| Title | Optimization of Palinpinon - 1 Production Field Based on Exergy Analysis - the Southern Negros Geothermal Field, Philippines |
|---|---|
| Authors | Arvin R. Aqui, Jonathan S. Aragones and Arthur E. Amistoso |
| Year | 2005 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | exergy, specific exergy, utilization efficiency |
| Abstract | This paper discusses the exergy assessment of Palinpinon 1 production field, and presents a sensitivity evaluation on the viability of a double flash, low pressure turbine system with respect to silica saturation. Optimization of the Palinpinon 1 production field has become an urgent requirement with the increasing power demand of the Visayas Grid in Central Philippines. Projected short-fall may reach >100 MW at the end of Y2005. Add to this, the current steam production of the field has declined over the past twenty years of continuous exploitation barely meeting the requirement of the 112.5 MW power plant due to pressure drawdown, injection returns and wellbore blockages. Shifting the brine injection farther away from the production sector and well workovers in conjunction with acid stimulation have been successful in controlling the consequent adverse effects but recurrence of these problems only keeps the steam supply at a manageable level. Make-up and replacement wells could boost steam production but these are highly susceptible to the same problems encountered at present. The recent exergy assessment of the Palinpinon 1 production field implies that the current power generation can still be increased significantly with the existing steam production. The Utilization Efficiency, ?u indicated that less than 40% of the maximum energy at the wellhead has been converted to electrical power. Exergy calculations from the wellhead down to the power plant showed that significant potential energy of the brine can still be harnessed to produce additional power for the plant before returning it back to earth. Thus, more power for the same fluid extraction. Moreover, the specific exergy of individual well provides a practical guide for optimum operation. |