Gas Turbine Power Plants

Coal  : Burning coal produces sulphur dioxide, an acidic gas that contributes
to the formation of acid rain. This can be largely avoided using "flue gas
desulphurisation" to clean up the gases before they are released into the
atmosphere. This method uses limestone, and produces gypsum for the
building industry as a by-product. However, it uses a lot of limestone.

The processes used to convert fuel into energy include chemical reactions,

such ascombustion, and nuclear reactions, such as nuclear fission or nuclear
fusion. 
Stage-I
Heating : an external source supplies heat causing the temperature of the
substance to increase. The extent of temperature change depends on
the specific heat of the material.
Stage-II
Transition :physical, mechanical, and thermal properties change. This may
include melting or vaporization of the substance and may involve softening in
the case of polymers.
Stage-III
Degradation: unstable bonds begin to break. Materials such as polymers
may melt before (or as) they burn.
2
Stage-IV
Decomposition : at still higher temperatures the majority of the bonds reach
failure point, causing the release of gaseous molecules which differ depending
on the material that's burning.

Stage-V
Oxidation : in the presence of oxygen at high temperatures, oxidation of the
gaseous fragments proceeds rapidly producing heat, flame, and combustion
products (mostly carbon dioxide and water).

3
1. The gas power plants use gas turbine and instead of steam
they use combustion gases power plant.
2. Gas turbine plants derive their power from burning fuel in a
combustion chamber and using the fast flowing combustion
gases to drive a turbine
3. The gas power plants are compact and require less space as
of same power size thermal power plants.
4. Their initial cost is low and possess flexibility in design.
5. The gas turbine has a another turbine mounted on the same
shaft that acts as air compressor. This turbine draws in air,
compresses it at high pressure and feeds it into the combustion
chamber of the gas turbine. This increases the intensity of the
burning flame.
6. The efficiency of these power plants is low about 20%. 4
7. The main components of the gas power plants are, i)
Compressor, ii) Regenerator, iii) Combustion chamber, iv) Gas
turbine, v) Alternators, vi) Starting motor.
8. It is a positive feedback mechanism. Runaway speed situation
is prevented by controlling the fuel.
9. The gas turbine is comprised of three main components: a
compressor, a combustor, and a turbine.
10.The working fluid is compressed in the compressor then
passed to combustor. The fluid is then mixed with fuel and
burned under constant pressure. The resulting hot gas is then
brought to the turbine to expand and perform work.
11.Working fuel cooling is not required as the gases are
exhausted into the atmosphere.
12. The gas turbine power plants can function in two
configurations , i) Single cycle, ii) Combined cycle. Combine
cycle has high efficiency. Efficiency for single cycle are ver low
but for heavy power plants it is 30% to 40% and for combined 5 it
is approx. 60%.
13. Gas turbines can be used for large scale power generation.
Like delivering 600 MW or more from a 400 MW gas turbine
coupled to a 200 MW steam turbine in a co-generating
installation.
14. Gas power plants have fuel flexibility therefore almost any
flammable gas or petrol, diesel and kerosene which happen to
be available can be used. Natural gas however is the most
commonly used fuel.

6
Regenerator
~1000 C

~2500C

Simple Systems
7
 ~1000C

Exhaust gases
~ 140 C

Combined Cycle Systems 8

Gas Turbine 9
 Advantages and Disadvantages of Various Forms of
Energy Plants
Coal AD: Cheap, Henve expensive air pollution controls are manageable
(sulfur dioxide, mercury,), DA: Extensive transportation system for coal
supply is needed, It emphatically contributes towards acid rain as well as
global warming.

Nuclear AD: Fuel is very cheap, Energy source is the most concentrated
one, The most compact waste, Scientific expertise for the waste cycle,
Transport to replenishment the fuel is easy, No greenhouse gases or acid
rain effects, DA: Capital intensive, Requires resolution and longterm
planning to dispose off the waste, Nuclear proliferation issue.

Hydroelectric AD: Power generation coast is the least, Captal cost is

high, Natural availability of water elevation source, DA: Many available dam
potentials are availed, Loss of precious life due to Dam collapse, affects on
fish, Environmental damage for areas flooded up and downstream.

10
Wind AD: If available then wind is free, Good source for intermittent or periodic work,
Low generation and maintenance costs, Wind is a valuable renewable source at
reasonable cost, DA: Installation limited to windy areas only, Wind may damage
equipment if windstorms are blown while on the other hand remain still during summer
Need many towers, May affect endangered birds.

Solar AD: If available sunlight is free, equipment cost is decreasing, DA: Limited to
sunny areas throughout the world, Special materials are required for heliostat and
troughs affect the environment, at present the power produced per unit area of land is
low.

Gas / Oil AD: Readily available due intact distribution for current use levels, Better as
space heating energy source, DA: Very limited availability (sometimes) during winters,
Could be major contributor to global warming, Very expensive for energy generation,
Large price swings with supply and demand, Liquified Natural Gas storage facilities and
gas transmission systems have met opposition from environmentalists.

11