Optimization Investigations of a Combined Binary-Cycle Geothermal Power Plant with Two Separation Pressures and Flashed Steam Superheating Using a Hydrogen–Oxygen Steam Generator

Abstract

The article considers the specific features of and prospects for improving the efficiency of geothermal power plants (GeoPPs) that use a steam–water mixture from geothermal fields and steam superheating as an energy source. The process flow diagram of a combined binary-cycle GeoPP with two separation pressures and flashed steam superheating with the use of a hydrogen–oxygen steam generator is proposed. The advisability of using a separator downstream of the high-pressure section for decreasing the steam moisture at the turbine condenser inlet is substantiated. The article also presents the results from numerical optimization investigations of the effect that the choice of organic working fluid has on the efficiency, safety, and environmental characteristics of the binary installation used as part of a combined-cycle GeoPP. The following groups of organic substances as possible candidates for use as working fluid are considered: nontoxic, nonflammable, and nonexplosive ones (group I); low-toxic, nonflammable, and nonexplosive ones (group II); nontoxic inflammable ones (group III); and low-toxic, inflammable, and explosive ones (group IV). Typical dependences characterizing the effect that the pressure in the expander and the saturation pressure in the evaporator have on the binary turbine net power output, on the specific flowrate of separated geothermal brine per unit power capacity, on the binary cycle efficiency, and on the GeoPP efficiency as a whole are shown taking as examples the use of cyclobutane and octafluoropropane as a working fluid. For a few working fluids, the existence of extremes in the above-mentioned dependences is established, which determine the binary installation optimal power values and the minimal geothermal brine specific flowrate. Based on the numerical analysis results, limitations are imposed on the admissible maximum and minimum pressure values in the binary circuit. Bar charts of calculated process characteristics influencing the binary turbine flow path’s design and efficiency are plotted. A priority (according to the maximum net power output criterion) list of working fluids relating to the group of environmentally friendly organic substances for the combined-cycle GeoPP binary installation with flashed steam superheating taking into account process-related limitations is drawn up.