Absorption refrigeration system as an integrated condenser cooling unit in a geothermal power plant

Abstract

Geothermal energy is promising energy for any heat driven applications whether involving direct or indirect utilization processes. A separation process of a geothermal fluid mixture is mostly needed for indirect geothermal utilization, especially in power generation cycles. The separation process disposes of the liquid form of low grade thermal energy which could be utilized further for other direct and indirect utilizations such as a power plant bottoming unit, heating and cooling purposes or other heat driven processes, depending on how much of the available energy remains. As the steam condensation process is one of the main keys for achieving high power generation efficiency, the temperature level of the condenser is very crucial. Condenser temperature regulates the lowest pressure that can be applied to the condenser, not counting the presence of non-condensable gases from geothermal fluids. Simulations for various cooling water temperatures indicate that the change in the condenser’s pressure from 11.178 down to 8.651 kPa yields extra power of about 45 and 33 kW for single flash and double flash systems, respectively ....