Gas Turbine Power Plant

Principle

Natural gas is used as fuel in the gas turbine power plant.

Air is compressed to a high pressure and heated by means of the flue gases. Natural gas burns in
the steam of hot air and the gases coming out are used to run the turbine.

Pressure Heat Mechanical Electrical

Energy Energy Energy Energy

Device Energy Conversion

Compressor Air Pressure Energy

Combustion Chamber Pressure Energy Heat Energy (Air + fuel)
Turbine Heat Energy Mechanical Energy
Generator Mechanical Energy Electrical Energy

Layout of Gas turbine Power plant

Low Pressure Compressor (LPC)

Air from the atmosphere is drawn into the LPC through air filter and is compressed.

Intercooler

The air is passed through the intercooler after compression in LPC since it is hot. Intercooler
is used to reduce the work of the compressor and increase the efficiency. Intercooling is carried
out between the stages of compression to reduce the work as the Energy required to compress air
is proportional to the air temperature at inlet.

High Pressure Compressor (HPC)

The air from the intercooler enters the HPC where it is further compressed to a high
pressure. The high pressure air is then passed to the regenerator.

Regenerator

Regenerator is used to preheat the air entering the combustion chamber by using the heat
of the exhaust gases from the turbine.

Combustion Chamber

Hot air enters from the regenerator and fuel is injected into the combustion chamber. The
fuel used may be natural gas or gasoline. Combustion takes place and the gases at high
temperature and pressure are passed to the turbine.

High Pressure Turbine (HPT)

The burnt gases i.e. products of combustion are expanded in HPT. The turbine shaft drives
the compressor shaft which is coupled to it. About 66% of the power developed by the turbine is
used to run the compressor and only 34% is used to generate electric power.

Low Pressure Turbine (LPT)

The burnt gases leaving the HPT are again sent to combustion chamber to burn any left out
unburnt fuel. The gases run the LPT and then passed to the atmosphere through regenerator. The
Shaft of the LPT is coupled with the generator.
Advantages

Natural gas is very suitable for gas turbine plant and is easily available and cheep.

Gas turbine plant is smaller in size and less weight compared to steam plant.

Initial cost is low.

It can be started quickly and can be put on load in very short time.

Less maintenance cost.

Simple in construction and does not require heavy foundation and buildings.

Wide variety of fuels from natural gas to powdered coal (Kerosene, paraffin, benzene) can
be used.

It can operate at high speed (1,00,000 rpm)

Used in water scarcity areas. Less pollution.

Disadvantages

Major part of power developed by the turbine is used to drive the compressor and hence
has a low efficiency.

As the operating temperature is high (20000C) and running speed is more (40,000 to 1,
00,000 rpm), the turbine requires special metals and alloys for its components.

Special cooling methods are required.

Poor part load efficiency.

Applications

Used to supply peak loads in Steam or Hydel power plant.

Used in thermal process and petrochemical industries.

Used as a stand by unit.

Used in an air craft and ships.