Malana
Malana
Malana
ABSTRACT
Biliran I Geothermal Project is one of the promising yet undeveloped intermediate-enthalpy geothermal resources in the Philippines. It
was initially explored but later abandoned due to high corrosive brine from the wells. Years later, scientists and engineers created Fluid
Management System (FMS) and chose Well BN-06D for the well testing procedure. The FMS was eventually completed and has been
successful. Due to wellhead power plants are currently being used worldwide, this study will use Well BN-06D for determining its
power generation. By using the parameters from FMS bore output measurements and Engineers Equation Solver (EES) codes, this study
evaluated the potential generation of Well BN-06D through energy analysis as well as the applicable and available conceptual models
suited for the well, including the system optimization.
1. INTRODUCTION
Philippines uses geothermal energy as one of the main of source of electricity. Based on Philippine Department of Energy (DOE)’s
2018 Power Statistics Report, geothermal energy contributed a total of 10,435 Gwh gross power generation or 10.5% share on total
gross of the country (Department of Energy 2018). However, geothermal development is idle and still for over the last decade. The
future development now relies to the government by further intervening and promoting the utilization on unconventional geothermal
resources such as low-to-intermediate enthalpy and acidic fluids throughout the country.
Geothermal wellhead units have been used for many decades. It is commonly used on remote areas that are isolated from national grid, a
power source during resource development or simply, this technology is applied because it only needs a small area to construct and have
shorter steam transmission lines compared to central power plants. Biliran Island has a 5 MW baseline demand, while the peak demand
is eight (8) MW. Installing geothermal wellhead units would contribute and eventually a solution to island’s frequent power outage.
Energy analysis is based on the first and second law of thermodynamics. The first law of thermodynamics states the heat is a form of
energy that can be neither created nor destroyed. However, it can be transferred from one place to another and can be converted to other
forms of energy. It means that the work of internal energy of a system has to be equal that is being done on the system.
First law of thermodynamics on a system can be expressed as
Q W m ( h 2 h1 ) 1 / 2 ( v 2 v 1 ) g ( z 2 z 1 )
[1]
By disregarding the enthalpy resulted from kinetic and potential energy, it can be expressed as
Q W m ( h 2 h1 )
[2]
The second law of thermodynamics states that when energy increases, entropy also increases. The entropy is equal to the heat
transferred into a closed system divided with temperature.
O m ( s 2 s1 ) Q / T o
[3]
For an ideal reversible operation, entropy assumes it is zero. From above, the maximum work can be expressed as
W max m [( h 2 h1 ) T o ( s 2 s 1 )]
[4]
1.1 Geothermal Power Plant Classifications
1.1.1 Single Flash Geothermal Power Plant
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Single Flash Geothermal Power Plant (SFGPP) represents the geothermal power production because of its simple design and low cost
(Clarke 2014). In a single flash geothermal power plant, the geothermal fluid has undergone a single flashing process in which a
process of transitioning from a pressurized liquid to a mixture of liquid and vapor by lowering the pressure.
1.1.2 Back Pressure Geothermal Power Plant
Back Pressure Geothermal Power Plant (BPGPP) are the simplest on all system since it is the cheapest but have the lowest thermal
efficiency. It is usually used for temporary power generation or where energy efficiency is not a priority.
1.1.3 Binary Cycle Geothermal Power Plant
Binary Geothermal Power Plant (BGPP) can operate with geothermal brine temperatures ranging from 85 ˚C to 170 ˚C. It also uses a
secondary fluid or commonly known as Working Fluid (WF) that undergoes to a closed cycle. The chosen working fluid absorbs heat
from a geothermal brine, will reach to its boiling point in which would eventually evaporates and expands through a turbine. Then it
condenses and complete the cycle to the evaporator through the feed pump. Majority of the binary geothermal power plants use the
Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). ORC is similar to Rankine Cycle of a thermal power plant except the heat source came from geothermal
brine instead of boilers (Saeid Jalilinasrabady, Ryuichi Itoi, Hiroki Gotoh 2010). Selection of working fluid are decided between its
thermodynamic properties, health, safety and environmental impacts (Di Pippo and DiPippo 2012).
1.1.4 Combined Single Flash System with Binary Cycle
In this system, single flash system is combined with binary cycle and thus, increases the power output of the plant and improves the
ratio of geothermal resource utilization. From the wellhead the geothermal brine will enter to the separator and the steam will be
separated from the geothermal brine. The single flash generates electricity through steam while the separated hot geothermal brine,
binary cycle uses an organic fluid to exchange the thermal energy and then, generates additional electricity (Gong et al. 2010).
Figure 1: Location of Biliran I Geothermal Project Figure 2: Location of the wells in Biliran I
Geothermal Project
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Figure 3: Bore output measurements for BN-06D during the FMS test (WHP, MF, Enthalpy) on 2016, November 15 to
December 07
Figure 4: pH trend on 2016, November 15 to December 29 as it maintained a stable range of 4.5 to 5.5
3. METHODOLOGY
There are different classifications of geothermal power plants that are currently used worldwide. All geothermal power plants convert
from thermal energy (e.g. steam, geothermal brine), to mechanical energy (e.g. turbine) and finally to electrical energy (e.g. electricity).
In this study, Well BN-06D will be used and the gathered FMS results and parameters will be used on the following geothermal power
plant classifications: single flash, back pressure, binary cycle (Organic Rankine Cycle), and combined single flash system with binary
cycle. It will evaluate of the said well through energy analysis including the system optimization. By using the Engineering Equation
Solver (EES), it would calculate and estimate the potential generation from the view point of thermodynamic aspect. Further, plant
optimization maximizes the work output and efficiency. It can estimate the precise parameters to have an optimum work. However, one
of the main constraints of optimizing the work output is the re-injection temperature. The lower the temperature, the higher the work
output. Below are the following wellhead parameters of Well BN-06 that it will be used in this study:
Further, the following are the processes on analyzing geothermal power plants;
1. The isentropic process in which the entropy (s) is constant. It applies to turbines, compressors, and pumps. No loss of energy to
environment or fluid when work is ideally delivered or consumed.
2. The isenthalpic process in which the enthalpy (h) is constant and no work or heat is delivered or consumed from the environment.
Thus, the energy of the fluid remains constant.
3. The isobaric process in which the pressure (p) is constant
4. Heat exchange, wherein only heat is transferred from or to the fluid. This affects both enthalpy and entropy while the pressure is
mostly constant.
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m2
x1 [5]
m1
After the separator the steam will enter to demistifier. It is assumed that it is constant and the steam will enter the turbine. The steam
quality was set to 1 (x[2]=1) hence only the steam enters to turbine and the pressure remains constant. On the other hand, the brine
steam quality was set to 0 (x[12]=0) since it is in saturated liquid state, can be calculated using the equation below:
m b ,12 m 1 m 2
[6]
3.1.2 Turbine Entry
The mass flowrate of the steam to turbine is equal to the mass flowrate after the demistifier assuming a negligible loss. In an ideal
turbine, as the steam expands there is a consideration of isenthalpic. However, ideal conditions are not achievable hence an efficiency
factor t is set as 0.85 (85%).
Further, work done by the turbine can be calculated by:
W T m 3 ( h 3 hs 4 ) * t [7]
3.1.3 Condenser
Instead of steam is discharged to the atmosphere, condenser are designed to optimize the work output by maximizing the pressure drop
from the outlet of turbine. It condensed the exhausted steam from the turbine by a banks of spray nozzles in which the cooling water
came from the cooling tower. Non-Condensable Gas (NCG)s is negligible in this system. Mass balance is required in order to solve the
mass flow rate of cooling water.
m 4 m 8 m 5 [8]
m 4 * h 4 m 8 * h8 m 5 * h5
[9]
The condenser was assumed to have a 3°C temperature drop between inlet and outlet. The density of the condensate, ρ can be found in
the steam tables and the volume flux Q can be calculated by:
m5
Q5
* 3 , 600
5
[10]
While work done by the condenser can be calculated by:
h h5
Duty cond
m5* 4
1, 000 [11]
m 5* g * hp
W CP
cp * cm * 1, 000
[12]
m 6 m 9 * 9 m 7 m 10 10
[13]
Further, fluid enthalpy in the cooling tower and air enthalpy was assumed from the EES property tables and the energy balance can be
obtained by:
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m 6 * h 6 m 9 * h 9 m 7 h 7 m 10 * h10 [14]
Mass evaporated from the cooling tower can be calculated by:
m loss , evap m 6 m7
[15]
Ratio of inlet steam mass flow evaporated from the cooling tower can be calculated by:
m loss , evap
MER
* 100
m3 [16]
Table 3. Conditions and assumptions of the cooling tower
Cooling tower efficiency , 0.7
ctf
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Figure 5. ORC Binary Schematic Diagram Figure 6. Temperature-Entropy Diagram showing the
working fluid flow
Assumptions for the proposed ORC binary power plant are the following:
Frictional losses are not considered
Pressure drops in the evaporator, condenser as well as along the pipelines are neglected
Working fluid after the condenser is considered saturated liquid
75% and 85% in isentropic efficiencies of pump ( p) and turbine ( t), respectively
W turbine ( h1 h 2 ) * m wf * t
[21]
3.3.3 Heat Exchangers
In heat exchangers, thermal energy is transferred from one fluid to another. Evaporator, pre-heater, and condenser were identified as
heat exchangers in this paper. All are well insulated in which the entire heat is transferred between the fluids (Di Pippo and DiPippo
2012).
3.3.4 Evaporator
Geothermal hot brine transfers the energy Q in, to the WF in the evaporator. Considering it is a steady flow, the following are the
equations:
Q evaporator c p * m 12 * (Tb 12 Tb 13 )
[22]
m wf * ( h1 h 5 ) c p * m 12 * (Tb 12 Tb 13 )
[23]
W turbine ( h1 h 2 ) * m wf
[24]
Area of the evaporator and pre-heater can be calculated by:
Q preheater
U * A preheater * T LMTDprehea ter
[26]
Q cooling En 2 En 3 [27]
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W pump ( h 4 h 3 ) * m wf
[29]
While the cooling water pump transmits power to water (Streams 6 and 7). The equation is given by:
m coolingwat er *g*h
W pumpcw
pump * 1, 000
[30]
3.3.7 Choosing a Working Fluid
In selecting a working fluid, it has great indication for maximizing the binary power plant performance. There are plenty of working
fluids to choose from, but there are many constraints related to fluid thermodynamic properties, health, safety, and environmental
impact (Uhorakeye 2008). In terms of the resource, reinjection temperature is one of the constraints in the binary cycle. Below are the
working fluid candidates for the proposed binary cycle geothermal power plant.
3.4 Combined Single Flash System with Binary Cycle (Hybrid System) Geothermal Power Plant
In this study, the power output of the hybrid system is the total amount of the power output produced from the steam and on the power
output produced from brine.
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4.4 Combined Single Flash System with Binary Cycle Geothermal Power Plant
Figure 11. Schematic Diagram of Combined Single Flash System with Binary Cycle (Hybrid System) Geothermal Power Plant
Table 9. Comparison of each system with Power Output and Energy Efficiency
Conceptual Model Power Output, kW Energy Efficiency
Single Flash 3,188 8.2%
Back Pressure 2,019.83 5.2%
Binary Cycle 1,241 7.1%
Combined Single Flash and Binary 4,429 11.3%
5. CONCLUSION
This study is only to discuss the possibility of power production from the view point of thermodynamic and
comprehensive feasibility study is needed to determine the viability of the project. In terms of the binary cycle,
Butene is the most suitable working fluid. Combined single flash and binary with the re-injection temperature of
90.54 ˚C has the highest power output and would utilize the resource. Estimation of 4,429 kW is maximum power
output that Well-BN06 can contribute and provide to the host community.
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for giving this opportunity to participate on
the 2019 “Intensive Training Program for Geothermal Resource Engineers” held in Kyushu University and to the
Philippine Department of Energy for nominating me on the training course. Moreover, want to express my sincere
gratitude to my supervisors, Prof. Ryuichi Itoi and Prof. Saied Jalilinasrabady as well as to the personnel and
students in the Earth Resources Engineering (ERE) laboratory, for sharing their boundless knowledge, endless
patience and continuous efforts for my project study.
7. REFERENCES
C Clemente, V, E H Alcober, Richard de Guzman, and L F Bayrante. 2016. “Country Update on Geothermal Utilization
and Barriers Affecting Its Growth - Philippines.” (November): 18–20.
Clarke, Joshua Geiger. 2014. “Optimal Design of Geothermal Power Plants By.” : 1–204.
Di Pippo, Ronald, and Ronald DiPippo. 2012. Geothermal Power Plants Geothermal Power Plants.
http://books.google.com/books?hl=fr&lr=&id=Ea2osquPZwUC&pgis=1%0Ahttp://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B
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9780080982069000245.
Filtech Energy Drilling Corporation: Resource Assessment: The Biliran Geothermal Field, Philippines, BGI-
Technical Report, Manila, Philippines, (2009).
Gong, Yu-lie, Chao Luo, Wei-bin Ma, and Zhi-jian Wu. 2010. “Thermodynamic Analysis of Geothermal Power
Generation Combined Flash System With.” 1(April): 25–29.
Lawless, J. V., and R. C. Gonzalez. 1982. “Geothermal Geology and Review of Exploration Biliran Island.” Proceedings
of the New Zealand Geothermal Workshop (Espiritu): 161–66.
Marbello, Aylmer, Ariel Fronda, Nilo Apuada, and Dennard Llennarizas. 2020. “Fluid Management System – Acid Well
Neutralization Experience for the Biliran Geothermal Field , Province of Biliran , Philippines.”
Saeid Jalilinasrabady, Ryuichi Itoi, Hiroki Gotoh, and Hiroyuki Kamenosono. 2010. “Energy and Exergy Analysis of
Sabalan Geothermal Power Plant, IRAN.” GRC Transactions 34(418): 25–29.
Uhorakeye, Théoneste. 2008. “Feasibility Design of an Integrated Single-Flash Binary Pilot Power Plant in Nw-Rwanda.”
Training (27).
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Nomenclature
A Area (m2)
ALT Atmospheric Lifetime
BP Boiling Point (℃)
Cp specific heat capacity of water (kJ/kg K)
EES Engineering Equation Solver
g gravity
GWP global warming potential
h enthalpy (kJ/kg)
h1 stage 1 Enthalpy
h2 stage 2 Enthalpy
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑒𝑣 Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference at evaporator
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷𝑝ℎ Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference at preheater
ṁ mass flowrate
ṁ1 total mass flow rate (kg/s)
m2 steam mass flow rate (kg/s)
ṁbrine brine mass flow rate (kg/s)
ṁwf working fluid mass flow rate (kg/s)
Ȯ change in entropy
ODP Ozone depletion potential
ORC Organic Rankine Cycle
P pressure (kPa)
Pc critical pressure (kPa)
Ps saturation pressure (kPa)
Q̇ amount of heat transferred
Q5 heat transfer in the SFGPP condenser (kW)
Qcooling heat transfer in the BCGPP condenser (kW)
QEV heat transfer in evaporator (kW)
QPH heat transfer in preheater (kW)
rho density
s entropy (kJ/kg K)
s1 state 1 entropy
s2 state 2 entropy
To ambient temperature
T temperature (℃)
Tc critical temperature (℃)
v velocity
Ẇ power
Ẇmax maximum work
Wnet net power output (kW)
Wp work of the SFGPP feed pump (kW)
Wpump work of the BCGPP feed pump (kW)
Wt power of the turbine (kW)
z elevation
ηplant overall plant effiency
ηt isentropic efficiency of turbine
ηPlant overall plant efficiency
ηpump efficiency of the pump
Δp pressure head (kPa)
ρ water density of water (kg/m3)
wet bulb temperature (℃)
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