Turboden's ORC grid balancing capability

Abstract

The paper describes the advantages of ORC geothermal power plants to ensure a secure and stable energy supply. Thanks to these features, geothermal technologies could therefore positively contribute to the stabilisation of the electricity grid. A geothermal power plant can be efficiently used in partial load operation and, especially with new ORC technology, can quickly ramp its output down on demand. Turboden’s ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) binary geothermal power plants have already implemented this kind of features that suitably match the needs of modern electric grids. Moreover, stability during the Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) is guaranteed and, in case of electrical fault on the grid, the ORC is able to operate on island mode (keeping the geothermal pumps in function).
The development of a geothermal ORC plant will result in reduced system costs, a benefit which should be highlighted when comparing geothermal ORC plant to other power plant technologies. There is an urgent need to develop mechanisms that reward the flexibility a geothermal plant can provide.