TopCycle: A Novel High Performance and Fuel Flexible Gas Turbine Cycle

Abstract

High pressure humidified cycles can combine high operational flexibility and high thermal efficiency. The current work introduces such a cycle, namely TopCycle, which provides the necessary combustion infrastructure to operate on a wide fuel variety in a steam-rich atmosphere. The cycle configuration is presented in detail, and its operation is exemplified on the basis of simulation results. Operation at design condition results in electric efficiencies higher than 50% (lower heating value (LHV)) and power densities higher than 2100 kW/kgair (referred to intake air flow). A sensitivity analysis identifies the cycle performance as a function of representative parameters, which provide the basis for future operation and design improvements. As for any gas turbine cycle, TopCycle’s electric efficiency can be effectively improved by increasing the turbine inlet temperature, optimizing the economizer heat recovery, as well as elevating the working pressure. Finally, TopCycle’s performance is compared to a state-of-the-art combined cycle (CC) at equivalent operation parameters. The TopCycle operates at an elevated electric efficiency and considerably higher power density, which can be transferred into smaller plant footprint and dimensions and thus lower investment costs at equal power output in comparison to a CC.

A flexible CO2 capture system for backup power plants using Ca(OH)2/CaCO3 solid storage

“…A pressure loss on the hot side of the HRSG of 2.8% is assumed. 37 The heat available from the flue gas is recovered in an HRSG, which includes a steam cycle operated with live steam at 565 °C and 166.5 bar. The main conditions of this cycle are shown in Fig.…”

Thermodynamic analysis of the thermal and exergetic performance of a mixed gas-steam aero derivative gas turbine engine for power generation

“…Moreover, an aero-derivative engine only needs minor adjustments to implement STIG, which makes it economically a more feasible option because of its low cost of investment [ 8 ]. Reference [ 19 ] developed a model similar to the model in the present paper to analyse the performance of given STIG and intercooled cycles, but did not aim at optimizing the steam flow as a function pressure ratio and turbine inlet temperature. Their results show that intercooling and steam injection are both sensible applications for gas turbines especially when both of them are considered.…”

“…More detailed descriptions can be found in Refs. [ 18 , 19 ]. In our case the set up was supported by the use of the EES solver and its thermodynamic database.…”