Design Considerations and Technology Utilized on Geothermal Power Plant Turbines for Efficient, Reliable Operation

Abstract

The cost for geothermal resource exploration, drilling and plant construction represents one of the big financial risks in the development of a geothermal power plant. The second risk is to ensure the equipment used to convert this thermal energy into electrical power meets the challenge of this demanding application. This paper will get into the design challenges that are unique to geothermal steam applications which must be addressed to ensure long term reliable power generation. Covered in this paper are the issues such moisture erosion, materials selection, steam chemistry limits, impact of steam field depletion and options for geothermal cycles available today.