The coal heap as an energy source - evaluation of its utilisation potential based on detailed field measuring and numerical model simulations

Abstract

This article deals with thermal monitoring of coal heaps in the eastern Krkonose Mountains of the Czech Republic. Thermal activity was determined at four localities by means of contact thermometers and carbon dioxide emission measurements. Measured temperatures were used to calibrate the numerical model. A prognosis of the thermal field development was drawn. The highest temperatures found in the (thermally) most promising site for potential energy production (the Eliska coal heap in the Žacleř region) reached 337.35 K at a depth of 50 cm below the surface, where the surface temperature was 298.45 K and ambient air temperature was 284.15 K. On this site, the highest subsurface temperature reached 343.55 K in the control quadrat. The mathematical model showed that the temperature inside the coal heap should not fall below 293.15 K for at least 20 years. [Received: April 2, 2013; Accepted: December 26, 2013]