Optimization of Steam Pipeline in Geothermal Power Located on Java Island

Abstract

In geothermal power plant, pipeline is steam gathering system that transmitting steam from the well head to the turbine. Issue that occur is loss of energy during the transmission process in the form of heat loss, pressure drop, and decrement of flow rate. When major heat loss and pressure drop occur, the a low level of steam quality is an unavoidable consequence that leads to a higher risk of water hammer along the pipeline and water droplet that could cause corrosion in the turbine. On the other hand, decrement of flow rate means a lower amount of steam that transmitted to the turbines. All these phenomena would cause to a lower output power of the power plant. In order to restore the output power to its initial condition, optimization of the pipeline must be conducted. This optimization will be conducted by analysing the pressure drop and calculating the heat loss and flow rate. These efforts will be followed by studying all possible scenarios that can be implemented to have a minimum pressure drop, heat loss, and a steady flow rate of the steam. A simulation using computerized fluid dynamic software will also be executed in order to have a clear view of the steam flow inside the pipeline. This simulation will also useful to obtain a best scenario that leads to minimum energy loss in the transmission process.