Parametric sensitivity study of operating and design variables in wellbore heat exchangers

On the basis of a sensitivity study, a Best Case model was simulated, and results compared against the geothermal fluid requirements of existing power generation plants that use low-temperature geothermal fluids. Even assuming ideal work conversion to electricity, a WBHX cannot supply sufficient energy to generate 200 kWe at the onset of pseudo-steady-state (PSS) conditions. Using realistic conversion efficiencies it is unlikely that the system would be able to generate 50 kWe at the onset of PSS.