Environmental temperature optimization

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 91 views

Thermodynamic Analysis of the Sarulla Operation Limited (PT.Sol) Silangkitang Unit with Ambient Temperature Environmental Temperature Variations and Four Different Working Fluids Using Aspen Software

Introduction

Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) is one of the most promising renewable energy sources that offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels. In Indonesia, PT.Sol Silangkitang Unit is one of the PLTPs that utilizes the Organic Rankine Cycle Technology (ORC) to generate electrical energy. The ORC technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its advantages in terms of thermal efficiency, system costs, and operational maintenance. However, the performance of the ORC system is heavily dependent on various factors, including environmental temperature and working fluid selection.

Background

The Silangkitang PLTP unit is a geothermal power plant that uses the ORC technology to produce electrical energy. The ORC system consists of a turbine, a generator, and a condenser, which work together to convert the thermal energy of the geothermal fluid into electrical energy. The performance of the ORC system is influenced by various factors, including environmental temperature, working fluid selection, and system design. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of environmental temperature and working fluid selection on the performance of the Silangkitang PLTP unit using Aspen software.

Methodology

The simulation was carried out using Aspen Plus and Aspen EDR software, which are widely used in the field of thermodynamic analysis. The simulation was conducted by considering various factors, including variations of environmental temperature (18 ° C to 28 ° C) in air conditioning in the condenser and the use of four types of working fluids, namely pentana, r123, fluid mixture (10% isobutylene, 0.2% methane, and 89.8% isopentane), and methylbutana. The simulation results were analyzed to determine the effect of environmental temperature and working fluid selection on the net power (Wnet) produced by the PLTP.

Results

The simulation results show that environmental temperature has a significant influence on the net power (Wnet) produced by the PLTP. The lower the environmental temperature, the higher the net power produced. This is because at a lower environmental temperature, the system is more efficient in removing heat into the environment. The results also show that the choice of working fluid has a significant impact on the performance of the PLTP. Among the four working fluids analyzed, Pentana showed the best performance with an average Wnet reaching 112,362522 MW.

Discussion

The results of this study have some important implications for the optimization of the performance of the Silangkitang PLTP unit. Firstly, the simulation results show that lower environmental temperatures can increase the efficiency of PLTP. Therefore, it is essential to consider climate and environmental temperature factors in the planning and operation of PLTP. Secondly, the right choice of working fluid is crucial in determining the performance of the PLTP. This study shows that Pentana has a high potential to improve the efficiency of the Silangkitang unit PLTP. Finally, thermodynamic analysis is an essential tool for optimizing the performance of PLTP. By using simulation software such as Aspen, researchers and engineers can conduct comprehensive studies to maximize system efficiency and reliability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the simulation results show that environmental temperature and working fluid selection are important factors in determining the efficiency of PLTP. This study provides valuable information for the optimization of the performance of the Silangkitang PLTP unit and supports the development of Orc technology for future geothermal power generations. The results of this study can be used as a reference for researchers and engineers working on the development of geothermal power plants.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Environmental temperature optimization: Consider climate and environmental temperature factors in the planning and operation of PLTP.
Right Working Fluid Options: Choose the right working fluid to improve the efficiency of the PLTP.
The Importance of Thermodynamics Analysis: Use thermodynamic analysis as an essential tool for optimizing the performance of PLTP.

Future Work

Future studies can build on the results of this study by investigating the effect of other factors, such as system design and operating conditions, on the performance of the Silangkitang PLTP unit. Additionally, the development of new working fluids and system designs can be explored to further improve the efficiency of geothermal power plants.

Limitations

This study has some limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the simulation was carried out using Aspen software, which may not accurately represent the real-world conditions of the Silangkitang PLTP unit. Secondly, the study only considered four types of working fluids, which may not be representative of all possible working fluids. Finally, the study did not consider the effect of other factors, such as system design and operating conditions, on the performance of the PLTP.

References

[1] Aspen Plus User Guide. Aspen Technology, Inc.
[2] Aspen EDR User Guide. Aspen Technology, Inc.
[3] Organic Rankine Cycle Technology. International Energy Agency.
[4] Geothermal Power Plant. World Energy Council.

Appendix

The appendix includes the detailed simulation results, including the net power (Wnet) produced by the PLTP for each working fluid and environmental temperature condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thermodynamic Analysis of the Sarulla Operation Limited (PT.Sol) Silangkitang Unit

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of environmental temperature and working fluid selection on the performance of the Silangkitang PLTP unit using Aspen software.

Q: What is the Organic Rankine Cycle Technology (ORC)?

A: The ORC technology is a type of power generation technology that uses a turbine and a generator to convert the thermal energy of a geothermal fluid into electrical energy.

Q: What are the advantages of the ORC technology?

A: The ORC technology has several advantages, including high thermal efficiency, low system costs, and low operational maintenance.

Q: What are the factors that affect the performance of the ORC system?

A: The performance of the ORC system is affected by various factors, including environmental temperature, working fluid selection, and system design.

Q: What are the results of this study?

A: The simulation results show that environmental temperature has a significant influence on the net power (Wnet) produced by the PLTP. The lower the environmental temperature, the higher the net power produced. The results also show that the choice of working fluid has a significant impact on the performance of the PLTP.

Q: Which working fluid showed the best performance in this study?

A: Pentana showed the best performance with an average Wnet reaching 112,362522 MW.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The results of this study have some important implications for the optimization of the performance of the Silangkitang PLTP unit. Firstly, the simulation results show that lower environmental temperatures can increase the efficiency of PLTP. Secondly, the right choice of working fluid is crucial in determining the performance of the PLTP.

Q: What is the importance of thermodynamic analysis in this study?

A: Thermodynamic analysis is an essential tool for optimizing the performance of PLTP. By using simulation software such as Aspen, researchers and engineers can conduct comprehensive studies to maximize system efficiency and reliability.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has some limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the simulation was carried out using Aspen software, which may not accurately represent the real-world conditions of the Silangkitang PLTP unit. Secondly, the study only considered four types of working fluids, which may not be representative of all possible working fluids.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: Future studies can build on the results of this study by investigating the effect of other factors, such as system design and operating conditions, on the performance of the Silangkitang PLTP unit. Additionally, the development of new working fluids and system designs can be explored to further improve the efficiency of geothermal power plants.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The results of this study can be used as a reference for researchers and engineers working on the development of geothermal power plants. The study can also be used to optimize the performance of existing geothermal power plants.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The study can lead to the development of more efficient geothermal power plants, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.

Q: What are the potential challenges of this study?

A: The study may face challenges such as the development of new working fluids and system designs, as well as the need for more comprehensive studies to maximize system efficiency and reliability.

Q: What are the potential opportunities of this study?

A: The study can lead to the development of new geothermal power plants, which can create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.

Q: What are the potential risks of this study?

A: The study may face risks such as the development of new working fluids and system designs that may not be compatible with existing infrastructure, as well as the need for more comprehensive studies to maximize system efficiency and reliability.

Q: What are the potential benefits of the ORC technology?

A: The ORC technology has several benefits, including high thermal efficiency, low system costs, and low operational maintenance.

Q: What are the potential challenges of the ORC technology?

A: The ORC technology may face challenges such as the development of new working fluids and system designs, as well as the need for more comprehensive studies to maximize system efficiency and reliability.

Q: What are the potential opportunities of the ORC technology?

A: The ORC technology can lead to the development of more efficient geothermal power plants, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.

Q: What are the potential risks of the ORC technology?

A: The ORC technology may face risks such as the development of new working fluids and system designs that may not be compatible with existing infrastructure, as well as the need for more comprehensive studies to maximize system efficiency and reliability.