Simulation and Performance Analysis of the New Geothermal Co-Generation Power Plant (OV-5) at Svartsengi

Abstract

Geothermal power plants, particularly those operating on the flash-steam principle, offer the opportunity to combine electricity generation with direct heat applications. The latter can be accomplished using the thermal energy available in the waste brine and rejected heat from the condenser to heat fresh feed water which can then be distributed to a variety of end users. The modular method is used to simulate and analyze the performance of the new co-generation power plant (OV-5) at Svartsengi that generates electricity via a single-flash process; the turbine's extraction is then used to provide heat for the heat exchangers where fresh water is heated up to 110?C for a district heating system. The static and dynamic behavior of the power plant at different electrical and heat loads can be analyzed by the simulation. Comparison of results with the manufacturerís data indicates that the simulation model can be used to demonstrate different operating conditions of the turbine. The conditions of the turbine extractions are thoroughly studied to determine the range of allowable electrical load that ensures sufficient steam flow from the extractions at different heat loads. In this way it is possible to optimize the operational strategy of the power plant for different electrical and heat loads. The energy balance of this type of geothermal power plant is also presented in this paper.