Development of Small Binary Power Generator

Abstract

Japan has many geothermal resources with a very high potential for utilization. However, geothermal power generation currently accounts for only 0.3% of total power generation in Japan. This is because although geothermal power generation using high-temperature heat sources is mainstream, development has not progressed due to the limited amount of land available for new development. Medium- and low-temperature heat sources exist throughout Japan; however, their use for power generation has not progressed because they are distributed and small-scale. In this study, we developed a small-scale binary power generation system that can utilize medium- and low-temperature heat sources and can be used for small-scale heat sources and confirmed its operation.