Low Enthalpy Geothermal Energy for Greenhouse Heating at Nea Kessani Xanthi, Greece

Abstract

This article deals with the direct use of a low enthalpy geothermal energy source situated in Northern Greece (Potamia-Nea Kessani) to heat a greenhouse where vegetables (such as tomatoes) could be grown. A description of the geothermal field in Potamia-Nea Kessani is given together with the technical characteristics of the developed greenhouse and the heating installation. A technoeconomic analysis of two different greenhouse-heating approaches is given and the simple payback period is calculated. It was found that in Nothern Greece there are many areas (such as the one described in this article) where low enthalpy geothermal sources could be exploited easily at a very reasonable cost.

Keywords:

• energy savings
• geothermal energy
• greenhouse heating
• renewable energy sources