Modelling an efficient and economical geothermal power plant for Montserrat

Abstract

Geothermal energy is an environmentally friendly source of renewable heat contained in the earth interior which has been used for heating for centuries and more recently for electricity production. The island of Montserrat lies at the eastern boundary of the Caribbean plate. With an estimated potential of 940 MW from geothermal energy, Montserrat aims to eliminate the current 100% dependency on fossil fuels. The harnessing of geothermal energy in Montserrat began with the exploration and drilling of three geothermal wells, Mon 1, Mon 2, and Mon 3, and has created the avenue for the development of a geothermal power plant. The objective of this study is to provide information on which the most efficient and economical geothermal power plant for Montserrat by analysing three power plants types: single flash, binary (with cyclopentane as the secondary fluid) and back pressure. The modelling was done in Scilab. Scilab is a numerical computation software that is well suited for this type of power plant modelling. It allows the use of numerous mathematical solutions in combination with numerous combinations of well configurations and boundary conditions. The Scilab software can aid exploring the efficiency and power output of different power plant types. The results show that binary turbines using cyclopentane as working fluid are preferable. Based on this, recommendations for the development of geothermal energy in Montserrat can be given