate if this hybridization is practical. The study was based on published work by A. Lentz and R. Almanza in the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field. This site provides the ideal conditions to study the behavior of both systems working together.