Final phase testing and evaluation of the 500 kW direct contact pilot plant at East Mesa
The testing performed during the last phase of the geothermal direct contact heat exchanger program utilizing the 500 kW pilot plant provided more insight into the capabilities and limits of the direct contact approach and showed that more work needs to be done to understand the inner workings of a large direct contact heat exchanger if they are to be modeled analytically. Testing of the column demonstrated that the performance was excellent and that the sizing criteria is conservative. The system operated smoothly and was readily controlled over a wide range of operating conditions. Performance evaluation showed pinch differentials of 4/sup 0/F or less and better than predicted heat transfer capability. Testing during this final phase was directed towards establishing the limits of the column to transfer heat. The working column height was shortened progressively to approximately 16 feet from a design length of 28 feet. The short column performed as well as a full length column and there are indications that the column could have been shortened even more without affecting its ability to transfer heat. The column's ability to perform as well with shortened lengths indicates that the heat transfer coefficients and criteria derived from the small scale tests are very conservative.
- Research Organization:
- Barber-Nichols Engineering Co., Arvada, CO (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-83SF11700
- OSTI ID:
- 5448173
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/SF/11700-T1; ON: DE84004781
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
DIRECT CONTACT HEAT EXCHANGERS
TESTING
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
DESIGN
HEAT TRANSFER
OPERATION
PERFORMANCE
POWER RANGE 100-1000 KW
PUMPING
RECOVERY
TURBINES
WORKING FLUIDS
ENERGY TRANSFER
FLUIDS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
MACHINERY
POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
TURBOMACHINERY
Geothermal Legacy
150802* - Geothermal Power Plants- Power Plant Systems & Components