Energy analysis of Olkaria I power plant, Kenya

Abstract

The processes of electricity production from geothermal resources at Olkaria I Power Plant in Kenya were analysed using the exergy analysis method. The objectives of the analysis were to determine the overall second law (exergy) of efficiency of the power plant, pinpoint the locations and quantities of exergy losses and wastes and suggest ways to address these losses and wastes. In the analysis, the power plant was simplified into sub-systems, each with distinct exergy inflows and outflows and approximated into steady-state flow. The theory and mathematical formulations were adapted from the book ‘Exergy methods of thermal plant analysis’ and several online internet publications. Mathematical models for exergy flows were developed and analysed using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) software to perform the calculations. The degree of thermodynamic perfection (measure of performance) was based on the rational efficiency concept. A few assumptions and simplifications were made.