New Era of Geothermal Energy: Unique Thermal Power Plant Created at TPU

Engineers from Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) have presented a prototype geothermal power plant (GeoPP) with a capacity of up to 25 kilowatts. The installation has passed its first tests.

Unlike traditional geothermal plants in Russia, which use steam, the new TPU system uses an organic Rankine cycle. This allows it to operate at lower temperatures.

Geothermal energy in Russia is only beginning to develop. There are only four geothermal plants operating in the country, located in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. They only operate at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the new TPU installation can use a refrigerant that boils at temperatures from 47 degrees Celsius. This significantly expands the possibilities for its application in various regions.

The GeoPP prototype has already been installed on the TPU campus and has undergone its first field launches. The system consists of several modules, including a heater block, evaporator, condenser, and generator, and can be controlled remotely. In operation, the geothermal fluid rises from the well, transfers heat to the refrigerant, which, when boiled, drives a generator that produces electricity.

The closed-loop technology used in the new power plant minimizes emissions into the environment and allows for simultaneous solutions to electricity and heat supply problems. The uniqueness of the development lies in the use of screw expanders, which are more efficient and economical compared to traditional turbines.

With the help of the prototype, scientists will be able to simulate the operation of the station and identify the optimal parameters for its operation. The first test results confirmed the operability of the technology.

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