Energy utilisation in a combined geothermal and organic Rankine power cycles

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study involves the design of a single flash cycle which comprises a separator, steam turbine, condenser and pump combined with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The ORC has a three-stage heat exchanger. The mass flow rate of the organic fluid varies depending on the type of organic fluid. The system is heated by geothermal water. The effect of changing the geothermal water temperature [200–260°C] on performance parameters including the power output and overall efficiency has been studied. Four working fluids (n-Butane, Isobutane, R11 and R123) were chosen depending on their properties. The results show that a drop in the source temperature (T1) by 10% will result in 9.7% and 25.3% drop in overall efficiency and net power output for Isobutane. Also, Isobutane has a drop of 4.2% in both; overall efficiency and net power output for a 10% drop in pressure ratio (rp). R11 shows the highest overall efficiency and net power output (18.76% and 24.887 MW) respectively at the design point.