In the heart of Bangladesh, a nation more often associated with its lush rice paddies and bustling textile mills than with cutting-edge energy technology, a groundbreaking study is stirring excitement in the global energy sector. Researchers at the Military Institute of Science and Technology in Dhaka have turned their attention underground, exploring the potential of geothermal energy to power the country’s future.
At the helm of this innovative research is Prodeepta Neogi, an assistant professor in the Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering. Neogi and his team have been delving into the earth’s subsurface, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model a unique U-shaped geothermal well system. Their goal? To tap into Bangladesh’s elevated geothermal gradients and harness the power of the earth’s heat.
Bangladesh, nestled in a tectonically active region, boasts geothermal gradients that are higher than average. This makes it an ideal candidate for geothermal energy extraction, a renewable and sustainable energy source that could significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The team’s study, published in the journal ‘Results in Engineering’ (which translates to ‘Engineering Results’ in English), focuses on a 12,080-meter pipeline system with two vertical wells and a horizontal section. Using simulations in ANSYS Fluent, they were able to predict the system’s performance under various conditions.
“The results were promising,” Neogi said. “We found that with an intake temperature of 20°C and a flow rate of 9 kg/s, the system could produce an exit temperature of 117.691°C. This translates to a potential power output ranging from 119.039 kW to 266.22 kW, depending on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) efficiency.”
But the team didn’t stop at these initial findings. They also conducted parametric calculations to understand how different factors, such as geothermal gradient, well depth, well diameter, flow rate, and insulation, could impact power production.
“We found that the geothermal gradient and well depth significantly affect production,” Neogi explained. “For instance, in the Barapukuria region, we predicted the highest power output of 320.345 kW with a 10% ORC efficiency.”
The study also highlighted the importance of well design. Decreasing the well diameter, for example, could decrease the output temperature and efficiency by up to 12%. On the other hand, insulating the upward well portion could improve production, with a 3 cm insulation layer increasing power by 8%.
So, what does this mean for the future of geothermal energy in Bangladesh and beyond? The study underscores the need for accurate design and operational optimization. It suggests that to fully utilize geothermal resources, energy companies should consider high geothermal gradients, insulated well designs, and optimized flow rates.
“This research could pave the way for more efficient and effective geothermal energy extraction,” Neogi said. “It’s not just about drilling a well and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding the subsurface conditions, optimizing the well design, and maximizing the power output.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As the world continues to seek sustainable and renewable energy sources, geothermal energy is increasingly seen as a viable option. And with studies like Neogi’s, the potential for geothermal energy is becoming clearer and more exciting.
The study also opens up new avenues for research. Future studies could explore the economic viability of geothermal energy in Bangladesh, the environmental impact of geothermal energy extraction, and the potential for geothermal energy to power other sectors, such as agriculture and industry.
In the end, this research is more than just a study. It’s a testament to the power of innovation, the potential of renewable energy, and the bright future that lies beneath our feet. And it’s all happening in the most unexpected of places: Bangladesh.
