Assessment and optimization of a single flash geothermal system recovered by a trans‐critical CO2 cycle using different scenarios

Abstract

AbstractIn the evolving landscape of sustainable energy, optimizing geothermal power systems presents a critical challenge. This study explores the energy and exergy efficiencies of a power production system utilizing a single‐flash geothermal cycle integrated with a trans‐critical CO2 cycle. The study's methodology involves a detailed examination of key performance parameters—separator pressure, CO2 turbine intake pressure, and steam turbine output pressure. Utilizing the EES software environment, the study innovatively employs a combination of Genetic Algorithm (GA), Nelder–Mead Simplex (NMS) method, and Direct algorithm (DA). When using GA, NMS and DA, the system's exergy efficiency increases from 32.46% in the default operating mode to 39.21%, 36.16%, and 38.82%, respectively. One of the notable outcomes is the identification of optimal separator pressure for maximum energy efficiency. Furthermore, the study reveals that increasing the CO2 turbine's inlet pressure adversely impacts the system's efficiency. The study's results contribute significantly to the field of renewable energy, offering practical guidelines for enhancing the performance of geothermal power systems.