| Title | Geothermal power generation through application of low temperature turbine (LTT) power generation technology |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lars Tallbacka, Otar S. Vardigoreli |
| Year | 2003 |
| Conference | International Geothermal Workshop, Russia |
| Keywords | Power generation, turbine, rock |
| Abstract | Western Georgia has abundant geothermal energy resources retained in aquifer waters of Lower Cretaceous fractured and karstified limestones and dolomites located at depths between 2,500-4,000 m. Flowing wellhead temperatures are reported in the range 90?-110?C, the installed geothermal capacity amounts to 312 MW. Application of the currently developed low temperatures turbine (LTT) power generation process would suggest the potentially available annual geothermal power supply to the tune of 530 GWh, enough to power around 150,000 households. The LTT power generation process is applicable at geothermal water temperatures from 85?C and higher with a postulated efficiency up to 23%. This paper describes the LTT power generation process and further summarises the salient parameters and general conditions attributed to a tentative geothermal power pilot project located in the Zugdidi-Tsaishi area, western Georgia. Preliminary calculations reveal a financial rate of return (FRR) for this project between 15-20%. |