Modeling of the Single and Double Flash Cycles and Comparing Them for Power Generation in Sabalan Geothermal Field, Iran

Abstract

The results from three exploration wells and the successful discharge test of them led Renewable Energy Organization of Iran (SUNA) to consider further production drilling in the geothermal resource area in North West Sabalan, Iran, as well as options for early development. In total, eleven exploration wells including production and re-injection wells have been drilled in five well pads in the area so far. However, four of the new production wells were discharged by air lifting and using steam from nearby wells and the flow from those wells was tested successfully. The main objectives of this study are: 1. Evaluation of power generation potential of newly drilled wells. 2. Thermodynamic modeling of single and double flash cycles and comparing them to determine optimum parameters of each cycle. 4. Determination of the first and second law efficiencies and the productivity of geothermal fluid for single flash as well as for double flash systems. The Engineering Equation Solver (EES) was used for developing and analyzing mathematical models of energy flows.