Quick Look Report on the Startup Tests for the Raft River 5-MW(E) Pilot Geothermal Power Plant

摘要

A preliminary analysis was made of the initial startup data taken between October 20 and November 2, 1981 for the 5 MW(e) Pilot Geothermal Power Plant located at the Raft River Site in southeast Idaho. This plant utilizes a dual-boiling isobutane binary cycle. Two test conditions were selected for analysis: (1) a thermal loop test with 94% of the design geofluid flow, and (2) a test at about three-fourths of the design geofluid flow in which one megawatt was generated from working-fluid flow through the low-pressure stage of the turbine. Component and system energy balances were made, and comparisons between experimental results and computer simulations of the plant were conducted. A preliminary analysis of condenser tube wall temperatures was performed. Except for a malfunction in the high pressure turbine throttle valve system, the plant performed generally as predicted, and the testing was judged to be successful.