Diseño de un ciclo binario para una planta geotérmica en la Región del Magdalena Medio

Abstract

For all the difficulties that the use of conventional energies represents, including environmental problems, humankind has turned to the search for renewable energies. A very promising source of clean energy is geothermal energy. This consists of taking advantage of the high temperatures that are achieved inside the earth at the surface level. Colombia has great potential for geothermal energy due to the large number of geothermal wells that exist. Among the most promising regions is Magdalena Medio. This study aims to provide a solution to the energy needs of the municipality of Barrancabermeja, which are calculated around 10 MW. Taking advantage of the proximity of the Magdalena River, it was used as a heat sink. A usable temperature of the existing wells was determined. A preselection of 17 substances referenced in the scientific literature was made, of which 5 were selected to perform a Binary Rankine Cycle analysis iterating with one, two and three heat exchangers by using the Cycle-Tempo software. These analyzes showed that for one, two and three heat exchangers the best substance with respect to the parameters of thermal efficiency, mass flow of cooling water and mass flow of working substance is Ammonia. Iso-pentane and Propane are the best options considering as a selection parameter the least amount of cooling water taken from the river.