Modeling and optimization of a binary geothermal power plant

A model is developed for an existing organic Rankine cycle (ORC) utilizing a low temperature geothermal source. The model is implemented in Aspen Plus® and used to simulate the performance of the existing ORC equipped with an air-cooled condensation system. The model includes all the actual characteristics of the components. The model is validated by approximately 5000 measured data in a wide range of ambient temperatures. The net power output of the system is maximized. The results suggest different optimal operation strategies based on the ambient temperature. Existing literature claims that no superheat is optimal for maximum performance of the system; this is confirmed only for low ambient temperatures. For moderate ambient temperatures (Tamb ≥ 1.7 °C) superheat maximizes net power output of the system. The value of the optimal superheat increases with increasing ambient temperature. The optimal operation boosts the total power produced in a year by 9%. In addition, a simpler and semi-analytic model is developed that enables very quick optimization of the operation of the cycle. Based on the pinch condition at the condenser, a simple explicit formula is derived that predicts the outlet pressure of the turbine as a function of mass flow rate of working fluid.