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Municipal Geothermal Systems: Evaluation of Three Hungarian Cases
81-93Views:56Geothermal energy holds great potential for a sustainable future, as it is a clean and weather-independent form of energy. In addition to energy production, it can also serve the population of a region through direct use. In this paper, three municipal geothermal systems (Szarvas, Nagyszénás, Békéscsaba) in the same Hungarian region which have been recently installed or expanded are presented and analysed. Here, the direct usage of geothermal energy for heating purposes is a very important issue. The three systems show several differences and to some extent face different challenges in the various phases of the projects. Particular attention has been paid to engineering solutions to the problems that arise. The challenges, such as technical difficulties during installation, maintenance difficulties, or problems arising during operation are introduced. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of similar geothermal systems were summarized, based on the relevant literature. These points were evaluated by their appearance and characteristics in the examined systems. This study aims to provide insights, based on recently gained experiences, into geothermal projects, thus providing feedback and practical information for researchers and practitioners.
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Modern use of geothermal energy in Nagyszénás (Case Study)
106-115Views:186A project based on geothermal energy use in Nagyszénás, Békés County, Hungary, was finished on December 20, 2015. The construction investments were realized with the support of the European Union from tender funds won in the financial cycle of 2007-2013 in the total value of HUF 1.578 billion. The thermal water utilization investment was realized with unique technical solutions in the country, and as a result, a modern, economical heating system using green energy source was built, and now provides energy for the public institutions of the settlement and for the newly established bath complex. During construction and operation, several unforeseen technical problems arose, which could only be solved by using new technical elements. The high salinity and high temperature of the extracted thermal water required special engineering solutions. During operation, modifications and changes in technological elements were required at several points for the safe operation. The purpose of this article is to present these technical interventions, which made the reliable operation possible, thus the system provides a suitable alternative to natural gas-based heating.
