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Las Pailas geothermal field - Central America case study: Deciphering a volcanic geothermal play type through the combination of optimized geophysical exploration methods and classic geological conceptual models of volcano-tectonic systems
2019, Salguero, Leonardo Solís, Rioseco, Ernesto Meneses
Sustainable exploitation strategies of high-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs in a volcanic geothermal play type require an accurate understanding of key geological structures such as faults, cap rock and caldera boundaries. Of same importance is the recognition of possible magmatic body intrusions and their morphology, whether they are tabular like dikes, layered like sills or domes. The relative value of those magmatic bodies, their age, shape and location rely on the role they play as possible local heat sources, hydraulic barriers between reservoir compartments, and their far-reaching effect on the geochemistry and dynamics of fluids. Obtaining detailed knowledge and a more complete understanding at the early stages of exploration through integrated geological, geophysical and geochemical methods is essential to determine promising geothermal drilling targets for optimized production/re-injection schemes and for the development of adequate exploitation programs. Valuable, extensive geophysical data gathered at Las Pailas high-enthalpy geothermal field at northwestern Costa Rica combined with detailed understanding of the geological structures in the underground may represent a sound basis for an in-depth geoscientific discussion on this topic. Currently, the German cooperation for the identification of geothermal resources in Central America, implemented by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), supports an international and interdisciplinary effort, driven by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) with different international and national research institutions, including the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG). The discussions and joint studies refer to the optimized utilization of geophysical and geological methods for geothermal exploration in the Central American region, using the example of Las Pailas Geothermal Field. The results should contribute to a better understanding of the most appropriate geothermal exploration concepts for complex volcanic field settings in Central America.
Computational Simulations of the Lateral-Photovoltage-Scanning-Method
2018, Kayser, S., Lüdge, A., Böttcher, K.
The major task for the Lateral-Photovoltage-Scanning-Method is to detect doping striations and the shape of the solid-liquid-interface of an indirect semiconductor crystal. This method is sensitive to the gradient of the charge carrier density. Attempting to simulate the signal generation of the LPS-Method, we are using a three dimensional Finite Volume approach for solving the van Roosbroeck equations with COMSOL Multiphysics in a silicon sample. We show that the simulated LPS-voltage is directly proportional to the gradient of a given doping distribution, which is also the case for the measured LPS-voltage.
Conversion of carbon dioxide into storable solar fuels using solar energy
2019, Ennaceri, Houda, Abel, Bernd
Nowadays, there are two main energy and environmental concerns, the first is the risk of running out of fossil fuels in the next few decades, and the second is the alarming increase in the carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, causing global warming and rise of see levels. Therefore, solar-driven technologies represent a substantial solution to fossil fuels dependence, global warming and climate change. Unlike most scientific research, which aim to use solar energy to generate electricity, solar energy can also be harnessed by recycling the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through high-tech artificial photosynthesis with the objective of producing storable and liquid solar fuels from CO2 and water. There are two types of solar fuels, the first being hydrogen, which can be produced by mean of water splitting processes. The combustion of hydrogen generates water, which is a completely clean option for the environment. The second type of solar fuels consists of carbon-based fuels, such as methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), or alcohols such as methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (C2H5OH). The production to liquid solar fuels liquid fuels is of great interest, since they can be used in the current industrial infrastructures such as the automobiles' sector, without substantial changes in the vehicles' internal combustion engines. Therefore, guaranteeing a smooth transition from fossil fuel energy to renewable energy without radical economic consequences. Also, and most importantly, when these solar fuels are burned, they will only release the exact amount of CO2 which was initially used, which represents an optimal process for sustainable transport.
Preliminary Study on the Application of Temperature Swing Adsorption in Aqueous Phase for Pesticide Removal
2018, Aumeier, B., Dang, H.Q.A., Wessling, M.
Temperature swing adsorption (TSA) is a well-established process for gas purification. In this work, the feasibility of TSA in aqueous phase was studied. This concept could enable in situ adsorbent regeneration and thus fostering sustainable decentralized adsorption processes applied to water treatment. The adsorption processes with the use of granular activated carbon (GAC) have been widely applied to remove the residual amounts of pesticides in water treatment. Amitrole was chosen as a typical pesticide in this study, GAC was selected as the main adsorbent for amitrole removal. Adsorption isotherm experiments were conducted at different temperatures of 20°C, 57°C and 94°C to identify the most appropriate sorptive – sorbent system for dynamic adsorption and TSA research. Once the isotherm experiments were accomplished, breakthrough curve experiments were subsequently investigated. Finally, TSA process was conducted with the activated carbon regeneration at the elevated temperature of 125°C. Consequently, initial obtained results proved the feasibility of the proposed TSA technique for pesticide removal in aqueous phase.