Question

Explain the biggest challenge in maintaining a geothermal power plant.

Answer 1

Chanllenges in Geothermal Power Plant

• Underneath the earth’s surface, there is a substantial amount of greenhouse gasses. Harnessing of the heat can potentially lead to the migration of these gasses to the surface of the earth and pollute the air. These kinds of emissions are prevalent and higher where geothermal energy power plants are situated and are linked to silica and sulfur dioxide emissions. To add to that, the reservoir may contain toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, boron, and mercury.
• The deposits on the turbine shroud and blades are mainly the product of iron and hydrogen sulphide/carbon dioxide gases reacting to water to form pyrite, magnetite and iron oxides.

• Sulphur is the dominant compound deposited in the condenser and cooling tower giving a paste of light yellow colour.

• The attack on electronic gadgets and the blackening of electrical conductors is due to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas. Other acidic gases, e.g. CO2, SO2, etc. also contribute to corrosion attacks on conductors and other metallic materials in the plant surroundings, though to a lesser extent.

• The low efficiency of the vertical cyclone separators is attributed to brine carry-over into steam pipelines, which causes deposition in the turbine and other facilities due to mineral dissolution.