We recently published a case study looking at how RYDLYME fixed a lime slaker problem at a renewable energy plant. Descaling is a necessary part of the cleaning and maintenance process for any renewable energy plant. Let’s take a look at some of the types of renewable energy plants where descaling with RYDLYME could make a huge difference in both efficiency and operating costs.

Renewable Energy Plants

While renewable energy plants generally have fewer issues with scale and mineral deposits compared to conventional power plants, there are a few types of renewable energy plants that may require descaling in certain components. These include:

Geothermal Power Plants

Geothermal power plants utilize heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity. In some cases, the geothermal fluids or brine that are extracted from the underground reservoirs can contain high levels of dissolved minerals and scale-forming substances. These minerals can accumulate and form scale deposits within the geothermal wells, heat exchangers, and other components. Descaling is necessary to remove these deposits and maintain the efficiency of the plant.

Solar/Thermal Power Plants

Solar thermal power plants use concentrated solar energy to generate electricity. In some designs, parabolic troughs or solar power towers use heat transfer fluids such as synthetic oils or molten salts to capture and store thermal energy. Over time, these heat transfer fluids can degrade and form deposits or scales that reduce the efficiency of the system. Descaling may be required to remove these deposits and ensure optimal heat transfer.

Biomass Power Plants

Biomass power plants produce electricity by burning organic materials such as wood pellets, agricultural waste, or dedicated energy crops. The combustion process can result in the formation of ash deposits and fouling on heat exchange surfaces, boilers, and flue gas pathways. Regular descaling is essential to maintain the efficiency and performance of these components.

It’s important to note that some renewable energy plants do not require descaling. Many types, such as wind farms and photovoltaic solar power plants, do not involve fluid-based systems or heat transfer fluids. 

That said, routine maintenance and cleaning (degreasing, etc) may still be required in these plants for optimal performance and longevity.