Thermodynamic Performance of Complex Gas Turbine Cycles

This paper deals with the thermodynamic performance of complex gas turbine cycles involving inter-cooling, re-heating and regeneration. The performance has been evaluated based on the mathematical modeling of various elements of gas turbine for the real situation. The fuel selected happens to be natural gas and the internal convection / film / transpiration air cooling of turbine bladings have been assumed. The analysis has been applied to the current state-of-the-art gas turbine technology and cycle parameters in four classes: Large industrial, Medium industrial, Aero-derivative and Small industrial. The results conform with the performance of actual gas turbine engines. It has been observed that the plant efficiency is higher at lower inter-cooling (surface), reheating and regeneration yields much higher efficiency and specific power as compared to simple cycle. There exists an optimum overall compression ratio and turbine inlet temperature in all types of complex configuration. The advanced turbine blade materials and coating withstand high blade temperature, yields higher efficiency as compared to lower blade temperature materials.