Control System Concepts to Improve Geothermal Plant Availability

Abstract

Advanced power plant controls are now commonly applied to the newest fossil, nuclear and hydro plants to achieve maximum performance and increase reliability. The expansion of integrated plant controls to geothermal plants presents equally valuable opportunities to improve energy production from this important resource. In the past, one out of two (1oo2) systems have been used due to their lower installation costs but it is not clear whether during the life cycle of the plant this actually represents a saving, due to the higher risk of false alarms and increased plant shutdown when compared with the more advanced two out of three (2oo3) architecture. This paper will discuss the key elements of plant control system architecture for geothermal, highlighting the benefits that a 2oo3 integrated architecture can provide in relation to plant availability.