Self-superheated combined flash binary geothermal cycle using transcritical-CO2 power cycle with LNG heat sink as the secondary cycle

Abstract

Combined flash binary geothermal cycle (CFBGC) is an efficient geothermal energy conversion technology. Natural gas (NG) is a preferred fuel in the current energy scenario. LNG gasification is a needed step for delivering NG among the end users. In the present study, a self-superheated single-flash geothermal steam cycle, a transcritical CO₂ power cycle and an LNG gasification unit are integrated into a CFBGC. This study shows that the LNG gasification rate and power output can be increased simultaneously by increasing the steam turbine inlet pressure. At a higher steam turbine inlet pressure, desirable steam quality (i.e., 0.9) at the steam turbine exit is maintained by implementing self superheating of the steam. It is observed that 15 °C DSH of steam enables the CFBGC to operate at a steam turbine inlet pressure that substantially enhances the output power without a noticeable increase in levelized electricity cost (LEC). The CFBGC operating at this condition yields 9.97 % higher power output compared to that of the CFBGC operating at steam turbine inlet pressure requiring no DSH of steam. As a geothermal-based power plant emits very low CO₂, the proposed energy system may emerge as a future sustainable energy option.