Performance Analysis and Optimization of Double-Flash Geothermal Power Plants

Abstract

One of the most important cycles for electricity generation from geothermal energy is the double-flash cycle. Approximately 25% of the total geothermal based electricity generation all over the world comes from double-flash geothermal power plants. In this paper, performance analysis of a hypothetical double-flash geothermal power plant is performed and variations of fundamental characteristics of the plant are examined. In the performance analysis, initially, optimum flashing pressures are determined, and energy and exergy values of the base points of the plant are calculated. In addition, first and second law efficiencies of the power plant are calculated. Main exergy destruction locations are determined and these losses are illustrated in an exergy flow diagram. For these purposes, it is assumed that a hypothetical double-flash geothermal power plant is constructed in the conditions of western Turkey. The geothermal field where the power plant will be built produces geofluid at a temperature of 210°C and a mass flow rate of 200kg∕s. According to simulation results, it is possible to produce 11,488kWe electrical power output in this field. Optimum first and second flashing pressures are determined to be 530kPa and 95kPa, respectively. Based on the exergy of the geothermal fluid at reservoir, overall first and second law efficiencies of the power plant are also calculated to be 6.88% and 28.55%, respectively.