Binary Cycle Power Plants

Binary cycle power plants generate electricity by using heat sources—like geothermal or waste heat—to produce hot fluid that drives a secondary, lower-temperature working fluid. This secondary fluid vaporizes at a lower temperature and powers a turbine connected to a generator, creating electricity. The key advantage is their ability to efficiently harness lower-temperature heat sources that aren’t hot enough for traditional steam turbines. After powering the turbine, the working fluid cools and condenses, ready to repeat the cycle. This process is environmentally friendly, with minimal emissions, and can operate with moderate heat resources.