Beta Design Consultants were appointed by a geothermal EPC contractor to prepare an initial (Front End Engineering Design FEED) study for the civil engineering works of a 30 MW plant proposed in the UK.

Geothermal power plants come in two configuration a binary cycle and a steam plant – this one was based on the binary cycle pioneered and developed in Italy more than 100 years ago.

Geothermal energy relies on ground heat sometimes 5000m deep.

The purpose was to develop concept design for all foundations, layout (general arrangement drawings) and indicative drawings as well as a bill of quantities suitable for civil engineering contractors to price the works competitively and realistically.

Beta Design Consultants carried out the following activities:

  • Concept design for all equipment foundations, with sizes and excavation/concrete/reinforcement quantities. This includes:
    • turbine foundation
    • heat exchangers foundations
    • towers and vessels foundations
    • foundations for various pumps.
    • Foundations for the air cooler
  • Concept design for the drainage systems including process water, oily contaminated water and rainwater drainage systems with quantities.
  • Concept design for all the cable trenches including layout and sizing of trenches.
  • Concept design for the sumps required for drainage and waster water treatment.
  • Concept design for the roads including sections and quantities.

Visualization of a 5MW geothermal power plant showing the air cooler, the turbine and the heat exchanger as well as the road network serving it.