Optimal Control of Geothermal Power Plant by Using PI Controller Based on Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

A Controlled Geothermal power plant model for low temperature geothermal plant is presented in this paper using the Simulink model, and MATLAB software which represents the whole power plant showing the electrical power, and it’s variation with the different geothermal temperatures. The model includes all the mechanical equations, and energy conversion equations related to the organic Rankine cycle, and the organic fluid used in the mechanical part of the plant, and their effect on the generated electrical power. The model shows clearly the variation, and unstable response of the electrical power output energy signals at different geothermal temperatures in Egypt’s promising geothermal regions. A PI controller based on the Genetic Algorithm is used to control the turbine to overcome the variation of the output power at so as to be able to be integrated into a distribution power system. The results of this research help strongly the governmental, and private sectors working on geothermal energy in Egypt to specify the best locations of the geothermal power plants to be integrated into the network, and predict easily the quantity of the electric power energy can be generated.