| Abstract |
Turboden is a leader in the Organic Rankine Cycle Technology (ORC) technology and business. The company was established in 1980, so has almost 4 decades of experience behind it. Currently there are already 380 Turboden ORC plants in operation or under construction in 42 countries worldwide, utilizing turbines designed in-house. Turboden has seven geothermal binary plants in operation, and two under construction. The plants are located in Germany, France, Austria and Croatia, supplying base-load power and heat for the local communities. In the last few years, Turboden has successfully implemented 4 geothermal plants in the Molasse basin (Bavaria, south of Munich). One 5 MW geothermal power plant (in Sauerlach), two 5.6 MW plants in the same region (in Dürrnhaar and Kirchstockach), and a 4.1 MW cogen geothermal plant in the city of Traunreut, designed to deliver also up to 12 MW thermal power to the local heating grid [1]. In August 2017, Turboden won a European tender for a 3.4 MWel plant to be realized in Holzkirchen. This order establishes the Turboden’s leadership in the German ORC geothermal market. Turboden’s successful experience continues in France, for the Soultz-sous-Forêts plant in operation. Currently Turboden is in the construction phase for another geothermal plant in the Upper Rhyne Valley. In Croatia, Turboden has constructed one of the largest single ORC turbines for the 17.5 MW Velika Ciglena project which has been in operation since December 2018. The technical features and the operational data of these plants will be described in detail, focusing on both the performance figures and availability of the ORC unit and on the overall availability of the projects (including downhole geothermal pumps and balance of plant). |