Exergoeconomic modeling of geothermal district heating systems for building applications

Geothermal district heating systems (GDHSs) are modeled by examining the relations between thermodynamic losses and capital costs for the devices comprising the GDHSs, and some possible generalizations are proposed relating thermodynamic losses and capital costs. The model proposed is then applied to a GDHS installed in Turkey using actual data. Finally, the results are discussed in terms of the identification and evaluation of inefficiencies in the system and of possible improvements. The study provides insights into the relations between energetic and exergetic losses and capital costs for GDHSs, in particular, and for energy systems, in general. The results appear to be useful to those involved in the development of analysis and design methodologies that integrate thermodynamics and economics.