Combination of Axial Exhaust Turbine and Direct Contact Condenser - Maibarara Geothermal Power Plant

Abstract

Maibarara Geothermal Power Plant, owned and operated by Maibarara Geothermal Inc (MGI) employs a combination of the axial exhaust steam turbine and the direct contact type condenser. Axial exhaust steam turbine enables to lower the power house height which results in lower construction cost. This type of turbines were already applied to some geothermal power plants in the USA and Iceland with combination of the surface type condenser. When the direct contact condenser is coupled to the axial exhaust steam turbine, arrangement of turbine and condenser needs to be carefully designed to avoid back flow of huge amount of cooling water from the condenser to the turbine blades. Protection system also needs to be studied. Brief introduction of the plant as well as the considerations in design and engineering will be presented.