Performance Potential Analysis of Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines in Combined Cycle Power Plants

Abstract

Within the last decades heavy-duty gas turbines have become more relevant for the energy sector, especially due to the changing requirements on fossil power plants. In combination with high fluctuating renewables, such as wind and solar energy, combined cycle power plants provide the needed operational flexibility along with high thermal efficiency. In order to meet the ambitious reduction targets for future CO2 emissions, the extension of renewable power solutions is mandatory. Meanwhile further development of fossil power plants is important, to ensure a secure energy supply at all conditions and to back up the worldwide increasing power demand. Enhancements for heavy-duty gas turbines focus on higher thermal efficiency and increasing power output, whilst providing a high operational flexibility. This study analyzes the future performance potential for heavy-duty gas turbines in combined cycle power plants, by further development of the main gas turbine components: compressor, combustion chamber and turbine, including the cooling system. The performance potential will be evaluated separately for each component and in combination for on- and off-design operation. The thermodynamic power plant design will be calculated with the performance software GTlab of the German Aerospace Center. Furthermore the fuel and CO2 savings for different levels of component technology development will be quantified. Concluding a potential evolution timeline for combined cycle power plants until the year 2050 will be given. The results show that there is a high potential regarding to thermal efficiency and power output, by conventional component improvements of heavy-duty gas turbines. Also the improved components lead to a significant reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.