Thermodynamic analysis of a binary power cycle for different EGS geofluid temperatures

Enhanced Geothermal Systems show promise for meeting growing energy demands. The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) can be used to convert low and medium-temperature geothermal energy to electricity, but the working fluid must be carefully selected for the ORC system design. This paper compares the system performance using R134a, isobutane, R245fa and isopentane for four typical geofluid temperatures below 200 °C. Three type (subcritical, superheated and transcritical) power generation cycles and two heat transfer control models (total heat control model and vaporization control model) are used for different EGS source temperatures and working fluids. This paper presents a basic analysis method to select the most suitable working fluid and to optimize the operating and design parameters for a given EGS resource based on the thermodynamics.

► We present a method to selecting working fluids for EGS resources. ► Working fluids with critical temperatures near geofluid temperature is priority. ► Operating conditions requiring use of total heat control model give good behave. ► Transcritical cycle is good choice.