Reliability of Geothermal Power Generation and Experience of Trouble

Abstract

A quater century has passed since technology started development stage of practical use of geothermal power generation. There are some geothermal power plants, which have remained in successful operation over twenty years with extreamly high level of availability. On the other hand, many kinds of troubles peculiar to geothermal power generation have been experienced by not a few geothermal power station in service. Important to preventing severe geothermal power plants troubles, therefore, are not only careful material selection at design stage but also timely inservice inspection and complete metallurgical inspection at every overhauL Geothermal power generation needs no fuel. So the economical power generation with .geothermal power station should result from high reliability of plant operation.