ENEL COMMISSION NEVADA GEOTHERMAL

摘要

Two binary geothermal power plants with a total capacity of 65 MW have been inaugurated by Enel Green Power in Churchill County, Nevada.rnThe two new plants, called Stillwater and Salt Wells, are expected to generate over 400 GWh annually, with the output from the plants sold to the local utility, NV Energy.rnStillwater and Salt Wells are medium-enthalpy plants, meaning that they operate at temperatures between 130℃-150℃ (266°F-302°F), using binary cycle technology that employs two fluids: hot water is extracted from the ground and brought into contact with a working fluid (in this case, isobutane) contained in a closed circuit.rnThe temperature of the geothermal resource in the Fallon area of Nevada is below the 204℃ (400°F) considered 'standard' for typical operations. However, the cooler water is nonetheless able to flash isobutane to create the high pressure vapour that drives turbines, and subsequently generators.