Geothermal Heat Output Calculator

Calculator

Enter field data below. The result appears above this form after submission.

Production wells

Flow rate per well (m³/h)

Produced fluid temperature (°C)

Reinjection temperature (°C)

Fluid density (kg/m³)

Specific heat capacity (kJ/kg-K)

Recovery factor (%)

Electric conversion efficiency (%)

Availability factor (%)

Parasitic load (%)

Operating hours per year

Plotly graph

The chart compares net thermal and net electric output as flow per well changes around your current input.

Example data table

Scenario	Wells	Flow / well	Tin	Tout	Net thermal	Net electric	Annual thermal
Binary cycle small field	2	90.00 m³/h	145.00 °C	78.00 °C	11,205.71 kW	1,344.68 kW	91,290.64 MWh
Medium direct-use network	4	105.00 m³/h	155.00 °C	70.00 °C	35,344.76 kW	3,887.92 kW	275,335.67 MWh
High enthalpy plant	5	130.00 m³/h	185.00 °C	80.00 °C	65,120.36 kW	10,419.26 kW	547,636.19 MWh

Formula used

1) Total volumetric flow
Total flow (m³/h) = Number of wells × Flow rate per well

2) Mass flow rate
Mass flow (kg/s) = [Total flow (m³/h) ÷ 3600] × Fluid density

3) Temperature drop
ΔT (°C) = Produced fluid temperature − Reinjection temperature

4) Gross thermal power
Gross thermal power (kW) = Mass flow × Specific heat × ΔT

5) Recoverable and net thermal output
Recoverable thermal (kW) = Gross thermal power × Recovery factor
Net thermal output (kW) = Recoverable thermal × (1 − Parasitic load)

6) Electric equivalent and annual energy
Net electric output (kW) = Net thermal output × Conversion efficiency
Annual energy (MWh) = Power (kW) × Operating hours × Availability ÷ 1000

This model estimates sensible heat extraction from produced geothermal fluid. It is suitable for screening studies, direct-use heating, and preliminary plant sizing.

How to use this calculator

Enter the number of production wells and average flow rate per well.
Provide produced fluid and reinjection temperatures to define the usable temperature drop.
Set fluid density and specific heat capacity to match brine or geothermal fluid conditions.
Apply recovery factor, parasitic load, and availability to reflect field and plant realities.
Use electric conversion efficiency when you want an estimated electric equivalent.
Submit the form to view the result summary, graph, and export buttons above the form.

FAQs

1) What does this calculator estimate?

It estimates gross thermal power, recoverable heat, net thermal output, electric equivalent, annual energy, mass flow, and output per well from geothermal fluid conditions.

2) Why is reinjection temperature important?

Reinjection temperature sets the usable temperature drop. A larger drop increases recoverable heat, provided flow, fluid properties, and field constraints remain realistic.

3) What does recovery factor represent?

Recovery factor accounts for heat that cannot be practically captured because of exchanger limits, reservoir behavior, piping losses, or operating constraints.

4) What is parasitic load?

Parasitic load covers internal consumption such as pumps, fans, control systems, and auxiliary plant equipment. It reduces useful net output.

5) Can I use this for electric generation studies?

Yes. Enter a realistic conversion efficiency for your expected technology, such as binary cycle or flash system, to estimate net electric equivalent.

6) Which specific heat value should I use?

Use a value that matches your geothermal fluid chemistry and temperature range. Water-like fluids are often near 4.18 kJ/kg-K, but brines can differ.

7) Why does the calculator need density?

Flow is usually entered volumetrically. Density converts volumetric flow into mass flow, which is required for thermal power calculations.

8) Is this suitable for final design?

It is best for preliminary engineering and feasibility checks. Final design should include reservoir modeling, thermodynamic analysis, equipment curves, and field test data.