Wellhead Power Plants and Operating Experience at Wendel Hot Springs

Abstract

Modular wellhead power plants, based on the organic Rankine cycle, have proven reliability with high utilization of the available resource. The power cycle is adaptable to water or steam temperatures of 180°F to 350°F. The power plant working fluid is a halogenated hydrocarbon refrigerant that is selected to provide high overall performance. The working fluid is nontoxic and nonflammable. These features reduce system cost and provide safer operation. Each power plant consists of one module which contains all of the heat excgangers, power turbine, alternator and controls. The power plant can generate from 300 kW to over 100 kW. The larger size plants utilize additional heat rejection modules. Multiple plants can be located at the wellhead, producing several megawatts. These plants can be on line in approximately six months from project initiation. Operating experience at the Wineagle Power Project, located at Wendel Hot Springs, has demonstrated a plant availability greater than 95% since commencing commercial operation in September of 1985. Module performance features and operating experience are discussed in the paper.