Review of a Combined Steam and Gas Turbine Cycle for Pipeline Service

Abstract

The combined steam and gas turbine cycle provides the highest efficiency turbine system available today. In view of the rapidly escalating value of fuel the combined cycle therefore merits a review for pipeline applications. Such a review reveals the combined cycle has a number of advantages. First, the combined cycle efficiency is significantly higher than the efficiency of a standard regenerative cycle gas turbine. Second, and contrary to the characteristics of a standard gas turbine, the efficiency at a given load improves significantly as the ambient temperature increases, so that the combined cycle would be applicable in hot climates. Third, the adjustable speed capability of the combined cycle meets the usual pipeline service requirements. This paper briefly presents the results of a preliminary study of a combined cycle single drive system as it might be utilized in a gas pipeline station.