The Geothermal Potential of Flooded Mine Systems in South-West England

 

 

Megan Willis-Richards

 

Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University

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2016

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This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree BSc in Environmental Geoscience

 

 

Abstract

The thermal potential of 9 mines, one river, and an adit outflow located in Cornwall, South-West England were investigated. pH, electronic conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were also measured from in-situ mine waters. Direct thermal measurements were taken by a mine explorer group using three temperature probes. Considering economic and technical aspects of the project, the relative cost of the proposed system has the potential to be considerably cheaper than an equivalent development where well drilling is unavoidable.

A low enthalpy project in South Crofty mine’s New Cook’s Kitchen Shaft could be completed and provide district heating to Camborne using funds set aside for the urban regeneration of that area. The amount of heat extractable from the mine water could be up to 7°C. It is unlikely that mine water temperatures greater than 23°C would be achieved without pumping of the mine which would lead to the resumption of the circulation of hot water, supplied by the Carnmenellis Granite pluton.

A pipe-in-pipe underground set up combined with a water source heat pump (WSHP) at the surface is recommended. The proposed system would use less energy running the WSHP than an equivalent system in Drammen, Norway, and would likely produce more energy than the Drammen system.

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