Physical and Chemical Geotechnologies

Purpose

Comparative study and efficiency analysis of operating geothermal systems installed in different countries to recover heat from mine water and rocks in post-coalmining areas.

Methodology

The research methods included collecting, systematizing and analyzing of actual data on the principles, designs, features, and performance indicators of open and closed geothermal systems operated at closed mines in different countries currently introducing advanced technologies of alternative power generation.

Findings

In line with the UN Convention on Climate Change, the world and Ukraine are reducing the share of coal industry, which makes topical introducing “green” power technologies including those using thermal resources of closed mines. Currently in post-coalmining areas of some countries [1-10] about 30 open non-return and circulation geothermal systems of a capacity up to 4.6 MW are under operation; they cover a good share of local heat demand. Additionally, in flooded mines with a stable water level the closed systems combining coaxial and U-shaped geothermal probes can be installed [11-15]. Despite a lower thermal output the closed systems are more flexible and allow taking advantages of existing post-mining infrastructure such as degassing wells. Further installation of geothermal systems in Ukraine with the total estimated thermal potential of pumped mine water of hundreds MW looks realistic but requires feasibility studies and cost-effectiveness analysis.

This study is supported by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (project nr. 2020.01/0528) within the program “Science for the Safety of Human and Society”.

Keywords: closed mine, mine water, thermal energy, geothermal systems

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