The project is performed in collaboration with EnBW AG and Geothermie Neubrandenburg GmbH.

In the project the geothermal fluid loop and the power plant operation above-ground will be considered, to better evaluate the geothermal power generation potential in Germany. Experience will be gathered by optimising plant operation in Kalina power stations handling highly-saline geothermal fluids. Overall aim is to improve the economics of using geothermal energy for electricity generation.

Based on simplified simulations of the flow phenomena with two-phase mixtures of geothermal fluids containing gases, the effects on the flow and the plant operation of local outgassing and solids sedimentation will be investigated. To achieve this, corresponding operating data and the operating characteristics of the geothermal plant in Bruchsal will be used. Thus it will be possible to determine the best handling of the various complex phenomena occurring when highly saline geothermal fluids are pumped and information will become available on what happens to the two-phase mixtures arriving at the power station equipment above ground. By analysing then the plant processes under varying loading and by determining plant performance indices with which the power station operation can be monitored, it will be possible to optimised the operation of Kalina plants and increase their plant availability.

By studying the flow characteristics of the geothermal fluid streams, of the selection of the construction materials and the water chemistry at different plant loadings of the Bruchsal power station, firstly specific operation improvements for that plant will become available. The results will also provide, however, useful expertise for running other geothermal plants in Germany, which also have to handle geothermal fluids with high salinity. This research will enhance our inderstanding towards an energetically and financially optimised use of geothermal energy. The outcome of the project will promote design improvements in Kalina power stations and will help reduce running costs and increase availability of such plants. In this manner the market chances of geothermal energy use towards achieving the greenhouse gas minimisation targets of the German Federal Government will be enhanced.

Financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the

following a decision of the German Federal Parliament