Holistic Optimization of Single Flash Geothermal Power Plant: Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in Smart Cities

ABSTRACT This study develops an integrated thermodynamic–economic assessment of a single‐flash geothermal power plant (SF‐GPP) and establishes its functional role as a central renewable‐energy hub within a representative smart‐city demand structure. Existing literature has extensively analyzed single‐ and double‐flash cycles, yet prior works predominantly treat geothermal plants as isolated systems, without linking plant‐level performance to urban‐scale load matching, renewable‐fraction contribution, or operational sustainability. To address this gap, the present investigation formulates a validated steady‐state model and performs a systematic parametric evaluation of separator temperature, turbine outlet temperature, and geothermal mass‐flow rate to quantify their simultaneous influence on energy/exergy efficiencies, exergy destruction pathways, and cost formation. The model predicts an energy efficiency of 10.84% and an exergy efficiency of 52.08%, with total exergy destruction reaching 5047 kW, concentrated in the expansion valve (34%), turbine (28%), and condenser (27%). Increasing separator temperature from 245°C to 265°C decreases net power output from 3000 to 1000 kW, while turbine outlet temperature strongly reduces exergy efficiency (−0.0055 1/°C). Integrating these thermodynamic maps with hourly residential, EV‐charging, and hospital‐load profiles enables computation of the renewable coverage ratio (RCR) and demonstrates the conditions under which geothermal output can satisfy substantial portions of the 19.375 GWh annual city demand.