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Improving geothermal power plants with a binary cycle

  • Energy Conservation, New and Renewable Energy Sources
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Abstract

The recent development of binary geothermal technology is analyzed. General trends in the introduction of low-temperature geothermal sources are summarized. The use of single-phase low-temperature geothermal fluids in binary power plants proves possible and expedient. The benefits of power plants with a binary cycle in comparison with traditional systems are shown. The selection of the working fluid is considered, and the influence of the fluid’s physicochemical properties on the design of the binary power plant is discussed. The design of binary power plants is based on the chemical composition and energy potential of the geothermal fluids and on the landscape and climatic conditions at the intended location. Experience in developing a prototype 2.5 MW Russian binary power unit at Pauzhetka geothermal power plant (Kamchatka) is outlined. Most binary systems are designed individually for a specific location. Means of improving the technology and equipment at binary geothermal power plants are identified. One option is the development of modular systems based on several binary systems that employ the heat from the working fluid at different temperatures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ZAO Geoterm-EM, Lefortovskii Val 24, Moscow, 111250, Russia

    G. V. Tomarov, A. A. Shipkov & E. V. Sorokina

Authors
  1. G. V. Tomarov
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  2. A. A. Shipkov
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  3. E. V. Sorokina
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Correspondence to G. V. Tomarov.

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Original Russian Text © G.V. Tomarov, A.A. Shipkov, E.V. Sorokina, 2015, published in Teploenergetika.

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Tomarov, G.V., Shipkov, A.A. & Sorokina, E.V. Improving geothermal power plants with a binary cycle. Therm. Eng. 62, 878–885 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0040601515120101

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0040601515120101

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