Western South Dakota usage of geothermal energy from the Madison formation

Complete water analyses were performed on existing Madison wells, shallower wells, and surface waters. Corrosion testing included measurements in standard weight loss, stress corrosion, and electro chemical analysis to determine suitable alloys for the project. Low-pressure steam, heat pumps, and direct heating alternatives were analyzed and compared. All buildings were modeled on a digital computer to determine heat gains and losses and the sensitivity of the net annual heat loss to changes in various building and operating parameters. Parameters with the highest sensitivities were further analyzed to determine the optimum cost-benefit ratio and the optimum net present worth of proposed changes. Finally, a control scheme was conceptually designed for monitoring and controlling a geothermal heating system.