Design concepts for flash steam systems for use with medium temperature geothermal water

Technical Report · Tue Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7191976· OSTI ID:7191976

Whitbeck, J F

Medium temperature water can be utilized for production of electrical energy when it is available in massive quantities. The design concepts herein are to provide a base for feasibility studies and evaluate processes with consideration of the economics of developing this electrical energy on a commercial scale. Two methods of producing electrical energy with geothermal water are being considered. The methods discussed in this document are by the flashing process of producing steam for driving turbine-generators. Flash steam systems were evaluated for use with 300/sup 0/F water. Single and multiflash systems were evaluated and component size sensitivity to operating pressures were studied. It was determined that a double flash system is the most practical system. Net power production of approximately 2.4 megawatts/million pounds per hour of brine is estimated for the double flash system which operates at an initial flash pressure of 30 psia and a second stage pressure of 13 psia. Flash pressures below atmospheric are not recommended due to oxygen leakage into the system. Sensitivity analysis has indicated that the power output is not highly sensitive to the first stage flash pressure. A significant loss in power output occurs if the second stage pressure is increased significantly.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Engineering Lab., Idaho Falls (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: E(10-1)-1375
• OSTI ID: 7191976
• Report Number(s): ANCR-1210
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
CONVERSION
DESIGN
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY CONVERSION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLASHED STEAM SYSTEMS
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
Geothermal Legacy
HOT-WATER SYSTEMS
HYDROTHERMAL SYSTEMS
POWER
POWER GENERATION
POWER PLANTS
POWER POTENTIAL
THERMAL POWER PLANTS