Capture of Geothermal Heat as Chemical Energy
In this paper, fluids that undergo endothermic reactions were evaluated as potential chemical energy carriers of heat from geothermal reservoirs for power generation. Their performance was compared with that of H 2 O and CO 2 . The results show that (a) chemical energy carriers can produce more power from geothermal reservoirs than water and CO 2 and (b) working fluids should not be selected solely on the basis of their specific thermo-physical properties but rather on the basis of the rate of exergy (ideal power) they can deliver. Finally, this article discusses the results of the evaluation of two chemical energy carrier systems: ammonia and methanol/water mixtures.