A Software for Process Assessment of Geothermal Industry and Its Applications

Abstract

Software which finds application in the field of thermal process engineering in the geothermal industry has been developed. It has been devised to be easy to use and quick in providing answers and solutions during feasibility studies, process assessment, and performance cycle monitoring of condensing geothermal plants. It features a graphical interface which allows the process representation by means of a flow diagram; due to the modular conception, processes of almost any complexity may be successfully simulated.

The equations governing the thermal balance are simultaneously solved via a Newton-Raphson technique. The software also performs availability analysis (exergetic balance) and for can therefore be considered a valuable tool for educational purposes.

A few applications to the geothermal industry are illustrated and the benefits of preheating the working fluid of a geothermal plant by a renewable, low rank fuel, such as biomass are discussed.