| Title | Development of a Computer Model of the Aidlin Geothermal Power Plant for Performance Monitoring, Performance Prediction, and Performance Improvement |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kutschera, Ulf A.; Phair, Kenneth A.; Avery, John R. |
| Year | 2011 |
| Conference | Geothermal Resources Council Transactions |
| Keywords | Geysers; geothermal power plant; heat balance; computer model |
| Abstract | The Aidlin Power Plant was constructed in the late 1980s. After over twenty years of continuous operation, the pressure, temperature, and flow of geothermal steam has changed substantially. Calpine Corporation is the owner and operator of the Aidlin Power Plant, as well as fourteen other power plants in the Geysers area. Calpine Corporation must now operate their plants at conditions that are significantly different from the original design parameters. In an effort to improve performance and maintain stewardship of the geothermal resource, improve performance reporting, and to look forward to potential performance improvements, Calpine sought to obtain current performance models of The Geysers power plants according to the current geothermal resource conditions. To address these needs the modeling team created an “open code” performance model using basic relationships of heat and mass transfer. This paper will present the approach used by the modeling team to assemble a detailed, flexible, and adjustable performance model for the Aidlin plant. It will include a review of certain commercially available heat balance software and explain the choices made by the modeling team to develop a hybrid model consisting of third party software and team-developed Microsoft Excel code. The model is designed to provide plant engineering staff with current performance predictions, parametric reporting, and allow staff to evaluate opportunities for improved performance. The modeling team is currently building models of Calpine’s other Geysers power plants. |