In the heart of Khuzestan, Iran, a team of researchers led by Seyed Sajad Mosaviasl from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Islamic Azad University Dezful Branch, has made significant strides in enhancing the efficiency of geothermal power systems. Their innovative approach, published in ‘Advances in Engineering and Intelligence Systems’ (also known as ‘Advances in Engineering and Intelligent Systems’), combines a geothermal system with an organic Rankine cycle, utilizing a zeotropic mixture to boost performance.
The study reveals that by integrating a zeotropic mixture into the organic Rankine cycle, the system can generate a substantial 3841 kW of net power with an impressive 61.09% exergetic efficiency and a payback period of just 3.55 years. This breakthrough not only improves the system’s overall performance but also offers a compelling economic advantage.
Mosaviasl emphasizes the importance of their findings, stating, “The use of a zeotropic mixture in the organic Rankine cycle significantly enhances the system’s efficiency and economic viability. This could revolutionize how we approach geothermal power generation, making it more competitive in the energy market.”
The research delves into the intricacies of mass, energy, exergy, and exergoeconomic analyses to evaluate the proposed system’s performance. The parametric study conducted by Mosaviasl and his team reveals that the mass fraction of the zeotropic mixture plays a crucial role in influencing net power generation, energy and exergetic efficiencies, and the payback period. The study found that the evaporation temperature in the vapor generator unit has a more significant impact on exergy destruction than the zeotropic mixture’s mass fraction.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its economic analysis. The team estimated the net present value for different geofluid and electricity sale prices, demonstrating that a 22% increase in electricity prices, while keeping geofluid prices constant, can reduce the payback period by about 23% and improve the system’s profit by approximately 54.7%.
The researchers also applied a multi-objective optimization technique, achieving a payback period of about 3.26 years and an exergetic efficiency of 62.15%. This optimization underscores the potential for significant economic and operational improvements in geothermal power systems.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to grow, the enhancement of geothermal power systems could play a pivotal role in meeting global energy needs. By improving the efficiency and economic viability of geothermal power generation, Mosaviasl and his team are paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.
The findings from this study could shape future developments in the field by encouraging further research into the use of zeotropic mixtures in various energy systems. The potential for improved efficiency and reduced costs could make geothermal energy a more attractive option for investors and energy providers alike. As the world seeks to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, innovations like those presented by Mosaviasl and his team will be critical in driving this change.
