Publications
Selection of technology options for binary cycle power plant (2013)
Chris Taylor, 35th New Zealand Geothermal Workshop: 2013 Proceedings
Binary power plants are becoming increasingly common due to environmental constraints and extended range of resources that are being considered for development. There are also more options available for suppliers and technology.
This paper describes the range of technology options and the selection of them for particular resources. It covers optimization of the cycle and factors considered in the evaluation of plant.
The paper looks at some specific cycles that have been conceptually designed for recent projects.
Geothermal Plant Design (2012)
Chris Taylor, From Start to Steam Geothermal Workshop, New Zealand
Presentation on geothermal plant design including steamfield, steam plant, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant and direct use.
Te Mihi Geothermal Power Project – From Inception To Execution (2012)
Roger Hudson, Grant Morris, Peter Tearne, New Zealand Geothermal Workshop 2012 Proceedings
The inception of the 166 MW Te Mihi geothermal power project followed the successful re-consenting of the Wairakei power station in 2007. The configuration and construction of the Te Mihi power station in the west of the field optimised the use of the geothermal resource and addressed some of the additional resource consent conditions relating to the continued operation of the Wairakei power station.
Although the existing steamfield and any extension would be able to supply steam for electricity generation for many more years, any additional re-consenting of the Wairakei station in its existing location and current, or even altered, configuration was considered to be difficult beyond its current consent expiry in 2026. The Te Mihi geothermal power station is a staged replacement of the existing Wairakei A and B power station.
The Te Mihi power station is currently one of the single biggest geothermal developments in the world. This paper discusses some of the challenges relating to development, consenting, design and construction of this significant project.