Dr. Chen, Ching-Ming, the Vice President of MIRDC, has invited experts from Tsing Hua University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Chin-Yi University of Technology, Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taitung University, HanPower Company, and Tatung New Energy Department to visit their first operation of energy-harvesting hot spring power generation exhibition unit in A-YA-WAN Hot Spring Resort in Taitung. In the meeting, they exchanged ideas in terms of promotion of hot spring green energy research, industrial application, and talent cultivation. In the future, they will move towards the research of energy harvesting for thermal power generation in low-temperature.
Dr. Chen also stated that the installment of hot spring thermal power generator in A-YA-WAN Hot Spring Resort is the green energy milestone completed by the connection between industry-academia-research institute, and local fields. The research team utilized conditions of actual hot spring supply, tank volume, and noises, and, by combining with the energy system capabilities of HanPower Company, developed customized ORC small thermal power unit for self-sustaining green power at 10kW. Currently, the target is focused on the power generation by 95 °C hot water, reduction of unit spatial occupation, and operation noise decreases to 65dB or less. Among them, the large geothermal field is merged with local hot springs, which is connected to foresight energy and reaches the win-win situation with local industry upgrade.
Additionally the experts expressed if low GWP refrigerant can be developed in low-temperature application, the green energy efficiency and environmental protection can be taken into account. In terms of energy-harvesting generator, the low-MR high efficiency generator technology can increase generation efficiency; for variable factors of specific temperature and water volume of hot spring, cross-field technologies of big data modeling, AI machine learning, and intelligent adjustment can overcome the issues. Later on, MIRDC will propose a joint research program with scholars and experts to utilize the existing units, to build a research platform, continue to establish diverse green energy technology of hot spring, cultivate professional talents, provide science education field, and create opportunities and green energy benefits together.