Thermodynamic analysis of a geothermal district heating system

Thermoeconomic analysis is considered a useful tool for investigators in engineering and other disciplines due to its methodology based on the quantities exergy, cost, energy and mass. This study deals with an investigation of capital costs and thermodynamic losses for devices in the Balcova Geothermal District Heating Systems (BGDHS). Thermodynamic loss rate-to-capital cost ratios are used for components and the overall system, and a systematic correlation is found between capital cost and exergy loss (total or internal), but not between capital cost and energy loss or external exergy loss. This correlation may imply that devices in successful district heating system are configured so as to achieve an overall optimal design, by balancing the thermodynamic (exergy-based) and economic characteristics of the overall system and their devices. The results provide insights into the relations between thermodynamics and economics and help demonstrate the merits of exergy analysis. © 2005 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd