The efficiency analysis of different combined cycle power plants based on the impact of selected parameters

Abstract

The reasons why combined cycles are more and more popular and being taken under consideration as one of the main types of power plants are quite varied. The main reason is efficiency. Nowadays, combined cycle power plants can achieve more than 60% efficiency what makes them one of the most efficient. It is important due to limitation of fossil fuels resources as well as environmental protection. Such constrictions are able to decrease CO2, SO2, NOX and dust production. That makes them suitable for a policy of decreasing global warming which affects people all around the world. The operation of combined cycle power plant is affected by many factors which are not only related with construction of a system but also ambient conditions. In present study, three different combined cycles were modeled in the Gate Cycle software: single-pressure with supplementary firing, dual-pressure and triple-pressure reheat cycle. Ambient temperature, pressure ratio in the gas part and temperature at the inlet to the gas turbine were investigated as the most significant factors which affect efficiency and power production in whole system.