Adaptation and Modification of Gas Turbines for Solar Energy Applications

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Sinai ◽  
Chemi Sugarmen ◽  
Uriyel Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Energy Applications ◽  
Equipment Utilization ◽  
German Aerospace ◽  
Solar Field

Adapting a gas turbine to high-temperature solar receivers and solar tower technology constitutes real progress towards commercial solar power utilization with high efficiency combined cycle power system. Solar gas turbine systems can also be adapted to hybrid solar/fossil fuel operation, thanks to its high efficiency conversion, relatively small solar field, and quick response to load fluctuations, low CO2 emissions, easy start, and more effective equipment utilization. ORMAT initiated adaptation and modification of gas turbines for solar energy applications in the early 1990s in cooperation with the Weizmann Institute of Science and later with the Boeing Corporation, with the support of the United States Israel Science and Technology Foundation (USISTF). Ultimately, the concept reached its successful realization (2001–2004) in the solar tower Plataforma Solar de Almeria (Spain) which has three solar receivers and a receiving system designed and supplied by the German Aerospace Center DLR.

scholarly journals Powering Ahead

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (05) ◽  
pp. 30-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee S. Langston
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
The United States ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Electrical Power System ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
The Military

This article explores the increasing use of natural gas in different turbine industries and in turn creating an efficient electrical system. All indications are that the aviation market will be good for gas turbine production as airlines and the military replace old equipment and expanding economies such as China and India increase their air travel. Gas turbines now account for some 22% of the electricity produced in the United States and 46% of the electricity generated in the United Kingdom. In spite of this market share, electrical power gas turbines have kept a much lower profile than competing technologies, such as coal-fired thermal plants and nuclear power. Gas turbines are also the primary device behind the modern combined power plant, about the most fuel-efficient technology we have. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is developing a new J series gas turbine for the combined cycle power plant market that could achieve thermal efficiencies of 61%. The researchers believe that if wind turbines and gas turbines team up, they can create a cleaner, more efficient electrical power system.

Solar Upgrading of Fuels for Generation of Electricity

2001 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 160-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Tamme ◽  
Reiner Buck ◽  
Michael Epstein ◽  
Uriyel Fisher ◽  
Chemi Sugarmen
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Efficiency Conversion ◽  
Solar Field

This paper presents a novel process comprising solar upgrading of hydrocarbons by steam reforming in solar specific receiver-reactors and utilizing the upgraded, hydrogen-rich fuel in high efficiency conversion systems, such as gas turbines or fuel cells. In comparison to conventionally heated processes about 30% of fuel can be saved with respect to the same specific output. Such processes can be used in small scale as a stand-alone system for off-grid markets as well as in large scale to be operated in connection with conventional combined-cycle plants. The complete reforming process will be demonstrated in the SOLASYS project, supported by the European Commission in the JOULE/THERMIE framework. The project has been started in June 1998. The SOLASYS plant is designed for 300 kWel output, it consists of the solar field, the solar reformer and a gas turbine, adjusted to operate with the reformed gas. The SOLASYS plant will be operated at the experimental solar test facility of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Start-up of the pilot plant is scheduled in April 2001. The midterm goal is to replace fossil fuels by renewable or non-conventional feedstock in order to increase the share of renewable energy and to establish processes with only minor or no CO2 emission. Examples might be upgrading of bio-gas from municipal solid waste as well as upgrading of weak gas resources.

Solar Hybrid Combined Cycle Performance Prediction: Influence of GT Model and Spool Arrangement

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Barigozzi ◽  
G. Bonetti ◽  
G. Franchini ◽  
A. Perdichizzi ◽  
S. Ravelli
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Performance Prediction ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Simulation Method ◽  
Power Input ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Cycle Performance ◽  
Solar Field

A modeling procedure was developed to simulate design and off-design operation of Hybrid Solar Gas Turbines in a combined cycle (CC) configuration. The system includes an heliostat field, a receiver and a commercial gas turbine interfaced with a conventional steam Rankine cycle. Solar power input is integrated in the GT combustor by natural gas. Advanced commercial software tools were combined together to get design and off-design performance prediction: TRNSYS® was used to model the solar field and the receiver while the gas turbine and steam cycle simulations were performed by means of Thermoflex®. Three GT models were considered, in the 35–45 MWe range: a single shaft engine (Siemens SGT800) and two two-shaft engines (the heavy-duty GT Siemens SGT750 and the aero derivative GE LM6000 PF). This in order to assess the influence of different GT spool arrangements and control strategies on GT solarization. The simulation method provided an accurate modeling of the daily solar hybrid CC behavior to be compared against the standard CC. The effects of solarization were estimated in terms of electric power and efficiency reduction, fossil fuel saving and solar energy to electricity conversion efficiency.

Gas Turbine Exhaust Expansion Joints, Diverter and Damper Designs for the New Generation of Higher Temperature, High Efficiency Gas Turbines

1989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lothar Bachmann ◽  
W. Fred Koch
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Expansion Joints ◽  
Gas Turbine Exhaust ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Turbine Exhaust

The purpose of this paper is to update the industry on the evolutionary steps that have been taken to address higher requirements imposed on the new generation combined cycle gas turbine exhaust ducting expansion joints, diverter and damper systems. Since the more challenging applications are in the larger systems, we shall concentrate on sizes from nine (9) square meters up to forty (40) square meters in ducting cross sections. (Reference: General Electric Frame 5 through Frame 9 sizes.) Severe problems encountered in gas turbine applications for the subject equipment are mostly traceable to stress buckling caused by differential expansion of components, improper insulation, unsuitable or incompatible mechanical design of features, components or materials, or poor workmanship. Conventional power plant expansion joints or dampers are designed for entirely different operating conditions and should not be applied in gas turbine applications. The sharp transients during gas turbine start-up as well as the very high temperature and high mass-flow operation conditions require specific designs for gas turbine application.

Dynamic Analysis of Concentrated Solar Hybridised Gas Turbine

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Traverso ◽  
Stefano Barberis ◽  
Davide Lima ◽  
Aristide F. Massardo
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Control Strategy ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Hot Air ◽  
Air Valve ◽  
Power Capability ◽  
The University ◽  
Solar Field ◽  
Cycle Efficiency

In this work the dynamic behaviour and the control strategy of a 12MWe size gas turbine hybridised with concentrated solar heat source has been investigated. Hybridised gas turbine cycles are attractive because of their high efficiency, potentially equal to combined cycle efficiency, and because of their dispatchable power capability. An existing gas turbine model has been modified into a hybrid layout to incorporate high temperature heat from a concentrated solar field, through a high pressure air-cooled receiver. The system does not involve any hot air valve and includes a ceramic thermal storage. The plant dynamic model was developed using the original TRANSEO simulation tool developed at the University of Genoa. Initially, plant steady-state performance is analysed, identifying potential issues. Then, the different dynamic operations (storage charging, discharging and bypass) are simulated, showing the feasibility of the control strategy proposed. Eventually, design recommendations are drawn to improve the flexibility and the time response of such kind of plants.

Comparison of Externally Fired and Internal Combustion Gas Turbines Using Biomass Fuel

2001 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandro B. Ferreira ◽  
Pericles Pilidis
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Internal Combustion ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Combustion Gas ◽  
Exhaust Temperature ◽  
Exergetic Analysis ◽  
Main Components

There is a difference of opinion regarding the relative merits of gas turbines using biomass fuels. Some engineers believe that the internal combustion gas turbine coupled to a gasifier will give a higher efficiency than the externally fired gas turbine using pretreated biomass that is not gasified. Others believe the opposite. In this paper, a comparison between these schemes is made, within the framework of the Brazilian perspective. The exergetic analysis of four cycles is described. The first cycle is externally fired (EFGT), the second uses gasified biomass as fuel (BIG/GT), each of them with a combined cycle as a variant (EFGT/CC and BIG/GTCC). These four are then compared to the natural gas turbine cycles (NGT and NGT/CC) in order to evaluate the thermodynamic cost of using biomass. The comparison is carried out in terms of thermal efficiency and in terms of exergetic efficiency and exergy destruction in the main components. The present analysis shows that the EFGT is quite promising. When compared to the NGT cycle, the EFGT gas turbine shows poor efficiency, though this parameter practically equals that of the BIG/GT cycle. The use of a bottoming steam cycle changes the figures, and the EFGT/CC—due to its higher exhaust temperature—results in high efficiency compared to the BIG/GTCC. Its lower initial and maintenance cost may be an important attraction.

Performance and Cost Analysis of Advanced Gas Turbine Cycles With Precombustion CO2 Capture

2008 ◽  
Vol 131 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Hoffmann ◽  
Michael Bartlett ◽  
Matthias Finkenrath ◽  
Andrei Evulet ◽  
Tord Peter Ursin
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Co2 Capture ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Co2 Separation ◽  
The Cost

This paper presents the results of an evaluation of advanced combined cycle gas turbine plants with precombustion capture of CO2 from natural gas. In particular, the designs are carried out with the objectives of high efficiency, low capital cost, and low emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The novel cycles introduced in this paper are comprised of a high-pressure syngas generation island, in which an air-blown partial oxidation reformer is used to generate syngas from natural gas, and a power island, in which a CO2-lean syngas is burnt in a large frame machine. In order to reduce the efficiency penalty of natural gas reforming, a significant effort is spent evaluating and optimizing alternatives to recover the heat released during the process. CO2 is removed from the shifted syngas using either CO2 absorbing solvents or a CO2 membrane. CO2 separation membranes, in particular, have the potential for considerable cost or energy savings compared with conventional solvent-based separation and benefit from the high-pressure level of the syngas generation island. A feasibility analysis and a cycle performance evaluation are carried out for large frame gas turbines such as the 9FB. Both short-term and long-term solutions have been investigated. An analysis of the cost of CO2 avoided is presented, including an evaluation of the cost of modifying the combined cycle due to CO2 separation. The paper describes a power plant reaching the performance targets of 50% net cycle efficiency and 80% CO2 capture, as well as the cost target of 30$ per ton of CO2 avoided (2006 Q1 basis). This paper indicates a development path to this power plant that minimizes technical risks by incremental implementation of new technology.

scholarly journals Gas Turbine Topping Stage Based on Energy Exchangers: Process and Performance

1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin Zauner ◽  
Yau-Pin Chyou ◽  
Frederic Walraven ◽  
Rolf Althaus
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Material Strength ◽  
Nox Emissions ◽  
Gas Temperature ◽  
And Performance

Power generation in gas turbines is facing three main challenges today: • Low pollution prescribed by legal requirements. • High efficiency to obtain low operating cost and low CO2 emissions. • High specific power output to obtain low product and installation cost. Unfortunately, some of these requirements are contradictory: high efficiency and specific power force the development towards higher temperatures and pressures which increase NOx emissions and intensify the cooling and material strength problems. A breakthrough can be achieved by applying an energy exchanger as a topping stage. Inherent advantages are the self-cooled cell-rotor which can be exposed to much higher gas temperature than a steady-flow turbine and a very short residence time at peak temperature which keeps NOx emissions under control. The basic idea has been proposed long time ago. Fundamental research has now led to a new energy exchanger concept. Key issues include symmetric pressure-wave processes, partial suppression of flow separation and fluid mixing, as well as quick afterburning in premixed mode. The concept has been proven in a laboratory-scale engine with very promising results. The application of an energy exchanger as a topping stage onto existing gas turbines would increase the efficiency by 17% (relative) and the power by 25%. Since the temperature level in the turbine remains unchanged, the performance improvement can also be fully utilized in combined cycle applications. This process indicates great potentials for developing advanced gas turbine systems as well as for retrofitting existing ones.

scholarly journals Repowering of a Combined Cycle Plant

1991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Walder ◽  
Steven D’Alessio
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Fuel Efficiency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Construction Time ◽  
Performance Impact ◽  
Power Sources ◽  
Exhaust Gas Emission

Demand for power in the United States is projected to increase between 2 and 4 percent per year for the next 10 years based on various studies. At the same time, the rise in environmental regulatory restrictions has made it increasingly difficult and expensive for utilities to meet these growing power demands with traditional power sources. During the 1960’s and 70’s hundreds of gas turbine electric generating units were installed in the United States. Many are now approaching the end of their useful economic lives owing to increased maintenance and fuel costs. With the major advances in both fuel efficiency and exhaust gas emission quality power producers are looking toward the repowering of existing plants with modern gas turbines such as the FT8. (Day and Koehler, 1988) This paper describes the design of Turbo Power and Marine Systems’ (Turbo Power) FT8® repowering package for the present FT4 powered plant at Public Service Electric and Gas Company’s (PSE&G) Burlington Generating Station. Given the objectives of minimum design effort and minimum field construction time, the retrofit package provides an optimal blending of existing FT4 and standard FT8 equipment. Performance, impact on operation, reliability, and availability of the FT8 industrial gas turbine were also important considerations in the retrofit design.

Design and Validation of a Compressor for a New Generation of Heavy-Duty Gas Turbines

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Eulitz ◽  
B. Kuesters ◽  
F. Mildner ◽  
M. Mittelbach ◽  
A. Peters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Plant ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
High Performance ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Forced Response ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Primary Driver ◽  
Compressor Technology

Siemens H-Class. Siemens has developed the world-largest H-class Gas Turbine (SGT™) that sets unparalleled standards for high efficiency, low life cycle costs and operating flexibility. With a power output of 340+ MW, the SGT5–8000H gas turbine will be the primary driver of the new Siemens Combined Cycle Power Plant (SCC™) for the 50 Hz market, the SCC5–8000H, with an output of 530+ MW at more than 60% efficiency. After extensive lab and component testing, the prototype has been shipped to the power plant for an 18-month validation phase. In this paper, the compressor technology, which was developed for the Siemens H-class, is presented through its development and validation phases. Reliability and Availability. The compressor has been extensively validated in the Siemens Berlin Test Facility during consecutive engine test programs. All key parameters, such as mass flow, operating range, efficiency and aero mechanical behavior meet or exceed expectations. Six-sigma methodology has been exploited throughout the development to implement the technologies into a robust design. Efficiency. The new compressor technology applies the Siemens advanced aerodynamics design methodology based on the high performance airfoil (HPA) systematic which leads to broader operation range and higher efficiency than a standard controlled diffusion airfoil (CDA) design. Operational Flexibility. The compressor features an IGV and three rows of variable guide vanes for improved turndown capability and improved part load efficiency. Serviceability. The design has been optimized for serviceability and less complexity. Following the Siemens tradition, all compressor rotating blades can be replaced without rotor lift or destacking. Evolutionary Design Innovation. The compressor design incorporates the best features and experience from the operating fleets and technology innovation prepared through detailed research, analysis and lab testing in the past decade. The design tools are based on best practices from former Siemens KWU and Westinghouse with enhancements allowing for routine front-to-back compressor 3D CFD multistage analysis, unsteady blade row interaction, forced response analyses and aero-elastic analysis.

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