Overcoming seasonal fluctuations in geothermal resource temperature: Power plants utilizing radial turbines with variable inlet guide vanes

摘要

Across the globe, the temperature of geothermal resources varies from region to region and even among sites in the same region. Resource temperature determines the type of geothermal power plant best suited for a certain site. Additionally, seasonal and dayight fluctuations in onsite ambient temperature pose challenges for geothermal power generation. This article will outline a technology for optimizing power generation in so-called "binary plants" - "binary" because they use the geothermal brine to boil a secondary working fluid that drives power-generating turbines in a closed cycle. Industrial applications include the more commonly used Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), as well as the Kalina Cycle (KC) for sites with low geothermal resource temperature.