Geothermal power generation using the binary cycle

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1973 · Geotherm. Energy Mag., v. 1, no. 1, pp. 45-58

OSTI ID:4366639

Holt, B; Hutchinson, A J.L.; Cortez, D S

Geothermal resources of the world are comparable in magnitude to fossil fuel and nuclear energy resources. It is evident that the technology exists to exploit economically many of the world's known geothermal reservoirs and that the impact on the environment will be minimal. A flowsheet for a typical binary power cycle is shown. The geothermal fluid is flashed and steam is flashed and steam is separated from the hot brine. Both streams are used to heat and vaporize the power fluid that is passed through a turboexpander and condensed with cooling water. The power fluid is then pumped to the upper working pressure and reheated to complete the cycle. The brine may be reinjected and the steam condensate used for cooling tower makeup, sold as fresh water, or reinjected with the brine. At the San Diego Gas and Electric plant the working fluid will be isobutane that will be heated by flashed steam and brine and condensed with cooling water. No expansion turbine or generator wiIl be installed initially. (MCW)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-29-015041
• OSTI ID: 4366639
• Journal Information: Geotherm. Energy Mag., v. 1, no. 1, pp. 45-58, Journal Name: Geotherm. Energy Mag., v. 1, no. 1, pp. 45-58; ISSN GTEMA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*ELECTRIC POWER-- GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
*GEOTHERMAL ENERGY-- ECONOMICS
BRINES
DESIGN
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENT
N80200* --Energy Utilization & Economics
PLANNING
POLLUTION
POWER PLANTS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS