Thermodynamic Analysis of a Single-Flash Geothermal Power Plant in the Puga Valley, Ladakh, India

Geothermal energy has drawn its attention as an alternative promising energy source in recent times. Geothermal power plants have been developed in different parts of the world based on the geological conditions and thermal potential of the geofields. In the present study, a single-flash geothermal power plant (SFGPP) is proposed for possible operation in the Puga valley in Ladakh region, India. The SFGPP is evaluated thermodynamically using the method of energy and exergy analysis. A mathematical model of the proposed SFGPP is developed to obtain the rates of energy losses and exergy destruction of the SFGPP system components. The energy and exergetic efficiencies of individual components of the SFGPP system are then calculated. The results of the analyses showed that an output overall energy efficiency of 8.37% and the overall exergetic efficiency of 57.74%, respectively, can be obtained with a net power output of 3429.121 kW. The effects of expansion valve and the separator on the steam turbine (ST) power output and efficiency are found to be dependent on the geofluid conditions, especially on the geofield location. The overall performance of the single-flash system is expected to improve with a reduction in losses in the turbine, condenser, and the expansion valve.